What Is The Best RV Sewer Hose & Kit?
There are not a lot of downsides that come with RV living, but one of them is that you have to drain your septic tank and waste water tank. Let’s find the best RV sewer hoses to avoid leaks.
All RV poop hoses are designed not to leak, but from my own experience, it doesn’t always matter what the company says. What matters is how the product performs in real-world use.
A popular choice is the Camco Rhinoflex RV sewer hose kit (click to view on Amazon), but is it the best drain hose for every camper?
That’s one question I will answer today.
See Also: How To Find Nearby RV Dump Stations & Fresh Water Fill-Up
There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing an RV sewer hose, and there are also a lot of accessories and fittings.
I will answer the most frequently asked questions and share my recommendations for accessories at the bottom in the FAQ section. I will also tell you why you need to get a sewer hose support and what fittings to get.
For now, let’s take a look at the best RV sewer hoses I have chosen that I believe will make the whole dumping process more bearable.
Best Overall
Best Basic Option
Premium Option
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best RV Sewer Hoses Reviewed
1. Camco RhinoFLEX RV Sewer Hose Kit
What is a camping accessory comparison without a Camco product? We’ll be taking a look at two sewer hoses from Camco today, and the RhinoFLEX RV Sewer Hose Kit is the first one.
When you buy the RhinoFLEX RV sewer hose kit, you get two 10 foot hoses that connect to each other with pre-attached bayonet and lug fittings, and a transparent elbow with a 4-in-1 adapter for the sewer drain in the ground. I
t also comes with storage caps for when not in use. The fittings on this hose swivel (move freely without disconnecting).
The drain hose is made with 23 mil of polyolefin and reinforced with steel wire. Does that mean that it’s safe to run over with a car? No, try to avoid that.
The reason there is a 4-in-1 adapter included is that sometimes you get to a dump station or RV park with threaded pipes that don’t fit your standard sewer hose.
The adapter isn’t something you have to change out. It’s steps with different thread and pipe sizes on the end of the adapter that lets it bigger or smaller depending on the size of the pipe you are connecting to.
This style of RV sewer hose fitting is mandatory in some RV parks and campgrounds.
See Also: Camco Sidewinder RV Sewer Hose Support Review + Homemade
Another great thing with the included adapter is that it’s an elbow so your pipe won’t be sticking straight up out of the ground.
By having a 90-degree angle you can lay the sewer hose on the ground next to it. As soon as you use one you will realize how great they are.
The four storage caps are supposed to be put onto the end of the hoses when not in use to keep animals or debris out and odors in.
The storage caps can be put on after taking off the elbow adapter, taking off the elbow adapter will also let you store the hose in the square bumper on your RV camper.
The Camco RhinoFLEX RV Sewer Hose Kit comes in 15-feet and 20-feet options, but there are also 10 foot and 5 foot extension hoses available.
My favorite thing with the Rhinoflex is the transparent elbow that is included. They’ve gone back and forth including and not including this piece, but right now it’s included with the waste water kit.
It makes it so much easier to see if there is still black water dripping out of your waste tank.
PROS
- Can Fit In Square RV Bumper
- 4-in-1 Adapter
- Two Hoses
- Swivel Fittings
- Multiple Length Options
- Transparent Elbow
- Lightweight
CONS
- Not Super Durable
- Fittings May Require Tightening
- Difficult To Rinse
If you like the Camco RhinoFLEX RV Sewer Hose Kit but would like a thicker more durable drain hose there is also the new Camco RhinoEXTREME 20ft RV Sewer Hose Kit (click to view on Amazon).
It has everything the standard RhinoFlex kit has but the drain hose is made with TPE technology (24 mil thickness) which is more resistant to pinholes and can even handle being stepped on.
2. Camco Super RV Sewer Hose Kit
The second product from Camco in today’s review is the Super RV Sewer Hose Kit model number 39659. It comes with a 4-in-1 sewer connection adapter and two 10 feet drain hoses you can connect.
It also comes with clear fittings for both sides. Both the elbow adapter for the sewer hole and a straight tube fitting for the RV side, so you can see what’s going on at both ends of the waste water hose.
