Advice please - emptying the toilet holding tank

One further tip after replacing the Cassette back into the compartment, go into the van and open the toilet blade and leave it open for several minutes, this will allow the now colder air in the cassette to mix with the warmer air in the van, thus preventing the pressure build up that will occur as the colder air, when trapped inside the cassette with the blade closed, gradually warms up and expands.  

Failure to do this, particularly in colder conditions, can result in getting a face full, of a very unwanted mixture of pressurised air and fluid remnants   when next opening the blade.     

OK, that explains a lot. thanks for the tip.

Good question Moonchip - and I sympathise with the dog with seperation anxiety.  One of mine used to be the same but is now so settled in the van that she doesn't mind me going off occasionally.  First trip though she managed to open the door when I went to the car for something - and I saw her heading for the A66! That was even with other canine companions.  That trip was hard not being able to leave for a second - but then I fitted a fiamma bar outside the caravan so I put that across when the dogs are alone (most caravans can be opened from the inside even when locked from the outside)

I always have my blade open a touch I think someone said it avoided gasses building up in the tank. Not when travelling though. 

Good question Moonchip - and I sympathise with the dog with seperation anxiety.  One of mine used to be the same but is now so settled in the van that she doesn't mind me going off occasionally.  First trip though she managed to open the door when I went to the car for something - and I saw her heading for the A66! That was even with other canine companions.  That trip was hard not being able to leave for a second - but then I fitted a fiamma bar outside the caravan so I put that across when the dogs are alone (most caravans can be opened from the inside even when locked from the outside)

I always have my blade open a touch I think someone said it avoided gasses building up in the tank. Not when travelling though. 

Thanks Pippah - this was my concern. I didn't want Ben to panic and realise that if he wished to he could open the door from the inside even if I'd locked it. It doesn't bare thinking about, him getting out and panicing because he can't find me

The external lock bar is a good idea and I shall look into that, for if the need ever does arise, though to be honest, I just don't like to leave him. He is very much my 'shadow' and even now, at home, he's laying at my feet.

He's the main reason I took up caravanning. Due to a heart condition I can no longer hike & camp with a rucksack, and wanted a way to show him all the things he's missed having spent 5 years of his 6 year life in a rescue shelter.

I love him to bits and just want what is best for him

Re: "I thought that only applied to older cassettes and they now have a valve to release pressure." 

You are technically correct -  but   I have found to my cost that they are not 100% effective  

Yes Moonchip I was scared to put it mildly - not least because one of the other dogs in the caravan was an unreliable rescued GSD who hates children - and there were lots onsite!  Luckily the wind was blowing so strongly that it shut the door before further escapes!  I have found that tethering dogs can make them feel more secure for some reason - but it has worked on several of my rescuees including the above GSD who threw major panic attacks in thunder storms - as soon as I tied her up she calmed down.  Perhaps it was a signal that I wasn't expecting her to "see off" the noise. 

 

One further tip after replacing the Cassette back into the compartment, go into the van and open the toilet blade and leave it open for several minutes, this will allow the now colder air in the cassette to mix with the warmer air in the van, thus preventing the pressure build up that will occur as the colder air, when trapped inside the cassette with the blade closed, gradually warms up and expands.  

Failure to do this, particularly in colder conditions, can result in getting a face full, of a very unwanted mixture of pressurised air and fluid remnants   when next opening the blade.     

OK, that explains a lot. thanks for the tip.

I should also have explained that even in warmer conditions rinsing out the cassette with cold water will create the same cold/warm air imbalance, leading to the same possible consequence  

Wow two posts jumped in as I was typing.  Yes I agree with ValDa don't use 'good' toilet paper.  We used to use the Elsan expensive stuff but find that any of the supermarket's value ones are good.  I'd go as far as to say the same as the Elsan ones, but apart from touching and using I have no proof.  I do pop the odd moist toilet tissue in (Sainsburys) and not had a problem.

You may not have a problem popping wet wipes in your  cassette but every time the drain from our CDP  to our septic tank is blocked guess what , it is a wet wipe or two or three ! So please don't put wet wipes in your caravan loo ! Kellysmum 

This is a good informative post and seems to be getting to the bottom of things. I always tell people to open the blade only with the toilet cover closed otherwise the resulting spray will knock the smile off their faeces.

This is a good informative post and seems to be getting to the bottom of things. I always tell people to open the blade only with the toilet cover closed otherwise the resulting spray will knock the smile off their faeces.

Nice to see a sense of humour

This is a good informative post and seems to be getting to the bottom of things. I always tell people to open the blade only with the toilet cover closed otherwise the resulting spray will knock the smile off their faeces.

Nice to see a sense of humour

Arr Yes!!! the Great British Love of Toilet Humour!!!