RV plumbing is fairly simple. There are two holding tanks: a grey tank for sink and bath waste, and a black tank for sewage. You will use either a pressurized direct-feed water system (i.e. exterior water supply) or your holding tank with an electric pump. You must use chemical solutions to treat each of your tanks: the grey tank solution breaks down paper, waste and eliminates odor. Your RV parts and accessories store will carry different types of RV toilet and sink products. Be sure to
always use bath tissue designed specifically for RV and septic toilets.
For dumping liquid waste, there are a few essential RV plumbing accessories to have ready for any situation or sewer variances:
- Hose coupler – joins two sewer hoses together to lengthen your hose.
- Coupler bayonet adapter – a temporary hose coupling tool.
- 90 degree sewer adapter – connects hose to sewer.
- On/off adapter – a temporary tool to connect the hose to the RV.
- Coupler threaded adapter – use with 90 degree sewer adapter for threaded connections.
- Extra heavy-duty sewer hose (at least two, ten foot sections) – creates a longer hose.
- Sewer hose seal – seals sewer hose to the dump hole.
- ABS plastic piece and ABS plastic cement – for sewer connector retainer repairs.
- Extra sewer outlet cap – have on-hand in case your original breaks!
Additional RV parts and accessories related to RV plumbing are: drain stand, hose storage unit, water pressure regulator and water purifier. Also look into purchasing a wheeled, portable dump-tank. You may find yourself at a campground without full hook-up and it’s best to dump excess grey water periodically. These items aren’t necessary, but offer insurance that your RV experience will go off ‘without a hitch.’