The fittings swivel to make it easy for you to connect and disconnect to the drain and your black tank.
The drain hose is only 18 mil in thickness which is much less than the Camco Rhinoflex RV Sewer Hose which has a 23 mil thickness.
It’s still a durable tube made with heavy-duty HTS vinyl that is pinhole resistant and can handle being stretched and compressed over and over again.
See Also: Best RV Portable Waste Tanks For Black & Grey Water
I like this one due to the durability and the clear fittings included. It only comes in 20 feet but since it’s two 10 foot hoses that you can connect I think it will be good for most people.
The reason it comes like that is just like with water hoses, sometimes you need more, and sometimes you need less.
This model also easily stores in the square bumper when compressed thanks to the fittings being detachable. Two bayonet and two lug end caps are included for when not in use.
The Camco Super RV Sewer Hose Kit is one of the most basic options you can get. Compared to the RhinoFlex it has high quality permanently attached fittings and a clear elbow but the drain hose is made with slightly thinner material.
The added clear tube for the RV waste water end is a nice addition you won’t find with the more premium Camco options.
PROS
- Fits In Square RV Bumper
- Uses HTS Vinyl
- Clear Fittings
- 4-in-1 Adapter
- Two Hoses
- End Caps Included
CONS
- Only 1 Length Option
- Thin Walls
- No Extensions Available
- Difficult To Rinse
3. Thetford Titan RV Sewer Hose Kit
The Titan from Thetford is a durable heavy duty RV sewer hose that can take a beating. The drain hose is 26 mil of TPE, it can easily be run over by a car without cracking. It’s also great in extreme temperatures.
The included adapter has one more step compared to the Camco black water hose models. It’s a 5-in-1 adapter. The elbow adapter is not transparent but it is still possible to see liquid flowing through it in daylight.
There is a handle on the elbow fitting to make it easy to use and help keep your hands away from the sewer connection while attaching.
Just like most other models in today’s comparison, this RV poop hose comes with two 10 foot drain hoses that can be connected to create a longer hose.
What’s great about the fittings on this model is that they’re longer, so you have more to hold on to.
The RV sewer hose kit comes with four end caps for when the hose is not in use.
See Also: What To Do When An RV Waste Tank (Black/Grey) Won’t Drain
So what are the downsides with the TPE material? It’s heavy duty and can take a beating, but it’s not as easy to store compared to other vinyl or polyolefin models. It’s really difficult to recompress it.
If you’re planning on storing your RV waste water hose in the square bumper, I would go with a different model, but if you put it in a box and throw it in the back of your truck or into the storage compartment when done, it’s a great product.
In fact, this is the one hose I’ve seen the most when dumping at an RV dealer or business that has an RV sewer hose for you to use. It’s a great waste water hose for leaving in the elements and a fantastic option for RV park living.
The Thetford Titan RV Sewer Hose Kit is missing the transparent fittings that I love, but the fact that the fittings are easy to handle due to their length and the hose is thick and durable.
These qualities make it the best RV sewer hose kit for RVers that spend most of their time in RV parks or businesses with an RV dump station that want to have a septic hose ready to go for their customers to use.
PROS
- 5-in-1 Adapter
- Two Hoses
- End Caps Included
- Made With TPE
- Easy To Grip
- Easy To Rinse
CONS
- Hard To Compress
- No Clear Fittings Included
4. Lippert Waste Master RV Sewer Hose Kit
The Lippert Waste Master RV sewer hose kit is very different from the other RV sewer hoses on this list and the best option for some but not for others. Here’s my full review to help you decide if it’s the right RV septic hose for you.
The drain hose is UV-protected and goes from 5’6” feet compressed to about 18 feet extended. It’s not split up in two but it’s still easy to use. Thanks to its material that stays as extended during use and is easy to compress when done.
The outside of the hose is designed with a helical coil, but the inside is a smooth tube to prevent black water from getting stuck. It’s made with puncture and UV resistant material that is 18 mil thick.
A unique feature of this RV septic hose is the fitting that is permanently attached to the end that goes to the sewer hole.
It’s a robust elbow with a clear part at the beginning followed by a thick plastic part with both a handle on top and a valve you can use to close the black water hose.
