RV Sewer Hose Guide

Carry about 20 feet of 3-inch sewer hose with a bayonet fitting for your RV's outlet and a clear elbow or threaded adapter for the dump inlet. Keep it in its own sealed container, rinse it after every dump, and replace it at the first pinhole or crack.

What you need in a sewer kit

  • Hose: 3-inch diameter, about 20 feet total. Two 10-foot sections let you use just one when the inlet is close.
  • RV-end fitting: a 3-inch bayonet (lug) fitting that twists onto your outlet. Many hoses come with it attached.
  • Inlet-end fitting: a clear 90-degree elbow, so you can see when the water runs clear, or a threaded adapter for campground sewer pipes.
  • Hose support: a folding ramp that keeps the hose sloped toward the inlet so nothing sits in it.
  • Gloves and a cap: disposable gloves, plus a cap for the RV outlet so it can't drip while you drive.

Getting the length right

At a dump station you pull alongside the inlet, so 10 feet is often enough. Campground sewer connections can be much farther from your outlet, especially at back-in sites, so a full 20 feet saves a lot of trouble. If you're always short, pull up a little closer to the inlet before adding hose. Every extra joint is another place to leak.

Using it without a mess

  1. Gloves on. Connect the hose to the RV outlet first, then seat the other end in the inlet.
  2. Make sure the hose runs downhill all the way, with no dips.
  3. Dump black first, then grey, so the grey water rinses the hose.
  4. Disconnect at the RV end first and lift the hose so the last of it drains into the inlet.
  5. Rinse it with the dump station rinse hose, never your drinking-water hose, cap both ends and store it.

Our step-by-step dump station guide covers the whole routine.

Storage and when to replace it

  • Store it in a bumper tube, a dedicated sealed tub or a storage compartment away from your fresh water gear.
  • Keep it out of the sun when you can. UV makes the hose brittle.
  • Replace it at the first pinhole, crack or loose fitting. A failing hose usually fails mid-dump.

Frequently asked questions

How long should an RV sewer hose be?

Carry about 20 feet. Many kits come as one 15- or 20-foot hose, or two 10-foot sections you can join. Dump station inlets and campground sewer connections are not always close, and a hose that is too short is the most common problem at the dump station.

Are RV sewer hoses a standard size?

The hose itself is 3 inches across. The RV end uses a standard 3-inch bayonet fitting that twists onto the outlet. The other end goes into the dump inlet, usually with a clear elbow or a threaded adapter.

How do I keep the sewer hose from popping out of the dump inlet?

Use an elbow or a threaded adapter that seats in the inlet, push it in firmly, and rest something heavy on it if the inlet is shallow. Never hold it with your hand while the black tank drains.

How often should I replace my RV sewer hose?

When it has pinholes, cracks, a split seam or stiff, brittle sections, or the fittings no longer seal. Sun and cold wear it out faster. Check it before every trip.

Can I use my sewer hose to rinse the dump station?

No. Use the dump station rinse hose for that, and never use your drinking-water hose anywhere near the sewer connection.