As you already know, a recreational vehicle is simply a home on the move. That being said, even toilets are all fitted inside the RV for your own use. This means that water wastes from the toilets, sinks and showers are often stored in holding tanks which must be emptied when the need arises.
The storage spaces for these tanks are usually limited and, therefore, should be cleared from time to time. Why should you travel with water wastes to the campground? Remember, if the tank gets filled up, the entire RV will be uncomfortable to stay in. This calls for the need to clear the wastes right at home before hitting the road with the RV.
It is at this point that you need to know how to hook up RV sewer at home. All you need to do is to connect the RV to your house’s sewer line. You won’t need to use a hose which is always what puts many RV owners off when it comes to emptying of RV holding tanks. This is because of the need to clean the hose after every emptying session.
This guide will be of great help to any RV owner. Take a look.
Materials required when hooking up RV sewer
If there is something easy to do then that would be connecting an RV to a sewer line. Why? Because the only task you have to undergo is the setting up of a piping system. For you to get it right, the following tools should be present before the process begins:
- Hacksaw
Rubber Hose
Hose clamp
3-inch diameter PVC pipe
- Sewer hose adapter
Cement primer
- PVC cement
Pieces of sandpaper
The steps on how to hook up RV sewer at home
Below are some of the simple steps that will ensure that your motorhome gets properly hooked up to your house’s sewer line:
1. Step One: Fixing the adapter into the recreational vehicle
In this first step, bring the adapter and rubber hose into the recreational vehicle. Then twist the sewer hose adapter on the holding tank using your hand. Thereafter connect the hose adapter with a rubber hose of 4-inch length with the use of the clump.
You have to fasten the clamp using a screwdriver for the sake of the hose safety. After fastening, measure the length between the ground and the adapter then write it down. The noted down figure is useful for sawing out PVC pipe length, but minus it by 2 inches.
Pour gently a number of dishwashing liquid drops inside the pipe then direct it in the hose. Then outfit the PVC pipe with a 3-inch elbow diameter, and be careful not to glue it to the pipe. Use the sandpaper to process the pipe cut so that all the burrs are removed.
After all this careful start, then secure the hose connections together with the pipe by using a clamp.
2. Step Two: Cutting and joining of pipes
Here the cutting and joining of the pipe take its course. Make a 6-inch cutout of a PVC pipe and ensure that the cut end is smooth by using a piece of sandpaper to process it. This pipe’s end needs to be scuffed with a 3-inch piece of the elbow by using some fine steel wool.
After that is done, keep their surfaces clean by wiping them with dry cloths. On the scuffed points, sufficient amounts of cement primer and PVC cement should be applied before joining the elbow together with the 6-inch pipe.
To make the connection between the elbow and the pipe end good, ensure the cement applied is evenly distributed by simply twisting the pipe a little bit. The other end of the pipe should now be positioned into the sewer drain opening of your house.
3. Step Three: Connecting the elbows
Here you begin by measuring the length between the open elbow ends and then cut out a reasonable pipe length using your hacksaw. Immediately do the fitting of the pipe to the elbows, then make a close examination to see where additional adjustments are needed.
If the fitting is ideal, then scoff the ends of the pipe plus the elbows and join them together. Have it at the back of your mind that the pipe cuts end should be processed with sandpaper before thinking of connecting the components. This will make it easier to make the connection.
Make sure you use the right amount of the cement primer and the PVC cement. Spread gently and equally the bonding materials, especially by twisting the pipe a bit. You will realize that the entire system is completed at this point.
4. Step Four: raising the piping
This step involves creating some nice drops that will let any kind of wastes from the tank system flow well to the sewer. For you to achieve this effectively, use either the pipe hangers or support frame for that job.
Remember to keep the whole piping 2 inches above the ground. If you are in a position of doing it then your system should be very ready and your RV should be strongly connected to the sewer system. Try this and believe it or not, the results will be pleasing enough.
The usage tips on how to hook up RV sewer at home
It is wise enough for you to know that one can’t just wake up in the morning and start hooking up an RV sewer. That is not the case, you ought to have undergone some training and equipped yourself with the necessary skills.
Here are the important usage tips you will have to go through. At the end of it you would have achieved something:
a. Everyday practice sharpens your skills
Even though you have learned the steps of how to hook up RV sewer at home well, your first attempt will not automatically succeed. Something might go wrong without you knowing. This is the reason as to why you should not lose hope, instead keep on trying until it works for you.
You will only fail when you stop trying, and the good thing about the trial and error is that you will discover the issues to be addressed. After the faults have been realized, they will be worked on and the piping will perform excellently well. So don’t shy away from trying out.
b. Always ensure that your hands are clean
The act of keeping one’s hands clean has been a chorus for a while now, but it should be taken with a lot of seriousness. Know that when handling the system, you are better off wearing a thick pair of gloves that are waterproof. This will ensure your hands stay safe all the time.
You are at a high risk of contracting diseases and sickness when dealing with water wastes minus proper protection. Immediately you finish the job, clean your hands using soap and hot water for maximum safety.
c. Pay close attention to the components state
At some given point you might encounter the problem of the system leaking during the process of emptying the RV tank. To prevent this horrible situation, make sure you examine and inspect the quality of the components as often as possible.
In any case you spot punctured hose or cracked pipes, go ahead to replace them soon. This will help you minimize the excessive dangers you might end up having if you assume the minute faults. You must make sure that the system is preserved from the outside elements.
Precautions
It is wise enough for you to know that you will work in some contaminated area, around sawdust and sharp tools. So it is clear that proper protection should be adhered to. Take into consideration the following warnings for your utmost safety:
Before you begin the process, ensure you put on gloves.
Put on a pair of spectacles or goggles
Ensure you have the face mask on until the work is finished
- When the work is done, wash your hands in hot water using soap or any other reliable hand-washing detergent.
Wrapping Up
Have seen how easy it is to hook up your RV sewer to your house’s sewer line? We believe you now know how to hook up RV sewer at home. The process is as simple as that. Your first trial might appear to be a little challenging but after some trials, you will have learned and mastered everything. This will save you a lot of time and money.
Here is a chance to keep your RV and home neat by following this ever-trusted site when it comes to RV camping. Do you still have some areas of concern? Check more at Empactamerica for another review. Hope you don’t mind sharing your thoughts with us.