The shut-off valve on the elbow isn’t something you see every day but it’s a great thing to have if you want to fill the hose with water and chemicals to thoroughly clean it before putting it away.
Instead of having a 4 in 1 threaded adapter on the elbow, there is a tapered rubber donut on the end. It securely fits and seals to any size of sewer hose without having to twist it on.
It can be a great thing to have in older RV parks with damaged threads of the sewer connection. It could also be a con if the sewer connection sticks out sideways instead of straight up.
Another thing that makes the Lippert Waste Master stick out when compared to the other sewer hoses is the way you connect it to your RV.
To use it correctly, you will have to install Thetford’s special Cam Lock fitting on your RV’s waste water pipe.
See Also: How To Maintain RV Holding Tanks To Prevent Clogs & Odors
The important parts of the Cam Lock are the clamps that you will use to lock the hose in with. When installed you will put the hose in it and clamp it in, and it will be ready for use.
It’s a more heavy duty industrial solution usually used when transporting liquids.
What’s great about it is that it’s easy to install and it’s more leak-proof than the standard bayonet RV sewer fitting.
I’ve seen plenty of bayonet fittings come apart when people have dumped their RV’s in my day, it’s easy to accidentally miss a bayonet when twisting it together.
The Thetford Cam Lock system is easy to use once installed and there is no risk of it coming apart when dumping.
Note that this sewer hose is slightly heavier than the other hoses in today’s review, and the permanently installed nozzle will stop it from fitting in the square bumper.
I recommend buying a box to put this in for storage or using this as your permanent septic hose solution if you live in an RV park.
If the length is not long enough, there is an extension kit for this product that you can find here!
PROS
- Built-In Gate Valve
- Clear Fitting
- High Quality Cam Lock
- Leak-Proof
- Rubber Sewer Connection
- Stays Decompressed
- Easy To Rinse
CONS
- Won’t Fit In RV Bumper
- Heavy
- Only One Hose
- Must Be Installed
- Doesn’t Work Well With Side Fitted Sewers
- Thin Walls
5. Valterra Dominator RV Sewer Hose Kit
Valterra is another common RV septic hose brand that has a lot of options just like Camco.
The Valterra Dominator RV Sewer Hose Kit comes with everything you need in order to dump your RV or hook up to RV Park septic systems.
The drain hose comes with two 10 foot sections that are connected with bayonet fittings. That’s 20 feet of hose in total. It’s made with thick 23 mil poly material that is resistant to cold and hot weather.
The black water hose is very easy to collapse and can easily fit in a 4″ RV or trailer bumper or one of those plastic holders you can get that mount under the RV. (click to view on Amazon)
The fittings are all the standard bayonet style that is leak proof and secure when put together correctly.
The included 90° elbow fitting is made with clear plastic and has a 4 in 1 thread adaptor on the end to fit a wide range of RV park and campground sewer connections.
See Also: How To Set Up At An RV Park Or Campground For Dummies
The septic hose fittings can also rotate freely which makes it easier to get the black water hose in the perfect position for clean and safe dumping.
There are also four drip caps included you can put on each end of the two hoses to help keep the seals from getting damaged.
The Valterra Dominator RV Sewer Hose Kit is another one of the best basic RV sewer hose options out there.
Much like Camco’s basic option, the Valterra Dominator comes with everything an RV will need to dump at a station, business, RV park, or campground.
PROS
- Fits In Square RV Bumper
- 4-in-1 Adapter
- Two Hoses
- Multiple Length Options
- Storage Caps Included
- Clear Fittings
- Thick Walls
CONS
- May Break If Stepped On
- Difficult To Rinse
6. Valterra Viper RV Sewer Hose Kit
The Valterra Viper RV Sewer Hose Kit is a lot like the Dominator kit but with some more premium materials for the drain hose.
The Viper’s two 10 foot waste water hoses are made with thicker 25 mil material with a 135 mil outer coating on the coils for extra protection and durability.
It’s less rigid than the Dominators waste water hose and easier to rinse out.
If you’ve ever had problems with the wire wrapping on RV sewer hoses coming apart you won’t have to worry about that with this one. The extra beading on the outside will keep the wire inside and secure.
