Hooking Up Your Camper To A Septic Tank: A Guide

Hooking up a camper to a septic tank is a great way to manage waste, especially during long camping stays or when living in an RV. Proper setup ensures sanitary conditions and also protects the environment. The process of connecting your camper to a septic tank typically involves several steps: ensuring proper equipment, parking your RV close to the septic tank inlet, attaching the sewer hose, using support systems, and securing connections.

It is also important to understand how septic tanks work. Septic tanks have two compartments that filter wastewater, separating solids from liquids. Natural bacteria in the tank break down the wastewater, which then disperses into the soil. To maintain the balance of bacteria and wastewater, it is crucial to avoid dumping excessive amounts of cleaning solutions, toilet wipes, and even coffee grounds, as these can be damaging to the system.

Connecting the camper to the septic tank

Step 1: Locate the Septic Tank Cleanout

Most septic systems have a cleanout pipe for periodic cleanings. This is usually a PVC pipe with a screw cap, located near the septic tank.

Step 2: Connect the Sewer Hose

Open the screw cap on the cleanout pipe. Take the sewer hose from your camper and attach it securely to the cleanout pipe. Ensure all connections are tight to prevent leakage.

Step 3: Use a Support System

Employ a sewer hose support system to maintain a downhill flow throughout the hose, facilitating smoother waste disposal. This will help ensure a continuous and efficient drainage process.

Step 4: Secure Connections

Check all connections again to ensure they are tight and secure. A reliable trailer hitch is crucial at this stage to stabilise your camper during the hookup process. A high-quality hitch will also ensure your camper is securely connected to your vehicle for future travels.

Step 5: Maintain the Septic Tank

Septic tanks rely on a delicate balance of bacteria to break down waste. Therefore, it's important to use your plumbing strategically. Avoid dumping chemicals down the drain, and use septic-safe products. If you have guests, advise them to use plumbing sparingly and only flush human waste and septic-safe toilet paper.

Additionally, to avoid overloading the septic system, stagger shower times and avoid running the dishwasher or laundry simultaneously. It is also recommended to schedule septic pumping more frequently if you regularly hook up your camper to the tank.

Using the right equipment

To hook up a camper to a septic tank, it is crucial to use the right equipment. This ensures a secure and leak-proof connection, preventing messy accidents and protecting the environment. Here is a detailed guide on the equipment you will need:

Connectors and Hoses

Use connectors and hoses specifically designed for RVs. These are typically made of durable materials that can withstand wastewater and are often more flexible, making them easier to manoeuvre and connect. Ensure the connectors are the right size and compatible with both your camper's waste outlet and the septic tank inlet.

Sewer Hose Support System

A sewer hose support system is essential to maintain a downhill flow throughout the hose. This ensures smoother waste disposal and helps prevent blockages. The system typically consists of a sturdy frame that elevates the hose, allowing waste to flow downhill with gravity's assistance.

Trailer Hitch

A high-quality trailer hitch is crucial for two main reasons. Firstly, it ensures that your camper is securely attached to your vehicle during transportation, which is essential when moving your camper to different locations for hooking up to utilities, including septic systems. Secondly, a reliable hitch helps stabilise your camper during the hookup process, reducing the risk of accidental disconnections or leaks.

RV Waste Tank

An RV waste tank, also known as a black water tank, is designed to collect waste from toilets, showers, and sinks. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent odours and maintain hygiene. When hooking up to a septic tank, ensure your waste tank is properly maintained and emptied at appropriate intervals.

Septic Tank Inlet

The septic tank inlet is where you will connect your camper's sewer hose. It is typically located near the septic tank and may be identified by a capped PVC pipe protruding from the ground. Ensure the inlet is easily accessible and located as close as possible to your camper's waste outlet to minimise the distance waste has to travel.

Chemicals and Cleaners

It is essential to avoid using harsh chemicals and cleaners in your camper's waste system when it is connected to a septic tank. Septic systems rely on a delicate balance of bacteria and organisms to break down waste. Common household chemicals can disrupt this balance, damaging the septic system. Opt for septic-safe products or natural alternatives.

Remember, when selecting equipment, always prioritise quality and compatibility. Ensure all connections are tight and secure to prevent leaks and accidents. By using the right equipment, you can enjoy your camper travels with peace of mind, knowing your sanitation system is safe and effective.

