I've owned an 11x14 Zone VI print washer for about 35 years and it sits in my darkroom sink full all the time. The only time I empty it is to clean it; mostly wiping away the "slime coat." Like Reggie, I remove the dividers and bail until less then half full. Then, I just dump it. Never had any problems doing this and it still works great to this day! Couldn't ask for better service than that!