Results for "sewer"

Plumbing Easy 10 minutes 169 👍 0

Camco Rhino Sewer Hose Adapter Pro: Complete Review & Installation Guide for RV Owners

Noticed my 2018 Forest River Cherokee's cheap sewer hose adapter keeps leaking at the connection no matter how tight I make it. The Camco Rhino Sewer Hose Adapter Pro claims it works on both threaded and non-threaded outlets with some kind of clamp system, but I'm worried about spending money on something that might not actually work reliably.

Has anyone actually used this adapter successfully? I'm particularly concerned about whether the clamp system really creates a leak-resistant seal, and if it truly eliminates the need to carry multiple adapters. My RV has a non-threaded outlet and I've had nothing but problems with adapters that don't fit securely or leak during dumping. …more

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Plumbing Easy 30 minutes 103 👍 0

Fix RV Low Water Pressure on City Connection: Troubleshooting Pump Assembly

Last week my pressure regulator started reading a solid 40 PSI on city water but my water pump keeps cycling on for 5-6 seconds when everything says it should stay completely off. When I connect to city water, my water pressure regulator shows a solid 40 PSI, which should be plenty, right? But here's the weird part - my water pump keeps kicking on for about 5-6 seconds then shuts off, even though I'm connected to city water and the pump switch is supposed to be off.

The really frustrating thing is that the pressure feels weak throughout the RV, with specifically the bathroom sink and kitchen sink seeming low, though the shower has good pressure. I've already changed out the intake/check valve and don't currently have a filter in the system. I can see the pump running while on city water, which I know is not normal. I noticed the kitchen and bathroom sink screens were plugged - which might explain some pressure issues - but now I'm wondering about the toilet's low pressure. Could there be a screen in the toilet line I'm not seeing?

I've been full-timing for two years and never had this issue before. What should I be checking for? I'm handy enough to do basic repairs but need to know where to focus my troubleshooting efforts. …more

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Plumbing Easy 15 minutes 87 👍 0

How to Fix RV Washer P-Trap Dry Out and Stop Gray Tank Odors

After not using my RV's gray tank for days, my bathroom is still getting blasted with sewer smells that seem to appear out of nowhere. My 2025 Bay Star 2826 came pre-plumbed for a washer/dryer in the bedroom closet, but we decided not to install one. The problem is that horrible sewer smell keeps coming up through the washer drain pipe - it's making that whole area of the RV unbearable.

I know there's a P-trap down there that's supposed to hold water and block those gray tank odors, but since we're not using the washer connection, that trap just dries out completely. Every few weeks those awful smells come back with a vengeance. I've tried pouring water down there a couple times, which helps temporarily, but it just evaporates again.

There has to be a better long-term solution than me crawling under there with a pitcher of water every month, right? What do other RVers do when they have an unused washer hookup that keeps letting sewer gases escape? …more

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Best RV Air Conditioners

4.4 (8,100 reviews)

Plumbing Medium 30 min 86 👍 0

RV Sewer Hose Freezing Temperature & Cold Weather Protection

Nobody can seem to agree on whether I should winterize my RV sewer hose system now or wait until temperatures actually threaten my specific setup. Current setup involves a dual-hose configuration with approximately 30 feet total length running to septic connection point.

Critical issue: The final two feet of hose rises approximately two inches above the main run elevation before connecting to the septic inlet. This creates a low point where effluent can accumulate rather than draining completely. Overnight temperatures are forecast to drop to 25°F for the next 48 hours.

What is the precise freezing temperature for RV sewer hoses, and does the uphill section with potential standing water create additional freeze risk at this temperature threshold? …more

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Plumbing Medium 45 minutes 79 👍 0

Newmar Bay Star 3826 Black Tank Vent Pipe Routing: Complete RV Location Guide

This dangerous sewer smell is seeping into my Newmar Bay Star 3826 where my kids are sleeping—could the black tank vent pipe routing be putting my family at risk? I can trace the half bath black tank vent line running through or adjacent to the electrical cabinet area, but I require confirmation of this routing.

The rear bathroom black tank vent pathway is less apparent during my inspection. I need to identify where this vent line routes from the tank connection point up to the roof termination. Understanding both vent pipe locations is critical for proper system maintenance and troubleshooting potential blockage issues. …more

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Plumbing Medium 2-3 hours 79 👍 0

RV Gray Tank Draining Slowly? Fix Clogs & Flow Issues

Called around to shops about my 2019 Forest River Cherokee's gray tank drain crawling—what used to take 5-10 minutes now drags on for 30-45 minutes. The black tank still drains at normal speed, so I don't think it's a problem with the main sewer connection or hose.

I'm wondering what typically causes gray tanks to develop drainage problems over time. We do a lot of dishwashing in the RV and I'm thinking maybe grease or soap buildup could be creating blockages somewhere in the system. The flow starts out okay but quickly reduces to just a trickle, even though I know there's still plenty of water in the tank.

