Flushing Camper Sewer Lines: A Step-By-Step Guide

Flushing your camper's sewer lines is a crucial task to ensure a sanitary and eco-friendly wastewater disposal system. It involves running a sewer line to your RV, which can be done by following these steps: planning and preparing, choosing a location, obtaining permits, gathering materials, and installing the sewer line. This process allows for the hygienic and environmentally friendly disposal of wastewater generated during your adventures.

To maintain your camper's sewer system and prevent clogs, it is essential to regularly clean the sewer line using a sewer hose cleaner or by flushing it with water every 3-6 months. Additionally, inspecting the sewer line for leaks or damage and repairing any compromised sections are important maintenance practices. When storing your RV during freezing temperatures, don't forget to winterize the sewer line by draining and flushing it with antifreeze.

By following these maintenance tips, you can enjoy a worry-free and odourless camping experience, creating lasting memories on the open road.

Use a sewer hose to empty the black water tank

Using a sewer hose to empty the black water tank is a crucial step in maintaining your RV's sewer system. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it effectively:

Step 1: Prepare the Sewer Hose

Before you begin, make sure you have the right equipment. Get an RV sewer kit that includes a 45-degree RV sewer hose joint and a sewer hose. The 45-degree elbow joint will allow you to connect the sewer hose to the drain pipe on your RV. Keep in mind that you should always use gloves when handling the sewer hose to protect yourself from bacteria and germs.

Step 2: Locate the Black Water Tank Drain

The black water tank drain is typically located under the same panel as the freshwater inlet. It is usually labelled and may even have a coloured handle for easy identification. Remove the twist-off cap from the drain pipe.

Step 3: Connect the Sewer Hose

Attach the 45-degree RV sewer hose joint to the drain pipe by twisting it clockwise to lock it in place. Then, connect the sewer hose to the elbow joint, again twisting it clockwise to secure it. Make sure the other end of the sewer hose is connected to a nearby sewer system or septic tank.

Step 4: Drain the Black Water Tank

Pull the black water tank drainage valve towards you and watch for the water to start flowing through the hose. You may need to open the valve completely to ensure proper drainage. Once the water stops flowing, push the valve back in.

Step 5: Rinse the Sewer Hose (Optional)

It is a good practice to rinse your sewer hose after each use to prevent solid waste buildup and potential clogs. Use clean water to rinse the hose, and if possible, use a bleach and water solution to sanitise it.

Step 6: Disconnect the Sewer Hose

After the black water tank is empty and the sewer hose is rinsed, it's time to disconnect. Start by closing the black water tank valve. Then, disconnect the sewer hose from the RV by twisting it counterclockwise. Finally, remove the elbow joint from the drain pipe and replace the twist-off cap.

Always follow local regulations and guidelines when disposing of sewage, and make sure to clean and sanitise your equipment after each use for your safety and comfort.

Locate the inlet for the black tank flush

To locate the inlet for the black tank flush, you must first empty your holding tanks. Leave your sewer connection attached and move on to operating your black tank flush valve. The inlet for your RV's black tank flush is located on the exterior wall of your RV. Typically, it'll be next to your city water and cable connections. If you're having trouble finding it, consult your owner's manual.

Connect a water hose to the inlet

To connect a water hose to the inlet of your camper's sewer line, you'll need to follow these steps:

Firstly, locate the inlet for your RV's black tank flush. This is usually found on the exterior wall of your camper, typically near the city water and cable connections. If you're having trouble finding it, refer to your owner's manual for a more precise location.

Next, you'll want to use a standard garden hose, ensuring it is different from the one used for connecting to the city water supply or filling your freshwater tank. Connect one end of this hose to the black tank flush inlet and securely fasten it with a clockwise turn.

Now, you must attach the other end of the hose to a nearby water source. This could be a spigot or faucet, depending on your setup. Once both ends of the hose are connected, you can proceed to the next step.

Before flushing your tank, make sure the black water tank handle is open. This is crucial to prevent water from filling up your tank too quickly and causing overflow issues. The handle should already be open if you've recently emptied your holding tanks. However, if the tank has been sitting empty for a while, be sure to fully open the handle.

