How to Choose an RV Sewer Hose Replacement

Shopping for a new sewer hose for your RV isn’t the most exciting experience. It’s not something you or anyone else likes to deal with. However, it is necessary, and if you must buy a new hose, you might as well get something good.

Length

Once you’ve traveled in your RV for a while, you’ll realize that all sewer connections aren’t created equal. At some campsites and dump stations, you’ll be fine with a 10-foot sewer hose, but that length will leave you short more often than not. 

There’s no ideal sewer hose length for every situation. When you get an impromptu invite to a family residence for the holidays, their property may or may not have a level RV spot with an easily-accessible sewer connection.

Generally, having a longer sewer hose prepares you to empty your tanks in more situations. The downside to a longer hose is it takes up more space in your underneath compartment or bumper. Weigh these pros and cons when choosing a sewer hose replacement.

Materials

Cheap RV sewer hoses simply don’t last as long as their sturdier counterparts, which has a lot to do with what they’re made of. Durability is a major priority when choosing an RV accessory that will spill unsanitary waste if it cracks or tears. 

When comparing two hoses made of the same material, the thickness can be your deciding factor. A 26-millimeter TPE sewer hose is thicker and, therefore, slightly more durable than its 21-millimeter counterpart. 

Fittings

Not all hose fittings work with all RVs and sewer hookups. If you’re shopping for a sewer hose extension, this is a larger issue, but ensuring compatibility with your RV’s waste outlet is still important. If the hose doesn’t come with a compatible fitting, don’t try a makeshift solution – that’s a prime recipe for a smelly and embarrassing mess.

Sewer cleaning hose (sewer cleaning & jetting hose)

Do You Need an RV Sewer Hose Extension?

Whether you’re draining tanks at a campsite or dump station, you can’t be certain that you’ll always be within 15 to 20 feet. Your standard sewer hose should be fine 90% of the time, but it’s always better to have an extension than to come up short when you need it.  

RV sewer hose extensions are affordable and easy to find – just make sure you choose one compatible with your existing hose fittings. You can use your RV’s rear bumper to store the extension or add PVC pipe above or below if you’re already storing your main hose there.

When shopping for a sewer hose extension, the easiest way to ensure compatibility is to match the brand of your existing hose. Products from the same brand are typically designed to work together, so you don’t have to purchase extra fittings or adapters to establish a secure connection. 

Do You Need an RV Sewer Hose Support?

The purpose of an RV sewer hose support is to utilize gravity to empty your RV’s holding tanks more effectively. Without them, the low point of your sewer hose is often somewhere in the middle instead of being at the furthest downstream point where it enters a sewer connection. 

With sewer hose supports, everything runs downhill from your RV’s sewer outlet to your hookup. Their design reduces leftover residue after the initial dump and the amount of water needed to rinse your hose before disconnecting and storing it. 

That said, sewer hose supports are most useful for extended stays in sites with full hookups. If you’re always on the go and only utilize dump stations to empty your tanks, you most likely won’t bother with hose supports when you’re trying to empty quickly and be on your way. 

What About RV Sewer Accessories?

There are all kinds of accessories, like clear elbows and fitting adapters, hose weights, black tank rinse hoses, rinse caps, portable RV waste tanks, and more.

Only some of these are essential accessories, but they’re all nice to have. At the very least, get a clear elbow for your hose that allows you to visually check when your tanks have cleared during the dumping process. 

You’ll also benefit from a sewer hose rinse cap and a way to flush out your black tank, especially if your RV isn’t equipped with a black tank flush or you’re in the unfortunate spot of having to unclog an RV black tank.