Water & Waste Tanks
Representative Photo, actual item may vary
Representative Photo, actual item may vary
Ameri-Kart W1476001DS 40 Gallon RV Fresh Water Tank Low-Profile Potable Storage
Representative Photo, actual item may vary
Representative Photo, actual item may vary
Representative Photo, actual item may vary
Representative Photo, actual item may vary
Representative Photo, actual item may vary
Icon Technologies 01606 HT620ED RV Waste Holding Tank 10 Gallon Center End Drain
Representative Photo, actual item may vary
Understanding RV Water & Waste Tanks
Your RV's holding tanks make it possible for you to travel and enjoy your RV without being dependent on outside facilities. Whether you're parked at a full-hookup campground or boondocking deep in the backcountry, your water and waste tank system is the backbone of life on the road — keeping your kitchen running, your shower flowing, and waste safely contained until you're ready to dump.
The Three Types of RV Holding Tanks
Your RV is equipped with three main types of tanks: the fresh water tank, the gray water tank, and the black water tank.
- Fresh Water Tank: The fresh water tank is designed to store clean, potable water that you use for drinking, cooking, and washing. Fresh water can be stored in this separate tank, allowing you to use your onboard plumbing system even if you're off-grid camping or boondocking.
- Gray Water Tank: The gray water tank collects wastewater from sinks, showers, and dishwashing — containing soapy water, food particles, and other residues from daily activities.
- Black Water Tank: The black water tank holds sewage and wastewater from the toilet, containing human waste and toilet paper, making it the most critical tank to manage properly.
Sizing & Construction
Sizes of tanks vary according to the type of RV you have, the manufacturer, and even the model. Motorcoaches and fifth-wheel RVs tend to have bigger holding tanks, with 40, 45, and 50-gallon waste holding tanks being very common, while travel trailers often have tanks ranging from 25 to 40 gallons. When shopping for a replacement tank, always verify your rig's exact dimensions and drain placement before purchasing. Most RV holding tanks are plastic boxes composed of high-density polyethylene plastic. These tanks are durable and impact-resistant, able to withstand rough road conditions and harsh weather, and are leak-free and seamless — preventing water contamination and odor problems — while remaining lightweight and easy to install.
Maintenance Tips
To maintain the black water tank, use RV-specific toilet chemicals that break down waste and control odors, and empty the tank at designated dump stations, cleaning it thoroughly to avoid unpleasant smells and clogs. When it's time to empty, always dump your black tank first; that way, the gray tank can wash out your hose with its relatively clean water thereafter.
Top Brands for RV Water & Waste Tanks
Choosing the right brand matters as much as choosing the right tank size. Here are the top names in this category:
- Camco — A household name in the RV industry, Camco offers a wide range of water and waste tank solutions, including their popular portable tote tanks, making waste management straightforward for RVers of all experience levels.
- ICON Technologies Limited RV — ICON Technologies is a well-respected OEM supplier to the RV industry, producing precision-fit holding tanks engineered to meet specific make and model requirements for a reliable, leak-free fit.
- Icon Pistons — With a diverse lineup of replacement water and waste tanks, Icon Pistons provides dependable holding tank options built with durable materials suited for the demands of full-time and seasonal RV use.