You’re about to hit the road for a long weekend in your RV, and you want to make sure that you’re prepared for anything. You’ve got the snacks and the clothes, but what about your sewer hose?
You want to know this because if you don’t have the correct sized pipe, it won’t fit over the hole in your sewer tank. Knowing what size PVC pipe to purchase is important, but it can be hard to pick the perfect one.
In this article, we’ll talk about why it matters what size PVC pipe you use and how to choose the best for you and your RV.
Why do you need a PVC pipe for your RV sewer hose?
So, you’re trying to figure out how big of a PVC pipe you need to use for your sewer-draining hose systems? We get it—you want to keep things as simple as possible and not have to worry about any of the details.
But then, you start looking at all the different sizes and types of PVC pipes that are available, and your head starts spinning! You don’t know where to start or what kind of pipe will work for your truck’s rear bumper. Is there even a way to figure this out?
Well, yes! We understand why this is important—you don’t want to end up with a clogged hose, or worse yet, an overflow. You can look at this video and find out what you need to know.
PVC pipes are also cheap and easy to install. They don’t corrode as metal pipes do. Different types of PVC pipes have different diameters, and the diameter determines how much water can pass through at any given time. That’s why we recommend using a larger diameter pipe when possible.
Types of PVC pipes
Let’s start by talking about what kinds of pipes there are: There are three main types of PVC pipes: CPVC (Type II), PVC (Type III), and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). Each one has its own set of advantages and disadvantages; CPVC is more durable than PVC but is also more expensive. In addition, each type has its own set of sizes—which means that if you’re trying to find a size that fits your RV sewer hose properly, you need to be precise.
1. Rigid PVC pipes
Rigid PVC pipes are the most common pipe used for Rv sewer hoses. They’re strong enough to withstand pressure from your RV’s waste system and can be used in buried sewers as well as above-ground applications. This is what you want to use for your Rv sewer hose.
2. Semi-rigid PVC
Semi-rigid PVC pipes are similar to rigid PVC pipes but can be bent easily without breaking or cracking under pressure. While they can’t withstand as much pressure as rigid PVC pipes, they’re still pretty sturdy and make great alternatives if you’re looking for something more flexible than rigid PVC pipes but less expensive than flexible PVC pipes.
3. Flexible PVC pipes
Flexible PVC pipes are made out of a softer material than rigid or semi-rigid PVC pipes which makes them easier to bend without breaking or cracking under pressure – perfect for applications where flexibility is important like when hoses need to go around corners or over bumps without kinking up!
The type that’s best for your project depends on what kind of material it will be used with and how long it will last before needing replacement or repair work done by an expert technician in their field.
Are sewer hoses in an RV all the same size?
The answer is no. Sewer hoses come in a variety of sizes depending on whether they’re going to be used in a motorhome or an RV. Motorhomes have larger tanks than RVs and therefore have longer sewer hoses (typically between 30 and 50 feet). However, both types of vehicles use 3-inch PVC pipes, which means that adapters aren’t necessary when switching from one type of vehicle to another.
How to know what size PVC pipe you should use for your RV’s sewer hose
Because PVC pipes are different, depending on what kind of tank you have, and what kind of hose you need to connect to it, you can’t just go to the hardware store and buy a hose that’ll fit your rig.
If you have a black holding tank, then you need a 3-inch hose to connect it to your pump tank (which is also 3 inches). But if you have a gray water tank, then you need a 2-inch hose to connect it to your pump tank (which is also 2 inches). That’s because gray water goes into septic tanks or other systems which require smaller pipes than black water does.
There are two common sizes for RV sewer hoses: 5/8-inch and 1-inch. But not all RVs use the same size; some will be outfitted with 1-inch hoses, while others use 5/8-inch hoses.
How to pick your perfect size
The first thing you should know is that the length of your sewer hose will depend on how long your camper or trailer is.
- If it’s longer than 18 feet, then you need a 1″ sewer hose;
- if it’s shorter than 18 feet but longer than 10 feet, then you need a 3/4″ hose;
- if it’s less than 10 feet long, then you need a 1-1/2″ hose;
- If the pipe comes out of the ground and goes into your RV’s “black tank,” then it’s likely a 5/8-inch pipe;
- If there’s no visible pipe leading from outside (or if there is one but it’s not connected), then chances are good that your Rv uses a 1-inch hose.
It’s in your best interest to make sure that your pipes have plenty of room to expand and contract as the temperature changes. This will help prevent any damage to the pipes themselves, which can lead to leaks or breaks. It will also help prevent any damage to your RV by making sure that everything is working properly. Check this video out on how to plumb in your RV using PVC pipe and things you can find at any store.
The good news is that there are adapters available for these sizes—they’ll allow you to use one size of pipe with another one when necessary.
What are your options for adapters if you don’t have exactly what you need
Many RVers will find themselves in a situation where they need to use an adapter or connector. It’s important to know what size PVC tubing you need to use for the Rv sewer hose so that you can make sure that your system is properly sized and safe. You can find them at any hardware store or online.
The best thing about adapters is that they’re inexpensive, so if you need to replace one, it won’t be too expensive and you can also DIY! If you use an adapter, such as a T-adapter or a Y-adapter, then your answer is simple: just get one that fits your hose. If you’re using a short piece of pipe to connect two longer pieces, then you’ll need to make sure that those two pieces are compatible with each other.
Once you’ve determined what type of adapter or extension you want, it’s time to figure out which length is best for your situation. If you’re connecting two sections of straight pipe together, simply measure from one end of the first section of pipe all the way through any bends or turns until it reaches its neighbor.
Another option is to use couplings instead of adapters. Couplings have threads on both ends and fit together like a nut and bolt; they aren’t as easy to get apart later on down the line as adapters are—but they’re great for connecting pipes when you don’t want them coming apart again anytime soon!
How to maintain your PVC pipes
The key thing to remember is that if you want your RV pipes to last a long time and function properly, then they need to be maintained regularly. This means cleaning out any debris around them so that it doesn’t get stuck inside them or clog up their flow. It also means checking them periodically to make sure there aren’t any cracks or holes that could cause problems later on down the line.
Always use a dumping station to empty and clean your RV sewage hose. These facilities are available in many municipal, state, and national parks as well as RV parks and campgrounds.
Conclusion
It’s important not to skimp on the size of your RV pipe, because if you don’t have enough space for everything to flow through smoothly, then you run the risk of clogs in your RV Bumper or even worse—backups. If this happens, it can lead to a lot of damage that could end up costing you a small fortune. Make sure to measure correctly and ask a professional if you are not sure what you need.
We hope you now know how important good PVC pipes are for your safety and comfort in a Travel Trailer.
Quick run-up:
- Why do you need a PVC pipe for your RV sewer hose?
- Types of PVC pipes
- Are sewer hoses in an RV all the same size?
- How to know what size PVC pipe you should use for your RV’s sewer hose
- How to pick your perfect size
- What are your options for adapters if you don’t have exactly what you need
- How to maintain your PVC pipes