Even though it’s made of thicker material the drain hose is still easy to recompress to a small size and can fit into most RV or trailer bumpers.
The only trouble you may have is getting the premium bayonet fittings to not get stuck. It has to be put away perfectly to fit into smaller bumpers.
See Also: Best Septic Safe RV Toilet Paper Brands Reviewed
The fittings are the standard bayonet style. All the fittings come preattached and can rotate to prevent kinking.
The 90° elbow adapter is clear and has the 4-in-1 threaded end that can fit onto most RV park and campground septic systems.
There are also 4 drip caps included to put on each end of the two hoses. This makes storage in a bin or compartment much cleaner and less smelly.
The Valterra Viper RV Sewer Hose Kit is perfect for people who camp a ton or full-time in their RV.
It’s more durable than some of the more basic options on this list and it’s easier to compress than the thickest RV sewer hoses available.
PROS
- Fits In RV Bumper
- 4-in-1 Adapter
- Two Hoses
- Multiple Length Options
- Clear Fitting
- Thick Walls
- Easy To Rinse
CONS
- May Break If Stepped On
What To Look For In An RV Sewer Hose Kit
Durable Drain Hose
Leaks when dumper your RV septic system is never a good thing. That stuff can get everywhere in a hurry and it is not fun to clean up.
Most RV sewer hoses are going to go through a lot. They are constantly getting stretched out then stuffed into a box or bumper.
You want to make sure the hose that comes with the RV sewer hose kit is made with thick plastic that’s resistant to pinholes and the sun. It’s ok if it’s not step-proof but you want something that will last.
The Right Elbow Fitting
Depending on the kind of camper you are an elbow fitting can sometimes be optional but it’s highly recommended. That’s why most kits come with one.
If you are a weekend camper who dumps at the same open hole RV dump station you may not need one but even in those situations, they can be nice.
RV sewer hose elbows fittings make everything cleaner, more secure, and if it’s a transparent one you will be able to see what’s going on in your RV’s waste water tanks.
If you ever want to stay in an RV park or campground with sewer hookups you have to have an elbow that can seal over the septic pipe.
Most of the time the seal is made with threads that screw onto the sewer pipe. Many camping places require them because they stop the smells and gases from leaking out of the septic system.
Most of the 4-in-1 or 5-in-1 elbow adapters are compatible with any RV park or campground sewer pipe.
See Also: Best RV Water Filter Systems & Cartridges Reviewed
Length Options
RV’s and trailers are becoming more advanced every year with more options and features than ever.
Back in the day, the RV sewer outlet pipe was always in the back on the driver’s side, but it’s starting to become more common in the middle of the RV on newer rigs.
In most camping places with sewer hookups, the connection is in the back, if you have a septic outlet in the center of your RV you are going to need more drain hose to reach.
Because of this, you are going to want to have at least 20 feet of RV septic hose with you at all times. Luckily most kits come with at least that.
If you have a super long RV or trailer with a sewer connection in the center you may want to consider an option that also has sewer hose extensions you can buy to get even more distance.
You may need it more than you think.
Drain Hose & Fitting Diameter
RV sewer hose fittings get bigger the more companies add features like grips and handles.
If you are planning on storing your RV black waste hose inside the bumper or a tube you are going to want to make sure the fittings aren’t too wide to fit.
Cleaning
If you are going to store your RV sewer hose in a box or compartment inside your RV or trailer you may want to think twice about getting one that is super easy to compress.
That style is perfect for a bumper or outer tube storage but they can be more difficult to rinse out, which means it might be more smelly.
Usually, the more premium RV sewer hose options have a smoother inner tube that is easier to rinse out.
That style might be the best choice if you are going to store the drain hose somewhere you will be able to smell it inside your RV.
Conclusion & RV Sewer Hose Kit Recommendations
While every RV sewer hose kit on this review are fantastic options there are some that are better than others for specific purposes and budgets.
I recommend reading each product review above to help you decide what you need, but here are my recommendations based on what kind of camper you might be.
