The Best RV Sewer Hoses: Avoid Sewage Leaks

Get the dirty work done as quickly and cleanly as possible.

byChris Teague|
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BYChris Teague/ LAST UPDATED ON October 12, 2021

Those of us who are comfortable living life on the road already know about the world of RV sewer hoses and the sometimes gross job of draining a black water tank. It’s a fact of life, but it doesn’t have to be disgusting and you don’t have to dread the process every time. Choosing the right RV sewer hose is key in making your life as easy, and as less gross, as possible. But how do you pick one? What features are going to be right for you? Thankfully, you have The Drive’s editors who have done much of the legwork for you by finding the right products to get your adventure started.

Best Overall

Lippert Waste Master 20’ Sewer Hose

Summary

The Waste Master features a unique connection and clever design.

Pros
  • Nozzle makes life much cleaner and easier
  • Smooth interior of hose prevents debris buildup
  • Directions and manufacturer videos are extremely helpful
Cons
  • May require modifications to some RVs
  • More expensive than many competitors
  • Requires accessories to use other connector types after installation
Best Value

Thetford Titan 15-foot Premium RV Sewer Hose

Summary

The Thetford Titan offers great value and solid usability in an easily storable design.

Pros
  • Crush-proof design
  • Affordable
  • Easily expandable with extra hose
Cons
  • Doesn’t always stay collapsed in storage
  • Hose connections can pop off if put under stress
  • Not as flexible as others
Honorable Mention

Camco RhinoExtreme 20ft RV Sewer Hose

Summary

Reasonable pricing and an easy-to-use design make the Camco RhinoExtreme a great pick.

Pros
  • Crushproof design
  • Easy use and storage
  • Reasonable price
Cons
  • Bulky and does not stay collapsed in storage
  • Some users report that the hose is stiff out of the box and hard to handle
  • Elbow and connector design don’t work with all RV drain designs

Best RV Sewer Hoses Reviews & Recommendations

The Lippert Waste Master sewer hose features a cam lock connector that makes a secure, leak-proof connection. The permanently attached nozzle features a handle for easy gripping and the hose’s interior is smooth to prevent the accumulation of debris. You can also hook up without worry of puncturing the hose, as Lippert states its tough design can stand up to harsh treatment.


Lippert’s nozzle tech is what really sets it apart from the rest, as it features a port that shows when the hose is fully drained and clean, and the tapered rubber seat fits into nearly any inlet size. That said, some RV connections may require slight modification to use properly, and accessories will be required to use with other connector types. It’s also expensive.

Specs:
  • Brand: Lippert
  • Model Number: 359724
  • Weight: 10 pounds

Pros:

  • Nozzle makes life much cleaner and easier
  • Smooth interior of hose prevents debris buildup
  • Directions and manufacturer videos are extremely helpful

Cons:

  • May require modifications to some RVs
  • More expensive than many competitors
  • Requires accessories to use other connector types after installation

The Titan is one of the longest lasting and more value priced hoses on the market. It comes with everything you need to install and use and is designed to stand up to harsh temperatures. The hose is also shaped to prevent crushing, which helps prevent kinks and tangles. Thetford also makes an extension hose that pushes this hose length out to 25 feet.


If you are tight on storage space like many RVs are, the Titan can “accordion” back onto itself, greatly reducing the amount of space needed for storage. That said, without securing it, it may expand while in storage and take up more room than advertised. Likewise, the hose connections can pop off if put under extreme stress and it’s not as flexible as some of the others on this list. 

Specs:
  • Brand: Thetford
  • Model Number: 17853
  • Weight: 4.5 pounds

Pros:

  • Crush-proof design
  • Affordable
  • Easily expandable with extra hose

Cons:

  • Doesn’t always stay collapsed in storage
  • Hose connections can pop off if put under stress
  • Not as flexible as others

The Camco RhinoExtreme is one of the most durable and easy-to-use designs and comes in two 10-foot sections. The included fittings should work with most RV designs, and it features a crushproof design that won’t deform or become unusable if stepped on or rolled over by a golf cart. 


The hose also comes with a transparent connector elbow so you can see when the tank is empty and the job is done, and it’s backed by one of the biggest names in the RV world. It is, however, quite bulky, and though it’s advertised as being collapsible, if you don’t secure it properly when storing, it may unravel unintentionally. It can also be quite stiff out of the box.

Specs:

  • Brand: Camco
  • Model Number: 21012
  • Weight: 5.44 pounds

Pros:

  • Crushproof design
  • Easy use and storage
  • Reasonable price

Cons:

  • Bulky and does not stay collapsed in storage
  • Stiff out of the box and hard to handle
  • Elbow and connector design don’t work with all RV drain designs

While the Valterra Viper has a cool name, beyond that, it’s also a durable, flexible, and cleverly designed sewer hose. It features a compact design that allows it to collapse down to just 50 inches for storage and comes in two 10-foot pieces for a just-right length. The hose has a clear adapter with a tight connection that allows an open view of the flow and the ability to determine when the tank is fully drained.


Outside the handiness of having a two-piece design, which saves you effort when you’re closer to whatever container you’re dropping the black water tank’s refuse into, it does have a few issues. First, it’s not as durable as some rival brands and can become damaged if not treated properly. Second, it doesn’t want to hold its form, and that can lead to kinks in the line. And lastly, Valterra’s customer service isn’t the best of the bunch and can be difficult to get a hold of.

