How to connect to RV Park sewer line
Staying at a RV Park comes with paying a fee and provides you with access to water, electric and sewer connection. There is a right way and a wrong way to connect your RV to the sewer line. Sadly over the years there has been a lot of wrong information about the correct way to connect to the sewer line. With over 15 years (5,500+ Days) of full time rving, all over America, the publishers  would like to provide you with the correct procedure for connecting to the RV Park sewer line. This page contains detail information about your RV waste disposal system along with many FAQ's. Click here for an illustration of a typical RV Waste System.
The Right and Wrong way to connect
The Right Way to Connect
Click for illustration
1. Connect sewer hose to RV park sewer connection with a dip in the hose providing a sewer vapor block. Click here for illustration.

2. Open both the black and gray water discharge valves.

3. When putting solids into the toilet, flush and then fill the toilet bowl twice (2 times) to the top with water and flush. The force of these (2) flushes will push all the solids out of the black water tank into the parks sewer line, stopping any vapors going up the tank vent. Click here to learn more about filling the toilet bowl.

4. Sit back and enjoy your stay knowing that you are not providing smelly fumes over to your neighbors.

Click here for frequently asked questions (faq)
The Wrong Way to Connect
Click for illustration
1. Connect sewer hose to RV park sewer connection without any dip in the sewer hose.

2. Keep the black and gray water discharged valves shut.

3. Constantly monitor tank levels until 3/4 full.

4. When tanks are 3/4 full open both black and gray water discharge valves. Flush the black water tank. If your RV is equipped with an external flush inlet. If no flush inlet is available insert a hose, through the toilet, and flush the black water tank.

5. Sit back and worry about having to empty your tanks every other day and also wonder where those smells are coming from.

Click here for frequently asked questions (faq)
Typical RV Waste System
Click image to expand in new window		 Correct Way to Hook-up
Click image to expand in new window		 Incorrect Way to Hook-up
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UTILIZING YOUR RV TOILET TO MAINTAIN AN ODOR FREE BLACK WATER TANK
The correct way to hook-up your RV waste disposal system to the RV Parks sewer system has been stated above but to review.
1. Connect sewer hose to RV park sewer connection with a dip in the hose providing a sewer vapor block. See the illustrations above.
2. Open both the black and gray water discharge valves.
3. When putting solids into the toilet, flush and then fill the toilet bowl twice (2 times) to the top with water and flush. The force of these (2) flushes will push all the solids out of the black water tank into the parks sewer line, stopping any vapors going up the tank vent.

As mentioned above, the toilet must be filled completely twice with water and flushed.  Along with the weight and volume of water this action will push the solids and fumes out and down through the RV Parks sewer system. Depending on the make and model of your RV toilet, it may hold from 3 to 6 gallons of water when filled. This volume and weight along with the force of gravity is what cleans out your black water tank.

There are 3 primary ways you may use to fill your RV toilet bowl with water.
1. Fill a bucket from your sink and pour the water into the bowl. This process is cumbersome and takes time to do.
2. Depress the RV toilet flush pedal part way down until water enters the bowl and the toilet bottom opening has yet to open.  This process is slow and will prematurely wear out the spring system that operates the flush pedal.
3. Install a secondary water line next to the toilet utilizing a simple kitchen sink spray hose. The spray hose will rapidly fill the bowl along with keeping the bowl clean. Installing this system is fairly simple and only takes a couple of hours.  We have outline the installation process below along with illustrations.
Installing a RV Toilet Filling and Cleaning System
Parts List Diagram
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Parts Assembled Diagram
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Parts List (Get connectors that are the same size as your RV water line) (1) Quick Connect Straight Stop Valve
(1) Quick Connect Tee
(1) Quick Connect Swivel Union
(1) Reinforced PVC Braided Vinyl Tubing 		(2) Stainless Hose Clamps
(1) Hose Connector(1) Male Adapter Crip Fitting
(1) Kitchen Faucet Spray Hose
Step 1. Locate the RV water line that connects to the toilet.
Step 2. Insert the Spray hose connector end down through the same hole that is used by the water line to the toilet.
Step 3. Decide where it will be convenient to place the Quick Connect Tee into the water line.
Step 4. Assemble all parts as per the diagram using enough PVC tubing as to reach the area you will connect the Tee to the water line.
Step 5. Connect the Quick Connect Tee to the RV water line.
Step 6. Test system for any water leaks.
 