Best Basic RV Sewer Hose Kit – Camco Super RV Sewer Hose Kit
For regular campers on a budget, the Camco Super RV Sewer Hose Kit is a fantastic choice.
It comes with everything you need to start camping at it even has a clear elbow fitting with a 4-in-1 threaded adapter.
It’s actually the RV sewer hose kit that came with our trailer when we bought it used.
We decided to keep using it until it broke and 1.5 years of full time RVing later it’s still working great. No holes or leaks so far.
Best Premium RV Sewer Hose Kit – Lippert Waste Master RV Sewer Hose Kit
You’re not going to find a fancier RV sewer hose kit than the one Lippert makes.
They even have their own RV outlet connection which is something you won’t find with any other septic hose system.
The fittings and connections are all durable and easy to use which is what makes it the premium option.
The drain hose is extra long and most RV’s will only need one, but if you have an extra large rig with the RV waste water outlet in a weird spot there is also an extension drain hose kit available (click to view on Amazon).
It comes with the fancy Cam Lock that is designed for Lippert sewer hoses only that is leak proof and easy to connect.
Best Overall RV Sewer Hose Kit – Camco RhinoFLEX RV Sewer Hose Kit
The Camco RhinoFlex is the most popular choice among full time RVers and for good reason. It has everything you need to dump your RV at a station or set up at an RV Park or campground.
The fittings have special grips on them to make them easier to use which means less risk for leaks and it easily fits in a bumper or box. You also get the clear elbow with the 4-in-1 thread adapter.
The drain hose is also thicker than the basic options and easier to rinse out than most easy to compress style waste water hoses.
There are multiple sizes and extension options available as well making this RV sewer hose kit compatible with most RVs, travel trailers, and 5th-wheels.
Best RV Sewer Hose Kit Brands Reviewed
Camco
Camco has been making RV and camping gear for over 50 years. They know what RVers want and need.
Not only do they make some of the best basic options for weekend campers they also have more premium options for full-time RVers and RV Park residents.
The RVing world changes more and more every year and so far Camco has kept innovating its products to match.
Thetford
They started out making waste water holding tank valves in the ’60s and have slowly become a leader in RV sanitation products that include toilets and holding tanks.
They make even more products than that but their experience with RV waste systems is what lets you know their RV sewer hose kit is going to be one of the best.
Lippert
Lippert has been making products for RVs and homes since the ’50s.
Their knowledge and innovation combined have helped them create the most unique and best premium option for RV sewer hose kits.
Lippert products are known for their quality and they are a name you can trust for RV products and parts.
Valterra
Valterra is a younger company compared to the others on this list but they’ve still been around long enough to know RV gear.
Started in the ’70s they have slowly become a leader in the RV, pool, spa, and plumbing industries.
They specialize in valves and plumbing fittings which means their RV sewer hose kits fall in line with what they know best.
See Also: What Do I Need To Use Hookups At An RV Park Or Campground?
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Sewer Hoses
Why do you care so much about a transparent elbow fitting?
They are fantastic when dumping. A transparent fitting will let you know how clean the water is coming out of your tanks.
Otherwise, you will be guessing if you don’t have a clear fitting to see. You not only don’t know if there is still some water coming out, but you also have no idea how clean the black tank flush has made your tank.
If you buy a sewer hose that happens not to have a clear fitting you can get one Like this (click to view on Amazon) from Camco that is a 45-degree fitting.
Or if you want an elbow for the sewer connection, Camco has a clear model for that too (click to view on Amazon).
There are several accessories related to the black/gray water tanks and the emptying of them.
There are products to make it easier and ways to keep your tanks cleaner so let’s take a look at a list of items and what they can do:
- Camco RhinoFLEX RV Bayonet Elbow Fitting with 4-in-1 Adapter – If you don’t have one of these fittings, you need one! A clear sewer hose fitting makes it so easy to drain your black and gray holding tanks since it lets you see when it’s time to close the valve. Since it’s an 4-in-1 adapter, it will fit every sewage drain you’ll run into on the road.
- Diamond Gloves – First things first, let’s be sanitary. Put on some gloves before starting the process to let our hands stay as clean as possible. A 100-pack doesn’t cost much and will last you for a long time.
