How to Plumb My RV's Sewer Hose Connections

Recreational vehicles, or RVs, have three basic water tank systems that work independently of each other. The freshwater holding tank supplies the vehicle with water to the faucets, sinks, shower, and aids in flushing the black water (toilet water) into the black water sewage tank. The gray water tank receives the cleaner runoff water from the sink, tub or shower. Owners of RVs should flush and plumb the sewer lines and connections on a frequent basis to eliminate backups and annoying clogs.

Instructions

1

Close the black water drain valve at the panel location on the exterior of the RV. If you are hooked up to a freshwater supply hose from the city or campground, turn on your water pump and fill your fresh water holding tank. Connect your black water hose coupling with the exterior septic tank system hose and close the dump valve.

2

Inspect your toilet for immediate clogs, just under flapper valve, by activating the toilet flush lever. If you have a backup at this point, bring in a small hand-operated auger, also known as a plumber's snake.

3

Place the head of the hand auger down into the toilet, then activate the hand crank, feeding the snake cable slowly into the opening. Advance the snake down into the line, then pull it out to check for clogged material, such as matted toilet paper. Push and pull the cable, while turning the auger clearing head several times.

4

Use tongs to remove any hard material from the auger head and place the waste in a plastic refuse bucket. Don't run the auger head down into the black water tank, but far enough to clear the line leading to it.

5

Flush the toilet several times to clear the line from the toilet to the black water tank. Hook up a high-pressure spray wand to a garden hose or a water supply hose. Use the spray wand adapters to fit it to the freshwater supply hose, then insert it down the toilet opening until you feel it enter inside black water tank.

6

Turn on the freshwater supply hose to full. Work the spray wand line back and forth, while twisting it--this will allow the wand pressure nozzles to break up hardened, impacted material. Do this for several minutes or until the black water tank level reaches to at least the 2/3 fill mark.

7

Shut off the pressure wand. Go to the exterior black water tank dump valve and open it up all the way. Make sure that there's movement through the line, which will be thick waste exiting from the black water tank into the septic system.

8

Go into the bathroom, point the spray wand into the toilet and turn the wand to full pressure. Move the wand back and forth and twist it like you did in Step 6. This will further agitate the tank contents and break down any remaining solids. Thoroughly clean the tank in this manner until the tank contents are completely evacuated. Unhook the pressure wand. Close the black water tank dump valve. Use rags to clean up any spills in the toilet bowl area.