Connecting An Rv Sewer Hose: The Complete Guide

If you're planning a road trip in a self-contained motorhome, you'll need to know how to hook up an RV sewer hose to your camper and drain the grey and black water tanks. It's not the most glamorous task, but it doesn't have to be time-consuming or messy. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Connect the RV sewer hose to the waste fitting on the RV

To connect the RV sewer hose to the waste fitting on the RV, you will need to take the following steps:

Firstly, ensure that the RV sewer hose valves are closed. Check that the cap on the RV side is on, but make sure the waste valves are shut before you attempt to take it off. If you take the cap off with the valves open, you will encounter problems.

Now, it's time to connect the sewer hose to your RV. Your RV sewer hose will have two ends. One end will have a bayonet-style fitting that connects to your RV, and the other end will have 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.

Make sure to use an elbow fitting that fits snugly and deeply into the dump station opening. You may need to use a soft sewer gasket, depending on the dump station and location. Ensure that the connection is tight and secure to prevent any leaks.

Once the bayonet-style fitting is connected to the RV waste fitting, run the other end of the hose to the dump station inlet. Place the elbow fitting into the inlet. If your elbow fitting does not have a gasket on the end that goes into the inlet, it is recommended to use one to create a tight seal and prevent leaks.

Now that you have connected the RV sewer hose to the waste fitting on the RV, you can proceed to the next steps of draining the black and grey water tanks and cleaning the sewer hose.

Use an elbow fitting to connect the hose to the dump station inlet

To connect your RV sewer hose to the dump station inlet, you will need an elbow fitting. This is the part that will be inserted into the dump station inlet, creating a tight seal to prevent leaks. The elbow fitting should fit snugly and deeply into the dump station opening.

The elbow fitting will be connected to one end of your RV sewer hose. The other end of the hose will have a bayonet-style fitting that connects to the waste fitting on your RV. Ensure that the elbow fitting has a gasket on the end that goes into the dump station inlet. This will help create a secure seal and prevent any leaks.

When connecting the hose, extend it from the RV waste fitting to the dump station inlet. Make sure the hose is securely in place before opening the tanks. It is important to note that the black water tank valve should be opened slowly to release the pressure and prevent any surges that could cause the hose to disconnect.

By following these steps and using the correct fittings, you can effectively connect your RV sewer hose to the dump station inlet, ensuring a safe and leak-free dumping process.

Drain the black water tank

Draining the black water tank is a necessary but unpleasant part of owning an RV. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it safely and effectively:

First and foremost, ensure that you are wearing the proper protective gear. This includes disposable gloves and eye protection. It is also recommended to wear a face mask to avoid breathing in any noxious fumes. These precautions will help protect you from hazardous waste and potential splashes.

Next, locate a suitable dumping station. These are typically found in commercial campgrounds, state parks, and national parks. Never dump sewage down drain pipes or in the wilderness, as this can pose serious health and environmental risks.

Once you have reached the dumping station, prepare your equipment. Gather your RV sewer hose, which typically has bayonet-style fittings, and ensure you have an elbow fitting that will fit snugly into the dump station opening. You may also need a soft sewer gasket, depending on the specific dump station.

Now, it's time to connect the RV sewer hose. Attach one end of the hose to the RV waste fitting, then extend the hose to the dump station inlet and secure the elbow fitting. Ensure that all connections are tight and secure to prevent leaks.

Before opening the black water tank valve, make sure the RV sewer hose valves are closed. Then, slowly open the black water tank valve. Depending on how full your tank is, there may be a pressure surge as the sewage enters the hose and flows towards the dump station. Keep a close eye on the connections and the elbow fitting to ensure there are no leaks or splashes. Allow sufficient time for the tank to drain completely, giving it time to trickle out at the end.

Once the black water tank is empty, close the valve. You may now proceed to drain the grey water tank, if applicable, following similar steps. Draining the grey water tank after the black water tank helps wash away any remaining sewage from the hose.

After both tanks are drained, it is important to clean your equipment. Use a non-potable water hose to spray down the inside of your sewer hose while it is still connected to the dump station. Then, remove the elbow fitting and spray it down as well. Clean the area around the dump station to leave it tidy for the next user.

Finally, stow away your equipment. Most RVs have a designated area for the sewer hose. Keep it away from other items to avoid contamination. Remove and dispose of your gloves, and use hand sanitiser for added protection.

By following these steps, you can effectively drain your RV's black water tank while prioritising safety and cleanliness.

Drain the grey water tank

Draining the grey water tank is the fourth step in the process of hooking up an RV sewer hose to a camper. The first three steps are: checking the sewer valves, connecting the RV sewer hose, and draining the blackwater tank.

Step 4: Drain the Grey Water Tank

After draining the blackwater tank and closing the valve, you can slowly open the grey water tank valve. Doing the grey water after the black water helps wash away any remaining sewage from the hose. Keep an eye out for leaks. Allow for things to fully drain.

Step 5: Close the RV Sewer Waste Valves

At this point, you can close both the black and grey water tank RV sewer hose valves. Be sure to look for any leaks from the valve itself, too.

Step 6: Disconnect the RV Sewer Hose

Twist to disconnect and pop the cap back on the waste valve.

Step 7: Spray Down, Clean Up

At most places, there is a non-potable water hose – use that to spray down inside your sewer hose while it is still connected to the dump station. After that, remove the elbow from the dump station and spray it down, too. Spray down the concrete that surrounds the dump station. You want to leave it as clean as possible for the next person.

Step 8: Put Everything Away

Most RVs have a pipe or area designated for the RV sewer hose. Stow everything away where it belongs, keeping it out of contact from other stuff that may be in the same area.

Remove gloves and throw them away. Most dump stations have a trash can for used gloves. Use hand sanitizer as a precaution. As an extra step, you can use a spray disinfectant on the sewer valves and hose connections.

Close the RV sewer waste valves

Closing the RV sewer waste valves is a crucial step in the process of dumping and cleaning your RV's black and grey water tanks. Here is a detailed guide on this important step:

After you have drained the black water tank, it is imperative to close the valve securely. This step ensures that the tank is completely emptied and allows time for any remaining waste to trickle out. It is important to keep an eye on the elbow fitting connected to the dump station opening to ensure there are no leaks. Once you are confident that the black water tank is empty, you can proceed to the next step.

The grey water tank, which collects used water from sinks and showers, should be drained after the black water tank. This step helps wash away any remaining sewage from the hose. Open the grey water tank valve slowly and keep a close eye on the connections for any signs of leakage. Allow sufficient time for the grey water tank to drain completely, and then close the valve.

At this stage, both the black and grey water tank valves should be closed. It is important to check for any leaks from the valves themselves to prevent any potential mess or health hazards. This step ensures that the waste is securely contained within the tanks and the hoses are ready for the next steps in the cleaning process.

Before disconnecting the RV sewer hose, ensure that both valves are securely closed. This step is crucial to prevent any accidental spillage or leakage during the disconnection process. It also helps to maintain the cleanliness of the dump station and the surrounding area.

Once the valves are closed, you can proceed to disconnect the RV sewer hose by twisting and popping the cap back onto the waste valve. This step completes the waste dumping process, and you can now move on to cleaning and storing your equipment.

It is important to note that closing the RV sewer waste valves is a crucial step in maintaining the hygiene and functionality of your RV. By following these steps, you can ensure that your waste tanks are properly emptied and cleaned, preventing unpleasant odours and potential health risks associated with sewage. Remember to always wear disposable gloves and eye protection when handling the sewer hose and valves to protect your health and safety.

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