Hooking Up Your Camper To Sewer: A Step-By-Step Guide

Hooking up a camper to a sewer can be a simple task that takes less than 20 minutes or a major installation, depending on your sewer setup. If your home connects to a public sewer system, you can easily hook up your camper by locating the access port in your yard, removing the cap, and connecting your sewer line to the access point. If your home uses a septic tank, you can connect your camper to the septic pipe in your yard or install an access port if there isn't one already.

Connecting to the public sewer system

Connecting to a public sewer system is a straightforward process, but there are some important steps to follow to ensure everything is set up correctly and safely. Here is a detailed guide on how to connect your camper to the public sewer system:

Planning and Preparation:

Before beginning any work, it is crucial to contact your local city officials to determine the specific requirements and permits needed for RV hookups. They will also send a worker to locate and mark existing utility lines to avoid any accidental damage during the installation process. It is essential to plan the route of your utility lines carefully, ensuring they do not run underneath your RV pad to prevent future repair complications.

Installing the Sewer Connection:

To connect to the public sewer system, start by locating the sewer cap. This is usually found on a concrete square with a removable lid or a protruding PVC pipe with a round lid. Once located, unscrew the cap to access the sewer connection.

Connecting the Sewer Hose:

Put on rubber gloves for protection before handling the sewer equipment. Take one end of your sewer hose and connect it to the pipe underneath your RV. This pipe carries both the grey water (from the sink and shower) and black water (sewage from the toilet). Ensure a secure and tight connection to prevent leaks.

Finalizing the Connection:

Attach the other end of the sewer hose to the sewer hookup on the ground. Use multiple connections to keep it secured and tightly sealed. Some RVs may require multiple sewer hoses and special attachments if they have more than one bathroom or wastewater tank.

Maintaining the Connection:

Once the physical connection is complete, there are a few important maintenance considerations. Firstly, always keep the black tank valve closed, only opening it when the tank is 2/3 or more full to prevent clogs. Secondly, consider using a sewer hose support system, which elevates the hose and ensures a downward slope, facilitating better waste flow and reducing the chance of clogs. Lastly, when dumping the tanks, start with the black tank, followed by the grey tank, allowing the grey water to rinse out any remaining solids from the black tank.

Connecting to a septic tank

It is important to note that you should not leave your RV sewer line in the septic pipe at all times. Make sure to put the cap back on the septic line to prevent sewage gases from escaping and causing a nasty smell in the area. You should also only dump your RV tanks as needed, rather than keeping them open all the time.

If you are connecting to a septic tank uphill, you can use a macerator to pump the waste downhill. Alternatively, you can use a grinder pump for the RV discharge, which will allow you to pump everything through a 3/4" hose and get rid of any elevation issues and potential clogging.

Installing an RV septic tank

Before installing, check with your utility companies to avoid hitting gas, power, or water lines. Have a contractor install the septic holding tank underground, and ensure it is maintained by a professional, including regular emptying.

If you are unable to connect to a public sewer system or an existing private septic tank, there are alternatives to installing an RV septic tank. One option is to use a composting toilet, which is an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution. Composting toilets separate solid and liquid waste, with the latter being disposed of in a safe location, and the former being broken down by natural materials.

Preparing to empty black and grey water tanks

Preparing to empty the black and grey water tanks is not a task to be taken lightly. It can be messy and hazardous to your health. Here are some steps to prepare:

Wear Protective Gear

It is important to wear disposable gloves and eye protection. This will shield you from any harmful substances and spills.

Check the Valves

Before you begin, ensure the valves on your sewer hose are closed. This is an important precaution to prevent any accidental spills or leaks.

Connect the Sewer Hose

Your RV sewer hose will have two ends. One end, with a bayonet-style fitting, connects to your RV, and the other end, with an elbow or "L"-shaped fitting, goes into the dump station inlet.

First, connect the bayonet-style fitting to the waste fitting on your RV. Then, run the other end of the hose to the dump station inlet and place the elbow fitting into the inlet. Ensure that the elbow fitting has a gasket to create a tight seal and prevent leaks.

Use an RV Sewer Hose Support

To facilitate a downhill flow for your hose and aid in drainage, use an RV sewer hose support. This is especially useful if the ground slopes uphill towards the dumping sewer inlet.

Open the Tanks Slowly

Once the hose is securely connected, you can start opening the tanks. It is important to do this slowly to alleviate any pressure surge if your tanks are full. Open the black tank valve first, allowing its contents to flow out, then follow with the grey tank. Keep an eye on both connections to ensure there are no leaks.

Connecting the RV sewer hose

Firstly, ensure you are wearing disposable gloves and eye protection. Check that the valves on your sewer hose are closed, and that your sewer hose is long enough to reach the connection point. Your RV sewer hose will have two ends – one with a bayonet-style fitting that connects to your RV, and the other with an elbow or “L”-shaped fitting that goes into the dump station inlet.

Connect the bayonet-style fitting to the waste fitting on the RV. Then, run the other end of the hose to the dump station inlet, placing the elbow fitting into the inlet. If your elbow fitting doesn’t have a gasket on the end, it is recommended to get one to create a tight seal and prevent leaks.

Use an RV sewer hose support to help create a downhill effect for your hose, which will aid the flow of waste. Once the hose is securely in place, you can open the tank valves slowly to alleviate any pressure surge. Start with the black tank valve, allowing the waste to flow out, then follow with the grey tank valve. Keep an eye on both connections to make sure there is no leakage.

Once the tanks are empty, close the valves and disconnect the hose from the RV. Do not disconnect the hose from the dump station inlet yet. Clean out the sewer hose with a garden water hose, and spray out the inside, allowing the water to go through the hose and down into the inlet. Once the inside of the hose is clean, remove the hose from the inlet and spray off the elbow connector.

Frequently asked questions