Specs:

  • Brand: Valterra Products, LLC
  • Model Number: D04-0475
  • Weight: 5.21 pounds

Pros:

  • Easy storage and collapsible design
  • Clear connectors for better visibility
  • Two 10-foot sections of hosing

Cons:

  • Not as durable as competitors
  • Does not hold form as well as others
  • Valterra customer service can be hard to reach

The Camco RhinoFLEX sewer hose provides a combination of low price, high quality, and an easy-to-use design. It’s compressible down to 56 inches for easy storage, features a clear elbow design to allow better visibility, and is available in a variety of sizes. Sweetening the whole package, Camco sells the RhinoFLEX for way less than most.


What we don’t appreciate is that despite the affordable price, the durability isn’t quite up to par with the rest of the brand’s other sewer hoses. Leaks can occasionally occur at the connection point, and the packaging can arrive with damage. That said, Camco’s customer service, warranty, and return policy are all top notch if these situations occur.

Specs:

  • Brand: Camco
  • Model Number: 39770
  • Weight: 3 pounds

Pros:

  • Extremely affordable price
  • Easy storage
  • 4-in-1 adapter for almost universal fit

Cons:

  • Some report less than ideal durability
  • Connections sometimes leak
  • Packaging sometimes arrives damaged

How We Selected RV Sewer Hoses

The Drive’s editors eat, sleep, and breathe products that help you with your life as an enthusiast. No, we don’t eat or breathe RV sewer hoses, to be exact, but we have spent more time than we’d like to admit reading reviews, researching products, and cross-checking specs. You can trust that we’ve done our homework to find products that you can feel good about buying and using.

When it comes to RV sewer hoses, we looked at a few main characteristics to make our choices. The hose has to be fairly easy to use, as in, it can’t take three people to connect and drain your RV’s tanks every time. It needs to be durable and last at least as long as the manufacturer claims that it will. Finally, we looked for products with clever designs that make the sometimes unpleasant job of emptying the tanks quicker and less annoying.

Our product selections, rankings, and awards for this story are based on research. While we haven’t conducted real-world testing on all of these products yet, we’ve looked at consumer testimonials and data, tutorials, and general discussions on social media and in forums. We also consider price and specification in the context of the segment. And, of course, we rely on our institutional knowledge of the automotive landscape to weed out weak products.

Buying Guide/What to Look For 

There are so many sewer hoses on the market that it can be hard to tell which one offers the features and functionality you need. 

What to Consider When Buying RV Sewer Hoses

Fit and Design

You’ll notice that, with the exception of one hose, all of the products we listed here use a common bayonet connection. This is important because it means that all but one can be used out of the box without modification or additional work from you. It’s also important to study the design of the hose to ensure that it will fit in the storage space you need and that it will fit your RV’s connection point.

Ease of Use

Some hoses feature special linings or coatings that prevent the buildup of debris and make the drainage process quicker. These hoses may or may not be as collapsible or as easy to store as others, so it’s important to understand the features of each. 

Durability

You won’t be able to find a hose to last until the end of time. It’s just not possible. However, you can find a hose that suits your needs and can stand up to a little abuse. In general, a hose that can resist crushing is a good idea. Since the hose will be laying on the ground, sometimes in confined, high-traffic areas, it’s a good idea to find one that won’t smash to pieces if stepped on. 

Price

It’s true that you get what you pay for. But focusing on price alone can lead to some heartbreak, and in the case of sewer hoses, big messes. Look for a hose that offers a good balance of budget pricing and durability. 

RV Sewer Hose Tips and Tricks

As with something you do for decades upon decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks along the way in terms of selecting the right product, and/or using it. That’s the case with us and RV sewer hoses. To help you bridge the information gap, here’s a selection of what we’ve learned along the way.

  • It’s better to buy a longer hose than you need to ensure you’ll be able to reach the dump station.
  • Be careful to look for a durable hose that is also flexible enough to be stored properly.
  • Heavy-duty fittings and seals are great, but if they give you arthritis to use, you’re going to tire of using the hose.
  • If your RV has a tight space around the drain or oddly shaped body work around the drain area, you’ll want to make sure that the hose you choose will fit. 

FAQs

Q: How long should my RV sewer hose be?

It’s better to have more than you need than not enough, but in general, it’s best to aim for between 10 and 20 feet of hose. Many hose manufacturers sell units that come in two pieces, so you can use one or both, depending on your needs.

Q: Why does my RV smell bad after I drain the tank?

Your RV may have a less-than-fresh smell after draining because debris and other gunk can build up around the valves and pipes that carry waste out of the vehicle. It’s a good idea to clean as much as possible and to clean your sink and shower drains at the same time.

Q: Can I use bleach to clean my black water tank?

It’s best to avoid using bleach or other caustic cleaning agents that can damage seals or cause issues with internal plumbing. Find a cleaning product that advertises as being safe for RV tank cleaning.

Q: How often should I replace my RV sewer hose?

In general, you’ll want to look at replacing your RV sewer hose every 32-36 months, depending on how often and heavily it has been used. If you notice damage, cracking, or leaks, it’s a good idea to go ahead and replace the hose as soon as possible. 

Q: Where do I store my RV sewer hose?

Most RVs come with a storage container near the rear bumper. If yours has such a storage space, measure it before buying a hose to make sure that the hose you select will fit.

Final Thoughts

There are dozens of RV sewer hoses, many of which will serve your needs just fine. Check out our best overall pick, the Lippert Waste Master 20’ Sewer Hose, which is highly durable and has a unique design. For a better deal, consider the Thetford Titan 15-foot Premium RV Sewer Hose.

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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