- Camco Sewer Hose Support – Put this between your RV sewage hookup and the sewage connection on the ground and then put your hose on top of it. This lightweight plastic support will protect your hose from the ground and make it last longer. It will also help when emptying your tanks by creating a better angle for your hose to let the liquids run through easier as it creates a downhill.
- Valterra T58 Twist-On Waste Valve – If your standard valves are leaking and you want to shut them off entirely this will be a solution to that. If you’re the kind of person that doesn’t use your toilet in the RV and would like to use your black tank as a second grey tank, this can also assist you with that. What you then do is connect this, shut the valve, open the gray tank and the black tank at the same time, and let the water get split between the black and the grey tank. Make sure that your black tank isn’t full of anything to avoid water coming up your toilet.
- Valterra Hose Carrier – This hose carrier from Valterra will give you a place to put your hose when not in use if you don’t want to use the bumper on the RV or if it doesn’t fit there. It’s not much larger at 4 ⅜ inches compared to the standard 4×4″ bumper, but it might be enough depending on your hose. Then you could screw this down inside your storage compartment to secure it during travel.
- Camco Tank Rinser – If you don’t have a black tank flush and don’t want to stick a hose down your toilet, you can use a tank rinser like this one from Camco. The way it works is that you connect it to the tank connection on your RV and then you connect a water hose. When you turn it on it will rinse and flush your tanks that are open and then the dirty water will flow through if the valve is open and empty the tank.
- Camco Swivel Stik – If you want to make sure your black tank gets clean and you don’t have a black tank flush, you can put this down your toilet, and when connected to a hose it will spray the inside of your toilet. Just make sure to be aware of how much you have filled up the black tank not to have sewage water flying up at you. It’s a good idea to leave the black tank open and connected to a sewer in the ground outside during use.
- Camco Toilet Treatment – Keeping your black tank as clean as possible can be done with toilet treatment. There are liquids you can pour down the toilet, and then there are drop-ins like this product from Camco. Drop one in when your tank is empty, fill the tank with some water so it can do its job, and you will have a less smelly tank so you can stay out camping for longer. I use treatment in my RV toilet to be able to stay out camping for two weeks without a lot of nasty smell coming up from the wastewater tank.
- Camco Clean Out Hose – The last thing I will recommend today is a hose that you only use for cleaning your sewer hose and accessories to it. Use this kind of hose from Camco to rinse and wash your sewer hose after each time you have dumped your tanks. The Camco Clean Out Hose is also a great hose to use with some of the products above that require a water hose to be attached to it. Having this hose stored away from your freshwater hose is a must.
Do I need sewer hose support?
If you plan on visiting campgrounds, you will eventually run into a campground that requires the use of sewer hose support.
So it’s a good idea to have one when needed.
Check out this article about the one we use as well as other great options for RV sewer hose support (click to view).
How do I connect my sewer hose to the RV?
The most standard connection on a sewer hose and the wastewater connection on your RV is called a bayonet fitting.
It’s a fastening mechanism that locks in by a twisting motion. A bayonet fitting can take some strength to secure and may not be suitable for all users.
What I prefer is the Cam Lock fitting found on the Lippert Waste Master (click to view on Amazon) that we looked at in the review.
Not only is it easier to put on with just a clamp on each side, but it’s more leak-proof than the bayonet fittings.
So why isn’t the Cam Lock solution standard today? Well, it’s more costly because it uses rubber on both sides of the connection instead of plastic with an o-ring to prevent leaks.
What alternatives do I have if I don’t want to deal with a black tank?
A product that I have seen is getting more and more popular if you don’t want to deal with sewage the same way you have to when you empty a black tank, is Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet (click to view on Amazon).
The way it works is that you fill it with soil where your solids will go, and a container separate for liquids. Gone with the Wynns have made several videos about this product on their YouTube-channel that will tell you more about how it works and how good it is.
Can You Put A Composting Toilet In An RV?
Most of the time the answer is yes. Check out this article here (click to view) for more information on that subject.
What Is The Best RV Sewer Hose?
It really depends on what your main needs are. All of the RV sewer hose kits on this list have excellent drain hoses but some are better for things like long-term living in an RV park while others are more portable and better and folding and unfolding over and over again.