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Sewer and Waste Systems
Should I always use that expensive RV & Camping toilet tissue.
If you are connected to a RV Park sewer line you can use any brand that is comfortable to you. If you are holding your waste in the tank, such as traveling or dry camping, use the expensive stuff.

I've stayed at RV Parks that say don't connect with the tank valves open as they are on a limited septic system.
This is a common question and we answer it this way. What if you were checking into a motel/hotel and after paying the clerk said "please only flush twice a day as we have a limited septic system". Would you stay there?  If a RV Park is charging you for full service without providing an adequate  sewer system for its guest maybe its time to stay somewhere else.

What do I do if my black water tank is stopped up and will not drain.
The problem you have is the toilet tissue in the tank has surrounded and plugged up the tanks drain hole. Remember toilet tissue will sink to the bottom of the tank and is made from wood and when it dries out it gets very stiff. To clear out the drain hole:
1. Use an item called "Termination Cap with Bayonet Hook and Hose Thread Connection". You should also have a Gate Valve installed just behind the Termination Cap. These items can be purchased at the top of this page or at most RV parts stores. You place this cap on the RV drain outlet and attach a hose to the hose threaded connection. After connecting open the black tank drain valve. Turning on the hose causes water to fill the drain tube and applies pressure to the underside of the black tank drain hole pushing upward into the tank. This should remove the stoppage. Close the tank valve and attach your sewer hose to drain the tank. Put a bucket under the outlet prior to removing the cap to capture any waste that is in the drain tube.


Do I need to put chemicals in my black water tank?
If you are traveling or dry camping with the tank valve closed, yes use one that will dissolve the solids and help with the odors. If you are correctly hooked up to a RV Park sewer system you will not need any chemicals.

I've hooked up my RV sewer system as per the instructions above and I'm still getting a sewer odor.
Check that your sewer hose is on a downward slope toward the RV Park sewer outlet and that you have placed a dip in the hose just before the Park's sewer outlet. There must always be liquid in this dip to prevent fumes from traveling up the sewer hose. If you are still getting fumes after this it is probably coming from your neighbors. You may want to instruct them on the correct hook-up procedure.

My wife uses tissue on every visit to the toilet. What should we do?
Unless the toilet visit involves solid waste we would suggest that the used tissue be disposed of in a separate receptacle. You will also only need to flush the toilet and not fill it twice as with solid waste. Men, always remember to put the seat down after use.

It appears that your sewer hook-up procedures waste a lot of water.
First off water is never wasted, it is used. Second the amount of additional fuel you use while pulling or driven your RV is wasted, never to return. Your toilet at home uses the same amount of water no matter if your flushing solid or liquid waste. Our hook-up procedure only uses additional water when solid waste are involved.

My RV Toilet needs to be replaced. Should I have it replaced at the shop or could I do it myself?
Since you own an RV you must be somewhat handy with tools and fixing things. So yes you can replace it yourself and it is not a difficult job. First off buy a replacement RV Toilet that is similar to the one you have. If you want to upgrade to a more fancy unit make sure its dimensions and water connections will fit in the same space as your current toilet. To replace the toilet do the following:
1. Turn off the RV water and disconnect the water line located behind the toilet.
2. The toilet is connected to the floor by two bolts. The bolts can be found by removing the plastic covers located on the base of the toilet. Remove both nuts.
3. Remove the thick rubber gasket from the hole beneath the toilet.
4. Insert the new rubber gasket that came with your toilet.
5. Position the new toilet over the rubber gasket and connector bolts. Tighten the nuts according to the directions. Cover the bolts with the plastic covers provided with the new toilet.
6. Reconnect the water line to the back of the toilet.
7. Enjoy your new RV Toilet.