Ensuring downhill flow

• Use the Right Connectors and Hoses: It is crucial to use connectors and hoses specifically designed for RV use. This ensures a secure and leak-proof connection to the septic tank. Make sure all connections are tight and secure to prevent any leakage.
• Park Your Camper Close to the Septic Tank: Position your camper as close as possible to the septic tank inlet to minimise the distance that waste has to travel. This helps maintain a smooth downhill flow.
• Employ a Sewer Hose Support System: Utilise a sewer hose support system to maintain a consistent downhill slope throughout the hose. This facilitates smoother waste disposal and prevents blockages.
• Secure Connections with a High-Quality Trailer Hitch: A reliable trailer hitch is essential to ensure your camper is securely positioned and stabilised during the hookup process. It also helps maintain stability while your camper is parked.
• Maintain Proper Slope for Drainage: Ensure that the slope of the sewer pipe from the camper to the septic tank inlet follows the recommended ratio of 1/8" decline per foot of travel. Too much slope can lead to drainage issues, while too little can result in ineffective drainage.
• Use Bricks or Supports for Slight Bowing: If there is slight bowing in the sewer pipe, use bricks or other supports to maintain the desired slope and prevent blockages.
• Check Local Regulations: Before starting any installation, familiarise yourself with local regulations and guidelines regarding septic systems and RV connections. Some areas may have specific requirements or restrictions that you need to adhere to.

By following these steps, you can effectively ensure downhill flow when connecting your camper to a septic tank, making the process more efficient and sanitary.

Securing connections

Use Proper Equipment:

Use connectors and hoses specifically designed for RVs to ensure a secure and leak-proof connection. This is an important first step to prevent any mishaps.

Park in a Strategic Position:

Position your camper as close to the septic tank inlet as possible. This minimises the distance that waste needs to travel, reducing the chances of blockages or leaks.

Attach the Sewer Hose:

Connect the sewer hose from your camper's waste outlet to the septic system inlet. Ensure all connections are tight and secure. This is a critical step to prevent leakage and potential environmental contamination.

Employ Support Systems:

Use a sewer hose support system to maintain a downhill flow throughout the hose. This facilitates smoother waste disposal and helps prevent blockages.

Check Connections Regularly:

Frequently check all connections for tightness and security. A loose connection can lead to leaks and spills, causing unsanitary conditions and potential damage to the surrounding area.

Stabilise with a Trailer Hitch:

A high-quality trailer hitch is essential for stabilising your camper during the hookup process. While primarily used for towing, a reliable hitch also ensures your camper remains securely positioned while connected to the septic system.

Maintain the Septic Tank:

To keep your septic tank functioning effectively, it's crucial to maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria. Avoid using excessive chemicals, detergents, and soaps, as these can disrupt the bacterial balance. Additionally, use septic-safe toilet paper and only flush human waste and toilet paper.

Manage Wastewater:

To avoid overloading the septic system, stagger shower times and avoid running the dishwasher or doing laundry simultaneously. It is also advisable to follow the rule, "If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down."

Schedule Regular Septic Pumping:

If you frequently hook up your camper to the septic tank, consider scheduling septic pumping more often to prevent sludge build-up and potential blockages.

Educate Guests:

If you have guests staying in your camper, provide them with guidance on septic tank usage. Inform them about the dos and don'ts to ensure they don't accidentally compromise the system.

Remember, proper setup and maintenance of your camper's septic system are essential for sanitary conditions and environmental protection. By following these instructions, you can enjoy your camper travels with peace of mind, knowing your waste management system is secure and functioning correctly.

Maintaining the septic tank

Maintaining a septic tank is not a complicated or expensive task. Here are some essential tips for maintaining your septic tank:

Inspect and Pump Frequently:

It is recommended to have your septic tank inspected at least every three years by a professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. The frequency of pumping depends on factors such as the total wastewater generated and the volume of solids in the wastewater. When hiring a septic service provider, they should inspect for leaks and examine the scum and sludge layers in your tank. It is important to keep maintenance records and take note of the sludge and scum levels found by the professional.

Use Water Efficiently:

Conserving water is crucial as all the water a household sends down its pipes ends up in the septic system. Efficient water use improves the operation of the septic system and reduces the risk of malfunctions. Consider using high-efficiency toilets, faucet aerators, and high-efficiency showerheads to reduce water consumption. Additionally, spread out laundry and dishwasher loads and fix any leaks promptly.

Properly Dispose of Waste:

It is important to only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Do not flush cooking grease, non-flushable wipes, photographic solutions, feminine hygiene products, or household chemicals. These items can clog the septic system and cause damage. Avoid pouring toxins down the drain, including chemical drain openers, cooking oil or grease, and oil-based paints.

Maintain Your Drainfield:

The drainfield is a crucial component of your septic system. Here are some tips to maintain it:

• Do not park or drive on your drainfield to avoid damaging the pipes.
• Plant trees at a safe distance from the drainfield to prevent roots from growing into the system. Consult a septic service professional for advice on proper distancing.
• Keep roof drains, sump pumps, and rainwater drainage systems away from the drainfield area to prevent excess water from slowing down or stopping the wastewater treatment process.

Additional Tips:

• Use bacteria additives to help break down unnatural substances like detergents and soaps. However, be sure to research the additives to ensure they are beneficial.
• Install an effluent filter to increase the life of the drainfield and prevent clogs. Clean the filter every three to five years, preferably at the same time as septic tank pumping.
• Keep accurate maintenance records to help identify any potential problems and to provide comprehensive information to prospective buyers if you sell your home.

Frequently asked questions