It’s a dirty job, but somebody has to do it. Dumping an RV’s tanks isn’t the most glamorous part of RVing, but it’s necessary.
Like many other vital tasks, you want to ensure you have the right tools to get the job done.
Today, we’ll share five sewer hose fittings we think you should have on hand for emptying your RV tanks. Let’s get started!
What Are RV Sewer Hose Fittings?
Sewer hose fittings connect to the end of an RV sewer hose and help you make adjustments while emptying your tanks. They’re accessories that allow you to be ready for whatever situation you encounter while dumping your RV tanks.
When you need to dump your RV’s tanks, first, find a sanitary dump station. Dump stations can be a bit unpredictable, as they may use different size pipes for the drain, or even the height of the connection may be inconvenient.
There are several hose fittings you’ll want to have on hand to avoid finding yourself in a messy situation.
Do RV Sewer Hoses Come in Different Diameters?
The standard RV sewer hose has a 3” diameter. This is the accepted size for sewer hoses and is used by all major manufacturers.
Having a relatively universal size helps ensure your sewer hose and attachments will work at practically every dump station or full hookup campsite you encounter.
Pro Tip: On the hunt for a new hose? We uncovered What RV Sewer Hose is Decent, Better, and Best.
Can You Connect RV Sewer Hoses Together?
Connecting RV sewer hoses is possible, and it’s likely easier than you think. These hoses typically use bayonet fittings on one end and lug fittings on the opposing end. Most brands use this same system, making connecting hoses of different brands easy.
Sometimes the sewer connection at a dump station or campsite can be a bit awkward or quite far away from your RV. Being able to connect multiple hoses can easily solve this problem.
5 RV Sewer Hose Fittings to Have on Hand
When it’s time to dump your tanks, there are some sewer hose fittings you’ll want to have on hand. Let’s see if there are any you should be adding to your shopping cart soon!
1. An Elbow Fitting
One of the worst things when dumping your tanks is for the fitting to pop out of the sewer drain hole. This 4-in-1 elbow fitting is ribbed to accommodate four different sizes of dump station inlets. This design creates a secure connection with the dump station and can help you avoid finding yourself in a messy situation.
Another advantage of this fitting is that it’s clear. While it may not sound like an appealing thing to watch, you will need to keep an eye on your tanks when dumping and flushing them. Having a clear fitting can help you with both jobs.
2. 3-in-1 Flexible Sewer Hose Seal With Handle
Some sewer drains will have you questioning what the person thought when they installed them. A sewer drain with a hard-to-reach angle can be frustrating and make for a difficult time dumping your tanks. However, this 3-in-1 flexible sewer hose seal adapter is just what you need in these situations.
The adapter uses a bit of flexible Rhino Extreme hose and a 3-in-1 fitting to connect to 3”, 3½”, or 4” sewer inlets.
The pull handle makes it easy to connect and disconnect this fitting from the sewer inlet, minimizing the chances of accidental contact with any drippage from the fitting.
3. Twist Connect Kit Sewer Fitting
Not all sewer hoses come with the common bayonet and lug fittings on the ends. Camco created this twist connect kit to allow you to add easy-to-use fittings to your sewer hose.
When you need a bit more distance to reach the sewer connection, this kit can help you get there! It fits all 3” sewer hoses and is a much more cost-effective way of extending your sewer hose length instead of buying additional hoses.
4. Y-shaped Sewer Hose Fitting
Some larger RVs with multiple wastewater tanks will also have multiple locations for dumping their tanks. Second bathrooms or washing machine connections may have their own separate sewer drain valve, which means disconnecting from the primary valve whenever you need to dump this tank.
Instead of going through that hassle, this Y-shaped fitting can make your life easier.
Instead of your sewer hose running directly from the sewer drain valve to the inlet, you’ll run a hose from each drain valve to this fitting. You’ll need a third hose to run from the fitting to the sewer inlet. This typically requires substantially more sewer hose but makes it much easier to dump your tanks without having to unhook from one sewer drain valve to connect to another.
This is especially great if you’re set up in a campsite for a prolonged period and need to dump your tanks frequently.
5. 90-degree Sewer Hose Adapter
There will likely come a time when you’ll need to empty your tanks but won’t have easy access to them. This 90-degree sewer hose adapter works with RV sewer totes and gives you the ability to take your wastewater to the dump station without having to take your entire RV. Because the fitting is clear, you can easily avoid overfilling your portable tote.
If you’re planning to use your RV at campsites without full hookups or where there’s not a convenient dump station, there’s a good chance you’ll need a portable waste tote.
When that day comes, make sure you have this sewer hose adapter on hand to help make the task as easy as possible.
Pro Tip: Make connecting to water sources easier with the Water Bandit Your RV Needs.
How Long Do RV Sewer Hoses Last?
Depending on how often you’re using your sewer hose, it can last several years. Many sewer hoses can last three or more years before you have to replace them.
The more you use your sewer hose, the more likely it will develop cracks or holes. If you’re traveling full-time and emptying your tanks more often, you may need to replace your sewer hose after a year or two.
Some sewer hoses are better than others and can last longer. Regardless, make sure you replace your sewer hoses before they fail. A sewer hose failure results in raw sewage getting on you or the ground, neither of which are good options.
Are RV Sewer Hose Fittings Worth Having on Hand?
Dump stations and campsite sewer connections are incredibly unpredictable. Having a handful of sewer hose fittings on hand can help prepare you for practically any scenario you might encounter.
Make sure you grab the fittings we’ve suggested before your next trip. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a messy situation.
Do you have all of these sewer hose fittings already on hand?
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