What Size PVC Pipe For RV Sewer Hose?

When we prepare to travel away from the city, we tend to think only of pleasant aspects. Where to go, who to take with us, what food to pack, what activities to prepare… After all, traveling in an RV is usually a leisure activity. The thing is, we also want it to go from beginning to end without worries of any kind. The only way to accomplish that is by taking care of practical matters here and there.

Unfortunately, sewer is usually among the last of our concerns in this regard. We all know it is not a pleasant issue to deal with, but it is absolutely necessary. Here, we are going to help you with that. This article is going to walk you through PVC piping for RV along with some suggestions in terms of what sizes are available, which is the recommended one, and some other important items to know.

What are some advantages to using a PVC pipe?

We all know that PVC pipes are popular, but the exact reasons are usually unclear. Let’s take a look.

PVC sewer pipe is common in houses
This thermoplastic polymer has become the leading choice when it comes to the house plumbing. That makes it a wonderful option because it has huge availability in the market; you can find PVC pipes in countless sizes. Besides, any plumber will have the necessary skills and tools to work with them if you ever need that. Having all that in mind, PVC pipes become the favorite choice for RVs as well.
The smooth surface
One of the distinctive characteristics of PVC pipes is their smooth surfaces inside and outside. When it comes to plumbing, that is the ideal scenario. The more irregular is the inside surface, the more physical resistance the pipe will create against the flow. That will decrease its pressure and demand more power from the pump. We could say that PVC pipes help save energy and fuel from your RV.
Ideal if you don’t plan on moving the RV
It may be complicated to install a sewage line with PVC pipes, so they are recommended only if you plan to park the RV at the destination and leave it there for an extended period. If your travel plans are different, that is, if you want to stay for only a few days or plan to drive around at the camping location, you may need to look otherwise. More portable solutions would be more appropriate.
It’s just plain durable
Last, but not least, PVC pipes are popular because they withstand harsh conditions. In other words, they resist weather changes, do not corrode, and do not easily succumb to chemical rotting. Such resistance is extremely important for RV use considering that the whole vehicle will be parked in an outside location and stay there for several days at a time. PVC pipes are the best option for them.

Are sewer hoses in an RV all the same size?

If your system was installed from beginning to end by one manufacturer, without parts from other sources, the rule of thumb is that the whole piping will use the same diameter. That is common and convenient because it eliminates the need for adapters to go from one diameter to a different one without any leaks. In practice, the most common diameter in these PVC pipes for RVs is of 3 inches.

Adapters for RV sewer hoses

Following the train of thought mentioned above, if you need to use any plumbing of a different size, you will need an adapter to make the transition without leaks. Larger diameters are recommended because they reduce the resistance made by the pipe against the flow, and that is effective against clogs in the system. After all, that is a problem you want to avoid in your RV’s sewer line at all costs.

Another common diameter for PVC piping in RVs is 4 inches. However, if avoiding clogs is a primary concern for you, it is possible to consider sizes as big as 6 inches, which is double the initial 3-inch recommendation. Fortunately, you do not need to use gradual adapters: all hardware stores offer specific adapters for those big changes. Just make sure your RV offers enough space for that.

Where Do You Store Your RV Sewer Hose?

Some recreational vehicles are equipped with a special type of rear bumper. It is hollowed out so you can store the hose inside them. The problem is that bumpers may rust over time, so it is useful to think of alternatives. Here, we are going to list some other solutions you can consider for that.

  • There are specific bins or bags made for storing RV sewer hoses. They are made of heavy-duty plastic, which ensures their resistance. That is a good option if you have a lot of space.
  • You can resort to sewer hose carriers that are mounted either on the back of the RV or right below its bumper. That is handy if your RV’s cabin is small and/or there are many people.
  • If you want to go DIY, you can build your own storage location for the RV sewer hose. It is possible to use hollow fence posts, for example, with drainage holes drilled all over them.

How Do I Clean My RV Sewer Hose?

It would be impossible to talk about RV sewer hose installation without mentioning such a major issue with its use. Any experienced camper will tell you that one of the basic parts of this activity is to make sure you leave the surroundings untouched or even better than when you arrived there.

  • Campsites offer dump stations specifically for you to clean your sewer system in them. You can also find them at the city, state, and national parks, and RV parks. Make sure to use them.
  • It is useful to flush the black-water tank before the gray-water tank. The design of your RV sewer system will make that simple action automatically further rinse the black-water tank.
  • Disinfect the sewer hose and its fitting with bleach by soaking them overnight. Keep them in fresh air to dry naturally before storing them away or reattaching everything for a new use.

FAQs

Schedule 40 PVC pipe is the standard thickness used for most plumbing applications. Schedule 80 PVC pipe is thicker and has a higher pressure rating than Schedule 40, making it better suited for some industrial applications.

Some benefits of using PVC pipe for RV sewer hoses include its resistance to corrosion and its flexibility, which makes it easier to connect to sewage systems. PVC pipe is also relatively inexpensive and widely available.

Citations

https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/25937386/print/true.cfm
https://upgradedhome.com/what-size-pvc-pipe-for-rv-sewer-hose-storage/
https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f34/where-do-you-keep-your-sewer-hose-57240.html
+ posts

Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by travel. I inherited this passion from my parents. Since my college years and to this day, I have had a passion for traveling in a motorhome. I am here to share my experiences with you.

2 Comments
Show all Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating Add your review
  1. What is PVC piece on the terminal end for fitting into the campground sewer pipe?

Leave a reply

RV Camp Gear
Logo
Enable registration in settings - general