Hooking Up Camper Trailers: Accessing Sewer Systems Safely

Hooking up a camper trailer with sewer access is a relatively straightforward process, but it's important to take the necessary precautions to avoid mishaps. The first step is to locate the sewer connection, which is usually made of concrete with a lid, and sometimes has a PVC pipe with a cap. Before starting, put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands. Once the sewer connection is located, connect the sewer hose from your RV to the sewer, ensuring there are no gaps that could cause leaks. Then, carefully open the valve on the blank tank and allow the wastewater to flow out until the tank is empty. Repeat this process for the gray tank if your RV has one. Once both tanks are empty, disconnect the sewer hose from your RV, clean it with a garden hose, and store it away. It is important to note that the black tank valve should always be kept closed unless it needs to be emptied, as leaving it open can cause a mess and allow sewer gas to enter your camper. Additionally, it is recommended to use only septic-safe toilet paper and to avoid dumping excessive chemicals or food scraps down the drain to maintain a healthy septic system.

Connect the camper trailer to the sewer hose

Connecting your camper trailer to the sewer hose is a straightforward process, but it's important to take precautions to ensure you don't make any messy mistakes.

First, put on a pair of disposable latex gloves. The black water from your trailer contains harmful bacteria and pathogens, so it's important to protect your skin. You'll also want to have hand sanitiser or soap on hand for when you're finished.

Next, locate the sewer hose. Most campers come with one that will fit its connections. The hose will have a bayonet-style fitting end and an elbow-shaped end. The bayonet-style fitting connects to your RV waste valve, and the elbow-shaped fitting connects to the dump station.

Take the bayonet-style end of the hose and connect it to your RV. Then, connect the elbow-shaped side to the dump site inlet, ensuring a tight fit to prevent leaks. You can use a sewer hose holder to keep the hose in place and angled correctly.

Once you have a secure connection, carefully open the valve on your black tank and allow the waste to flow out until the tank is empty. Close the valve, then repeat this process with the grey tank.

After both tanks are empty, disconnect the hose from your RV by twisting the bayonet-style fitting until it comes loose. Put the cover back on the waste valve, then clean the sewer hose with a garden hose. Once the hose is clean, you can disconnect it from the dump station and store it in your RV.

Finally, be sure to disinfect the attachments using a mild vinegar and water solution or diluted bleach. Spray everything you touched during the process, then wash your hands thoroughly.

Attach the sewer hose to the septic tank

To attach the sewer hose to the septic tank, you'll first need to locate the septic tank. Look for a PVC pipe sticking out of the ground near the septic tank with a screw cap sealing it shut. This will be your cleanout pipe.

Once you've located the cleanout pipe, simply remove the cap and attach the sewer hose from your camper trailer. Ensure that the hose is properly secured to avoid any mess or spills. The sewer hose to your RV will have a bayonet-style fitting end and an elbow-shaped end. The bayonet-style fitting connects to your RV waste valve, and the elbow-shaped fitting connects to the septic tank. Make sure the hose fits without any gaps to prevent leaks.

If your camper trailer did not come with a sewer hose, or if you want a more durable option for long-term use, you can purchase one separately. Just make sure to get one with an elbow or flexible connector for easier use and to minimize spills. Additionally, consider using a sewer hose holder to keep the hose in place and angled correctly.

After locating the cleanout pipe and securing the hose, carefully open the valve on your black water tank to start draining the wastewater. Keep the valve open until the tank is empty, then close it. Repeat this process for the grey water tank if your RV has one. Once both tanks are empty, close the valves on the sewer hose.

Finally, disconnect the sewer hose from your RV by twisting the bayonet-style fitting until it disconnects. Leave the other end connected to the septic tank until the hose is clean. Use a garden hose to spray the inside of the sewer hose, ensuring it is thoroughly cleaned. Once clean, you can remove the hose from the septic tank and store it in your RV for future use.

Drain the black tank

Draining the black tank is a crucial step in maintaining your RV and ensuring a smooth camping experience. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Prepare the necessary equipment:

Before you begin, make sure you have the right equipment on hand. This includes a sewer hose, gloves, and possibly an elbow fitting or a soft sewer gasket. It is also recommended to have a pipe or designated area to store the sewer hose after use.

Check the sewer valves:

Before initiating the draining process, ensure that all sewer valves are closed. This is an important precaution to prevent any surprises when you start handling the waste.

Connect the sewer hose:

Attach one end of the sewer hose to the RV's waste fitting. Extend the hose to the dump station's inlet, creating a tight seal. If needed, use an elbow fitting that fits securely into the dump station opening.

Open the black water tank valve slowly:

Now comes the critical part—draining the black water tank. Open the valve slowly, as there will be a pressure surge due to the weight of the sewage. Keep a close eye on the elbow fitting to ensure there are no leaks or sewage sprays. Allow the tank to drain completely, giving it enough time to trickle out at the end.

Close the black water tank valve:

Once the black water tank is empty, close the valve securely. It is imperative to ensure that the valve is entirely closed to prevent any accidental spills or leaks.

Clean the sewer hose and surrounding area:

After draining the black water tank, it is essential to clean the sewer hose and the area around the dump station. Use a non-potable water hose to spray down the inside of the sewer hose while it is still connected to the dump station. Then, remove the elbow fitting and spray it down as well. Make sure to leave the area as clean as possible for the next user.