At this point, you're ready to start flushing. Open the spigot or faucet to allow water to flow into the flush mechanism, passing through the black water tank, and eventually exiting through the sewer hose. Initially, open the spigot partially to check for any potential issues, and then fully open it once you're confident everything is working as expected.

Flush the tank with water for 2-3 minutes or until the water exiting the sewer hose runs clear. Having a clear 90-degree connector at the end of your hose is beneficial for visually inspecting when the water is running clear.

After flushing, remember to turn off the water at the spigot and disconnect the hose from the flush inlet. Water will continue to drain from your sewer hose for a short period, so wait until you no longer hear any water running through it before closing the handle for your black water tank.

Open the black tank handle

Now that you've located the inlet for your RV's black tank flush, it's time to open the black tank handle. This step is crucial to ensure the efficient and effective flushing of your RV's black water tank.

The black tank handle is typically located under the same panel as the freshwater inlet and is often labelled with "black" or a similar term. It may even have a coloured handle for easy identification. This handle controls the water tank holding used water inside your RV.

If you've just emptied your holding tanks, the black tank handle should already be open. However, if the black tank has been sitting empty for a while, it's crucial to ensure that the handle is completely open. Failing to do so can lead to water overflowing into the RV or causing other issues with the tank.

Once you've located the black tank handle, open it fully counterclockwise. By doing so, you'll allow water to flow into the black water tank when you turn on the clean water source.

It's important to note that you should leave the handle for your grey water tank closed during this flushing process. The grey water tank typically holds soapy water from washing dishes and bathing, and it's essential to keep its contents separate during the black tank flushing process.

By opening the black tank handle, you're taking a crucial step in maintaining the sanitation and functionality of your RV's plumbing system. This step ensures that the flushing process can proceed smoothly and effectively, preventing clogs and other plumbing issues.

Run water through the tank for 2-3 minutes

To flush your camper sewer lines, you'll need to run water through the tank for 2-3 minutes. This process will help to dislodge any stuck toilet paper and solid waste, clearing holding tank sensors, and removing odour-causing leftovers. Here's a detailed guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Tank

Before running water through your camper's tank, ensure that you've emptied your black water and grey water tanks. It's crucial to clear out the black water tank first, so the grey water can wash out any remaining sewage in the line. Always wear disposable or reusable rubber gloves when handling the tanks.

Step 2: Locate the Inlet

Once you've emptied the tanks, leave the sewer connection attached and locate the inlet for your RV's black tank flush. This inlet is usually found on the exterior wall of your RV, often near the city water and cable connections. If you're having trouble finding it, consult your owner's manual.

Step 3: Connect a Water Hose

Now, take a standard garden hose (different from the one you use for city water or filling your freshwater tank) and connect one end to the black tank flush inlet. Then, attach the other end to a nearby water source.

Step 4: Open the Black Tank Handle

Make sure the handle for your black water tank is completely open. If it isn't, water will quickly fill the tank and could cause an overflow. Keep the grey water tank handle closed during this process.

Step 5: Run Water Through the Tank

Now, you're ready to run water through the tank. Open the spigot for your clean water source partially at first to check that everything is functioning as expected. Then, open it completely. Flush the tank with water for 2-3 minutes or until the water running through the sewer hose runs clear. Having a clear 90-degree connector at the end of your hose will help you see when the water is running clear.

Step 6: Turn Off the Water and Disconnect the Hose

After flushing for 2-3 minutes, turn off the water at the spigot and disconnect the hose from the flush inlet. Water will continue to drain from your sewer hose for a short time. Wait until you no longer hear water running through the hose, then close the handle for your black water tank.

Step 7: Empty the Sewer Hose

Keep your sewer hose connected and lift it starting from the end closest to your RV. This will help empty any remaining contents towards the sewer hookup, using gravity to your advantage. Be gentle to avoid damaging the hose. You may need to do this a few times, depending on the slope and the amount of water left in the hose.

Step 8: Disconnect the Sewer Hose

Finally, you can safely disconnect your sewer connection and replace the cap on your holding tank outlet. Remove the end of the hose closest to your RV first and keep it elevated to avoid spills. Drain any remaining water or waste before storing the hose.

By following these steps, you'll effectively flush your camper's sewer lines, maintaining a sanitary and odour-free system.

Frequently asked questions