What are the most common culprits behind slow gray tank drainage, and what's the best approach for diagnosing and fixing these flow issues? I'd rather understand the root causes and proper solutions before I start taking things apart or using harsh chemicals that might damage the system. …more

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Plumbing Easy 15 minutes to install 76 👍 0

5 Best RV Sewer Hose Replacements for Presto-Fit Users (2024 Guide)

Noticed my Presto-Fit sewer hose replacement keeps disconnecting at the worst possible moments even though I installed it last week. After 20 blissful years with my trusty Presto-Fit sewer hose, it finally gave up the ghost. Of course, now that I need a replacement, they're nowhere to be found. It's like losing your favorite pair of underwear – you never realize how good you had it until it's gone!

I keep seeing names like Camco RhinoFLEX, Valterra Dominator, and Lippert Waste Master thrown around, but honestly, I'm drowning in options and contradictory reviews. Some people swear by thick-wall hoses, others talk about cam-lock vs bayonet fittings, and don't even get me started on the cold-weather flexibility debate.

What are the real top alternatives for us displaced Presto-Fit refugees? I need something reliable that won't leave me literally knee-deep in regret during my next dump station adventure! …more

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Plumbing Medium 60 minutes 74 👍 0

RV Toilet Won't Hold Water: Fix Bowl Drainage & Sewer Smells

Since my RV service tech insists I need to replace my entire toilet just because the water keeps disappearing from the bowl, I'm wondering if he's overselling me on what might be a simple seal issue. Pretty sure it's a seal issue but not sure if it's the ball seal, blade seal, or something with the valve itself. Getting some lovely sewer smells too which is just fantastic 🙄

Before I start tearing things apart, what's usually the culprit here? And roughly what am I looking at cost-wise for parts? Really hoping this is one of those DIY fixes and not a "call the RV guy" situation. …more

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Plumbing Easy 15-30 minutes to learn 71 👍 0

Thor Ace Macerator vs Gravity Dump: Complete RV Waste System Setup Guide

Woke up to my neighbor insisting I ditch the macerator on my 2013 Thor Ace 29.2, my dealer pushing me to keep it, and YouTube saying something completely different. How exactly does this work? Like, do I need to do something to switch between them on the passenger and driver sides, or can I just use whichever one I want whenever?

I'm assuming there's gotta be some kind of valve system to control which outlet gets the flow? Just want to make sure I don't mess something up by having both open at the same time or whatever. …more

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Plumbing Easy 30 minutes 70 👍 0

RV Sewer Hose Without Fittings: Where to Buy Bulk Hose & Replacement Options

I turned on my Class A RV this morning and discovered my 5' Camco Extreme Flex sewer hose is leaking badly everywhere. I've used multiple hoses across 5 different Class A motorhomes, and the Camco Extreme Flex has been the best, but now I'm struggling with a leak I can't seem to fix.

I keep striking out trying to find just the hose portion without fittings since I already have good fittings I can reuse from my existing 5' and 15' hoses. I don't want to go to a thinner hose with steel reinforcing. I'd ideally buy a 20' length and make a new 5' hose, keeping the remainder for future replacements.

I'm concerned - is buying bulk hose even safe for RV waste systems? Are there any reliable sources, or am I taking risks with industrial hose that wasn't meant for this? What are my safest options without having to buy complete kits with fittings I don't need? …more

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Plumbing Medium 1-3 hours 65 👍 0

RV Vacuflush Toilet Odor Fix: Stop Black Tank Smells While Driving

After six months on the road, my 2016 Fleetwood Bounder's Vacuflush toilet is eating through air fresheners faster than I can buy them thanks to relentless black tank odors. When parked, no smell at all. What causes this driving-only odor issue and how do I fix it? I'm thinking it's related to air pressure or venting but need to know the exact solution. …more

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Best RV Solar Panel Kits

4.5 (12,700 reviews)

Plumbing Easy 30 minutes 62 👍 0

RV Sewer Hose Won't Connect? Fix Tight Bayonet Fittings Fast

Somewhere between a tight budget and these impossibly stubborn RV sewer hose bayonet fittings, I need a fix under $20 — any ideas? Both the front and rear drain ports are ridiculously tight when I try to connect or disconnect the hose. I literally need a strap wrench sometimes just to get the thing off!

I'm pretty sure the bayonet fittings are just oversized - like the ears are too thick or something. Been thinking about filing them down a bit, but wondering if there's a better way to deal with this before I start grinding on my rig. Anyone dealt with stubborn bayonet connectors like this? …more

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General Easy 2-3 hours research and booking 9 👍 0

Secure RV Storage Near Port Canaveral for Cruise Passengers

Three weeks out from our cruise departure and I'm scrambling to find secure RV storage near Port Canaveral. My wife and I are planning a February 2026 cruise vacation and want to bring our 35-foot Class A motorhome down to Florida. The challenge is finding a safe place to store our rig for seven days while we're at sea - ideally somewhere with electrical hookups so our refrigerator stays running and our batteries don't drain completely. I've heard horror stories about RVs getting broken into or damaged in unsecured lots, so security is my top priority. Are there established campgrounds that allow extended parking for cruise passengers, or should I be looking at specialized RV storage facilities? …more

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