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.
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
What is the difference between Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 PVC pipe?
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.
What are the benefits of using PVC pipe for my RV sewer hose?
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://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
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.
What is PVC piece on the terminal end for fitting into the campground sewer pipe?
Are you talking about what’s in the picture inside the content?