Are you a fan of taking road trips to different destinations to enjoy nature and make beautiful memories? If so, then you most likely own an RV as this vehicle is a practical and excellent way to tour across different regions. However, not every element about owning an RV is fun, especially the maintenance and emptying of the septic tank. In this article, you will be taken through how to use sewer hoses, which are one of the essential components needed to empty the black and grey water holding tanks. Additionally, you will also learn what the suitable length for your sewer hose is.
Once the water holding tanks are full, you need to proceed and empty them. However, before dumping the wastewater, you need a sewer hose as well as to wear gloves. Consequently, go ahead and identify the valve positions on the RV, which will be marketed clearly as “black” and “grey.” After that, connect one end of the sewer hose to the RV’s valve and the other to the sewer you intend to use. Confirm that both sides have been adequately fastened before you pull the valves.
You should always start by emptying the black tank, which contains toilet wastewater. The disposal of this wastewater should only be done at designated dump stations, which ordinarily have clear markings.
Pull the valve to start emptying the tank and give it time to drain all the wastewater. You should then shut the valve once there is no sound of liquid going through the sewer hose. Make sure you close the valve tightly to prevent the liquid from flowing out, thereby leaving no way for the solid wastes to drain.
After confirming that the blank tank’s valve has been closed completely, proceed to the grey tank valve and close once you are done. The gray tank valve must never be left open to drain continuously outside of the RV, a mistake most people do.
It is recommended you first flush the blank tank and later on the gray tank to flush out any solid materials that may have stuck inside your sewer hose. If you leave the valve open, there will not be enough water after the black tank needed to wash down the sewer hose. To make it easier to clean up, you should detach the sewer hose gradually, with most RV owners placing the hose sewer inside a tub or bucket when not in use.
The standard length of most RV sewer hoses is usually either 20-feet or 15-feet. If you require additional length, you can buy an extra hose with most being at least 10-feet long. However, the suitable size varies depending on your needs. Therefore, the ideal length of the sewer hose needs to be at least the distance between the back of your rig to the sewage dump outlet tube, and some additional feet.