RV Sewer

How to Dump Black and Gray RV Waste Tanks article.

How to Clean Your RV Black Tank article.

How to Unclog an RV Toilet, Sink or Shower article.

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Keep Your RV Sewer System Clean, Hassle-Free, and Smelling Fresh.

Maintaining your RV sewer and plumbing system is a messy task, which is why at etrailer.com it is our goal to help you find the parts you need without getting your hands dirty. From replacement sewer hoses to sewer adapters, waste valves to hose supports, and even minty fresh holding tank treatments, we've got what you need. Let our experts help you flush away your shopping worries, and get you back on the road to your next adventure.

With over 75 years of assisting our neighbors and customers, over 1 million photos and videos taken to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need, and over 35 thousand installations completed, we’ve got the product know-how and experience to help you make the right choices for the job at hand.

What’s the right way to empty my RV’s black and gray tanks?

If you want to avoid nasty surprises (and trust me, you do), always empty the black tank first and then the gray tank. The gray water helps flush out anything left in the sewer hose, making cleanup easier. When you’re at a dump station, hook up the sewer hose securely before pulling the black tank valve—last thing you want is a loose connection. Once it’s emptied, flush it out with water if your RV has a built-in rinse system or run some extra water through the toilet. Then, open the gray tank to wash out the hose. Taking the time to do it right means fewer odors, fewer clogs, and a much cleaner system overall.

How do I keep my RV’s sewer system from clogging up?

The biggest mistake new RVers make is treating their black tank like a regular toilet—it’s not. Always use RV-friendly toilet paper that breaks down quickly, and don’t flush anything that isn’t waste or TP (seriously, no wipes, no paper towels). Using plenty of water with each flush helps keep everything moving, and adding a good black tank treatment regularly helps break down waste and control odors. If you’re parked for a while, don’t leave your black tank valve open—let the tank fill up before emptying so liquids and solids exit together instead of leaving a sludge pile behind.

How often should I clean my sewer hose and tanks?

If you want to avoid sewer smells creeping into your RV, cleaning your tanks regularly is a must. After every dump, give the black tank a good rinse, either with a built-in flushing system or by running a hose down the toilet for a few minutes. Every so often, fill the tank with water, add some cleaner or a tank treatment, and let it soak before draining. Your sewer hose also needs a rinse after each use—many dump stations have a dedicated water hose for this. Letting your hose drain fully before storing it keeps it from getting gross between uses.

Why does my RV’s sewer system smell so bad, and how do I fix it?

If your RV starts smelling like a porta-potty, there are a few likely culprits. First, check your tank vents—if they’re clogged, sewer gases can’t escape properly. A good tank flush and making sure the vent pipe isn’t blocked by debris or critters can help. Second, dried-out P-traps under sinks and showers can let odors seep in—just run some water through them to reseal the trap. And if the smell is coming from the black tank, you might need to add a tank treatment or flush it out better after dumping. Regular maintenance keeps your RV smelling fresh and your tank sensors working properly.

Why does my RV’s sewer system smell so bad, and how do I fix it?