Where to drain the sink.

[smarttech]

Ok, I am definitely going to be putting a sink in my teardrop but I am not sure how to drain it. Do I make it drain onto the ground? Do I need a tank to hold the drainage in addition to my fresh water tank? I am wondering what others have done so I can make a decision. Thanks in advance for your help.

[doug hodder]

I think it just depends on how environmental concious you are. Grey water using environmental friendly soaps shouldn't be a problem if you are remote. Just to avoid any problems with others, I wouldn't dump it where anyone could see you, regardless on what soap you use. With all the environmental issues nowadays I would avoid any confrontation, put it in a tank. Save yourself the headache of an argument....Doug Hodder

[madjack]

...run it into a 5 gal bucket and dump when no one is looking
alternately you can rustle up one of the portable dump tanks available at most all RV pats places
madjack

[Gage]

Just buy yourself a 'portable gray water tank' and slip it under the tear when ever camping
and you won't get any flack from any one.


Have a good day,
Gage

[hammer & tongs]

Sounds like good advice in each case.

My tear isn't quite done yet, but I plan on using one of those plastic dishpans and use it as the suggestions have been provided.

[Chris C]

I personally don't see the need for a sink in my teardrop. But when it comes to soap and the envirnment, I agree even the biodegradable ones are questionable. I plan to have a portable gray-water tank where I can empty my dishpan into and empty the whole thing at the end of the stay. I think it is the responsible thing to do. After all, we've done enough to damage our planet. We'll never "save" it, but it's the least we can do to do our part.

[Jan Keller]

If you use the biodegradable soap, and your just washing your dishes, why is it a problem?

[doug hodder]

At lake Powell, one of the most environmental concious places in the US, probably only 2nd to Lake Tahoe, biodegradable soaps are OK and on many houseboats, the shower dumps directly into the lake, and often people use the soap directly in the lake. I don't know if it has changed in the last 5 years though. Of course, the sewage is tanked. Just use common sense and like I mentioned before, It's just not worth the argument with someone over your gray water, that may potentially ruin your outing. Doug Hodder

[Jan Keller]

So Doug, where am I supposed to dump the gray water? I've alway's camped in remote area's and we just threw it in the bushes...

[doug hodder]

Bingo Jan....I know this is probably politically/environmentally incorrect. just save it until no one is looking and then dump it.....I dump mine in the bushes also, I just didn't want to ruffle any feathers with anyone and wanted to offer some options. Having grown up in Alaska and done lots of way remote camping, this is nothing. I have run into people that want to make an issue of it, so that is my method of dealing with them.....Doug

[Gage]

Bingo Jan....I know this is probably politically/environmentally incorrect. just save it until no one is looking and then dump it.....I dump mine in the bushes also, I just didn't want to ruffle any feathers with anyone and wanted to offer some options. Having grown up in Alaska and done lots of way remote camping, this is nothing. I have run into people that want to make an issue of it, so that is my method of dealing with them.....Doug

Doug, you couldn't have said it any better. I do the same at night when it's dark and no one is looking. It saves an argument during the day. I've had park management (at State Parks) ask me about my ice box drain (right to the ground). I've even opened it up to show them that it's only ice melting. Most of them today don't even know what an ice box is because thier camping in a over size trailer or motorhome.

Have a good day,
Gage

[doug hodder]

Hey Gage!!!. You know what really bugs me about it. That same guy giving you heat on water draining from the icebox is sitting in his 35' behemoth that probably only gets 10 MPG at best, running the generator to watch Matlock reruns at night, busts us for dumping water on the ground. Go figure...........I've got no problem with the motor home crowd, but don't get on our case because of some water on the ground. If they have an issue with that, ask them if you can come over to his motor home to do the dishes, as you are concerned about the grey water and since he is too, I'm sure he wouldn't have any issue with you using his facilities. Sorry, I get cranky on this.....Doug Hodder

[Woody]

The problem is it only takes one bad apple to dump supposive "grey water" with "solids" ,if you know what I mean, and ruin it for everyone else. I have been in prestine wilderness and stumbled across everything from human waste, condoms, garbage, feminine hygiene products, etc. so there is a concern of sorts to consider here. Many people have an outa sight outa of mind mentality unfortunately.

[Nitetimes]

Sit dishpan on ground away from table to dump it later, go for a beer, trip over dishpan, problem solved and you probably got a good laugh too.

[asianflava]

I don't see why these people have such a beef with dumping this dish water. What's the difference between that and washing under the faucet? I guess some people have nothing better to do.