Yes, you can typically hook up an RV to a sewer cleanout, and it's often considered one of the easiest ways to connect your RV to a septic tank or a household sewer system for waste disposal.
A sewer cleanout serves as an access point to a property's wastewater drainage system, designed for maintenance, clearing clogs, and in many cases, for convenient waste dumping. You'll commonly find it as a PVC pipe extending from the ground, securely sealed with a screw-on cap. To utilize this for your RV, you simply remove the cap and attach your RV's sewer hose directly into the cleanout opening.
What is a Sewer Cleanout?
A sewer cleanout is a crucial component of a home's plumbing system, providing direct access to the main sewer line. This access point is primarily used by plumbers to clear blockages, but it can also serve as a private dumping station for recreational vehicle waste.
- Appearance: Typically, a cleanout is a PVC pipe that comes out from the ground, sealed with a screw cap. Its size can vary, but it's generally large enough to accommodate an RV sewer hose.
- Purpose: While primarily for plumbing maintenance, its direct connection to the sewer or septic system makes it a practical point for RV waste disposal.
The Process: Connecting Your RV to a Cleanout
Connecting your RV to a sewer cleanout requires a few essential pieces of equipment and a methodical approach to ensure a clean and efficient dump.
Required Equipment
To safely and effectively dump your RV tanks into a sewer cleanout, you'll need the following:
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| RV Sewer Hose | The primary hose connecting your RV's waste outlet to the cleanout. |
| Clear Sewer Elbow | A transparent connector that allows you to see when tanks are fully emptied. |
| Sewer Hose Support | Elevates the hose to ensure a continuous downward slope for proper gravity flow. |
| Rubber Donut/Adapter | Creates a tight, odor-proof seal between the hose and the cleanout opening. |
| Disposable Gloves | Essential for hygiene and preventing contact with waste. |
| Rinsing Hose (Optional) | A dedicated hose (not for potable water) to rinse your tanks and sewer hose. |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Position Your RV: Park your RV as close as safely possible to the sewer cleanout to minimize the length of hose needed and ensure a good downward slope.
- Gather Supplies: Lay out all your equipment within reach. Don your disposable gloves.
- Remove Cleanout Cap: Carefully unscrew and remove the cleanout cap. Be prepared for potential odors.
- Connect Sewer Hose: Attach the clear elbow and your sewer hose securely to your RV's waste outlet. Then, insert the other end of the hose into the cleanout opening, using a rubber donut or adapter to create a tight seal if necessary. Ensure the hose has a continuous downward slope for proper drainage.
- Dump Black Tank First: Open the valve for your black water tank (toilet waste). Allow it to drain completely. The clear elbow will help you see when the flow stops.
- Flush Black Tank (Optional): If your RV has a black tank flush system, engage it with water running to rinse the tank thoroughly.
- Dump Grey Tank: Once the black tank is empty, close its valve and open the grey water tank valve (sink and shower water). The grey water will help rinse the sewer hose clean of black water residue.
- Rinse Hose: After both tanks are empty, close the grey tank valve. If you have a rinsing hose, flush a few gallons of clean water through your sewer hose to clear any remaining waste.
- Disconnect and Store: Carefully disconnect the hose from the cleanout first, then from your RV. Cap both ends of your sewer hose and store it properly.
- Replace Cleanout Cap: Securely replace the cleanout cap on the PVC pipe.
Key Considerations and Best Practices
While convenient, connecting to a sewer cleanout requires attention to detail and awareness of potential issues.
Verify the Cleanout Location
Ensure the cleanout you're using leads to a septic tank or a municipal sewer line, not a storm drain. Dumping wastewater into a storm drain is illegal and harmful to the environment. The method of connecting your RV to a cleanout is particularly common and convenient when hooking up to a septic tank.
Ensure a Secure Connection
A loose connection can lead to spills, odors, and environmental contamination. Always use an adapter or a "rubber donut" to create a tight seal between your sewer hose and the cleanout opening.
Water Flow and Tank Management
Always dump your black water tank first, followed by your grey water tank. The soapy grey water helps to rinse out the sewer hose, preventing clogs and odors.
Hygiene and Safety
Always wear disposable gloves. In case of spills, have a designated cleaning solution and water available. Avoid splashing and ensure children and pets are kept away from the dumping area.
Local Regulations and Permits
Before connecting to any sewer cleanout, especially on private property that isn't your own, confirm that it's permissible. Some jurisdictions may have specific regulations or require permits for connecting an RV to a residential sewer system.
Potential Risks
- Clogs: Improper dumping, especially of non-biodegradable items, can lead to serious clogs in the cleanout or main line.
- Backflow: Ensure your RV's wastewater system is lower than the cleanout to prevent backflow into your RV.
- Environmental Contamination: Spills can lead to soil and water contamination, posing health risks.
Advantages of Using a Cleanout
- Convenience: It offers a private and readily accessible dumping solution, especially for those with long-term RV parking at home or on private property.
- Cost-Effective: It eliminates the need to pay for dump station fees or travel to a public facility.