Store the sewer hose properly:

After cleaning, it's time to put everything away. Stow the sewer hose in its designated pipe or area, ensuring it doesn't come into contact with other items. Proper storage helps maintain the hygiene and longevity of your equipment.

Dispose of gloves and sanitise:

Finally, remove and dispose of the gloves you used during the process. Most dump stations provide a trash can for used gloves. Use hand sanitiser as a precautionary measure, and consider using a spray disinfectant on the sewer valves and hose connections for added hygiene.

Remember, it is crucial to follow proper procedures and maintain good hygiene when dealing with black water tanks to ensure a safe and pleasant camping experience for yourself and others.

Drain the grey tank

Draining the grey tank of your camper trailer with sewer access is a relatively simple process, but it requires some preparation and the right equipment. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Prepare the necessary equipment:

Before you begin, make sure you have the following: a sewer hose, rubber gloves, and some kind of weight like a rock or a brick. It is also recommended to have a separate hose connected to a fresh water supply for cleaning and rinsing.

Locate the sewer hookup:

Find the sewer hookup at the campsite or dump station. The sewer hookup is typically located on the right side of the parking pad at campsites. Position your trailer accordingly so that your holding tank outlets are as close to the hookup as possible.

Connect the sewer hose:

Check that your sewer hose is in good condition and that the fittings are secure. Connect one end of the sewer hose to the grey water tank's relief valve and the other end to the input of the dump station's disposal tank. Make sure the hose is long enough and has some slack to prevent overstretching, which can cause cracks or breaks.

Drain the grey water tank:

Open the relief valve of the grey water tank slowly and let the grey water drain out. Placing a rock or a brick on the hose can help keep it in place and prevent it from wiggling under the force of the water. Remember that you should only drain the grey water tank after you have emptied the black water tank, as this will allow you to use the cleaner grey water to rinse any remaining black water from your sewer hose.

Flush the grey water tank:

Flushing the grey water tank is important to remove any residual material, such as food particles or microbes that could cause odour issues. You can manually flush the tank by running the shower and sink taps while still connected to the dump station. Adding a small amount of bleach or an antimicrobial cleanser to the drain can also help kill microbes. Alternatively, if your RV has a special flushing filter, you can use it to shunt fresh water through the grey water tank and into the disposal tank.

Deodorize and clean the grey water tank:

Basic flushing with fresh water and bleach will help minimise odours, but for a more thorough cleaning, you can use specialised tank cleaner products or a mixture of bleach and mild soap. Some people also recommend running ice cubes down the shower drain to add a physical scrubbing action. To deodorize and clean, add your chosen cleaner and any optional ice cubes to the tank, close the relief valve, and then drive around for about 30 minutes to agitate the mixture inside the tank. After driving, empty the tank and flush it with an equal volume of fresh water.

Additional tips:

• It is generally recommended to wait until your grey water tank is full or nearly full before draining it, as this increases the gravity-fed pressure and helps push the grey water through the hose.
• Always empty your grey water tank at a licensed dump station or a municipal sewer facility. Do not dump grey water directly onto the ground, as this can be ecologically dangerous and may result in fines.
• Remember to clean and sanitise your sewer hose after use. You can do this by running fresh water through the hose and then disconnecting it from the RV and the dump station.

Disconnect and clean the sewer hose

Disconnecting and cleaning your sewer hose is a crucial step in maintaining your RV and ensuring a pleasant camping experience. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Step 1: Disconnecting the Hose

When you're ready to disconnect the sewer hose, start by removing the hose connection from your RV. Put the cap back on the hose and then replace the cap on your RV's sewer connection. This will help contain any residual waste and prevent unpleasant odours.

Step 2: Retracting the Hose

Gently retract the hose as you walk it back to the sewer inlet. This step will allow any remaining wastewater to drain from the hose. Be cautious and avoid splashing or spilling any wastewater onto the ground.

Step 3: Rinsing the Hose

Once you've returned the hose to the sewer inlet, it's time to rinse it thoroughly. You can use a garden hose or a specialised sewer hose rinse cap for this step. If using a garden hose, ensure it's not your drinking water hose, and avoid letting it touch the sewer hose to prevent contamination. Rinse the inside and outside of the sewer hose with clean water.

Step 4: Disconnecting from the Sewer Inlet

After rinsing the hose, carefully lift the fitting from the sewer inlet and replace the cap. Ensure that all connections are secure to prevent any leaks or spills.

Step 5: Storing the Hose

Find a suitable storage area for your sewer hose, preferably outside of your RV's main storage compartments. Many RVs offer storage for the sewer hose in the rear bumper, which is ideal as it keeps any residual odours away from your living space. If you don't have bumper storage, consider storing the hose in a sealed container or bucket to prevent odours from escaping.

Step 6: Cleaning the Site

As a courtesy to other campers and the campground staff, take a moment to clean the site after disconnecting and storing your hose. Use sanitising spray or a mild vinegar and water solution to disinfect any surfaces or equipment you touched during the draining process. Wash your hands thoroughly and dispose of any gloves or protective gear properly.

Frequently asked questions