I suggest reading the RV sewer hose reviews above to make the decision for yourself about which is best for your needs.
How Long Should My Black Water Hose Be?
This is another answer that will depend on your set up. If your sewer hose connection is in the back of your RV or trailer then 20 feet should be plenty.
If your RV sewer hose connection is in the center of your RV then you might want to consider getting around 30 feet just in case.
Luckily a lot of the RV sewer hose kits above also have 5, 10, and even 20 foot extension drain hoses you can buy.
Where Do You Store An RV Sewer Hose In A Small Class C?
Most people store their RV black water hoses in the bumper but sometimes your rig won’t have one, or the fittings on the drain hose won’t fit.
In these situations, you have a few options. You can get a bin to put the RV poop hose in and store it in one of the side compartments on your RV.
But this option isn’t always optimal because bins take up much needed storage space and no matter how well you clean it the drain hose is going to smell.
The next option, which is my favorite, is to get an RV sewer hose storage tube (click to view on Amazon) that will be secured under your RV or trailer.
Some people will use these even if they have a bumper because they are made of plastic and won’t rust like a bumper can.
The under RV storage tubes are also round instead of square like a bumper which means the fittings will not only fit better but it will be easier to slide the drain tube in and out.
How To Clean A Smelly RV Poop Hose
It’s recommended to rinse out an RV poop hose after every use. The best way to make sure all of the black water (raw sewage) gets out is to dump the black tank first and then the grey tank.
The grey water which is shower and dishwater will help clean out all of the sewage from the RV sewer hose.
Once you’re done dumping both RV holding tanks you should also take a hose (if available) and rinse out the drain hose from the end that connects to the RV.
I normally spray mine out for about a minute before calling it good.
I also spray off the elbow once I’ve removed it from the septic connection.
If you need to do a deeper cleaning using bleach and water is a good place to start.
Take a large tub and fill it with water and a little bleach. Then place the RV sewer hose inside the tub and swish it around so it’s totally covered in bleach water inside and out.
Only soak it for a few minutes, you don’t want the bleach to eat into the rubber seals around the fittings. After soaking spray it off inside and out for a few minutes with clean water.
Make sure you do this on gravel or sand as the bleach will kill grass and plants.
What Does “mil” Mean When Talking About RV Black Water Hoses?
You may have noticed that I’ve used the measurement value “mil” a lot in this article. A mil is a thousandth of an inch.
It’s a common value used when talking about the thickness of a material and it’s a common number you will see when looking at RV sewer hoses.
For RV drain hoses the higher the number in mil the thicker the plastic walls are.
A thicker mil drain hose is going to last longer but might be harder to recompress which means it might have a harder time fitting inside a bumper or storage tube.
If you are planning on traveling a lot and need to be able to fold down your RV sewer hose you might want one with a smaller mil number.
How To Keep The Septic Hose From Freezing? (How To Insulate RV Sewer Hose)
There are two main ways you can keep your RV sewer hose from freezing in winter conditions.
The easiest way is to put the hose in a bin, and store it in one of the compartments inside your RV. If the drain hose is empty it should be fine inside an RV storage compartment.
The downside to this method is you have to store your RV sewer hose in a tub and you may smell it inside the RV. You also have to hook it up and drain it any time you want to dump your RV.
The second option is to use a heating cable like this one (click to view on Amazon) that is plastic sewer pipe safe. You’re going to need a lot of it to wrap around the entire 4″ waste water hose.
Once you’ve wrapped the heating cable around the pipe you will need to cover everything in insulation. A common product used is Foil Backed Fiberglass Pipe Wrap (click to view on Amazon).
If you use the pipe wrap you need to make sure you waterproof it using cold weather tape (click to view on Amazon) because you don’t want water inside the insulation or on the heating cable.
See Also: Best Heated Water Hoses For RV Campers, Barns & Livestock
Only turn on the heating cable when you are going to need it. Like at night when temperatures will drop well below freezing.
The heating cable and insulation technique can also be used to stop water lines and pipes from freezing.
Have any more questions about the best RV sewer hose kits? Leave a comment below.
