RV parks typically have rules that they expect campers to follow. Whether you agree with them or not, you commit to following them for the duration of your stay when you make a reservation.
Violating some rules may result in a warning from the park’s staff. However, violating other rules may result in immediate ejection from the RV park.
So will RV parks kick you out for a leaky hose? Let’s take a look.
What Types of Hoses Does an RV Have?
RVs use two types of hoses — freshwater and sewer hoses. A freshwater hose transfers water from a source to an RV’s water system. You can connect it to a storage tank or the city water. The hose provides water for all of the RV faucets, toilets, and showers.
RVs also have sewer hoses. This connects the RV to a sewer outlet at the campsite or dump station. RVers at a full-hookup site typically connect their RV to the site’s sewer connection at the start of their trip and empty their tanks as needed.
Both of these RV hoses come in varying lengths. Not all RV sites are the same, and you may need every inch of a hose to connect your RV to the water or sewer connection.
Check the location of these connections at the campsite before unhitching your RV. You don’t want to discover they are too far away after you’ve already put in the effort of setting up camp.
Why Is My RV Water Hose Leaking?
If you experience a leaking hose, you should first check to ensure you have a tight connection. However, RV water hoses are notorious for developing leaks over time.
You can’t expect that it’ll last forever. If you notice leaks, it’s likely time to replace it.
Commonly, water hoses develop leaks from the gasket inside one of the fittings. These rubber or plastic parts wear down over time.
We’ve seen them fall out entirely, preventing them from creating a tight seal. If that’s the case, no matter how much you tighten the fitting, you’ll likely still experience leaking.
Why Is Water Leaking From My City Connection on My Camper?
Your RV’s city water connection might leak for several reasons. This could be due to high water pressure, a bad gasket, a failing check valve, or a loose connection.
Luckily, you can easily fix these. If you need to replace a part, you can find them at your local home improvement or RV supply store.
How Do I Stop My RV Hose From Leaking?
If you have a leaking RV hose, don’t put off getting it fixed. Address it immediately. Luckily, you can do several things to stop your RV hose from leaking.
The first and easiest thing you should do is ensure it has a tight connection. Something as simple as a loose connection can cause your RV hose to leak. Tighten the connection and see if it stops.
If not, examine the hose and check that the gasket inside of the hose isn’t damaged or fallen out. The fittings at the end of a water hose can also wear out over time. Using some plumbers tape around the ends can help stop leaks.
If either of your sewer or water hoses continue to leak, consider replacing them. Replacing an RV hose isn’t a huge expense, and you can get them at most big-box retailers and hardware stores.
What Are the Signs of a Leaking RV Sewer Hose?
Assuming that the sewer hose doesn’t have a hole, it will most likely leak near one of the connections. However, because sewer hoses rely on gravity to send the waste into the dump station’s sewer connection, waste water may run down the hose and drip onto the ground.
You’ll likely need to use a flashlight and look closely at the sewer hose to identify the exact location of the leak.
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How Do You Fix an RV Sewer Hose?
You typically can only fix an RV sewer hose if the issue is with either of the bayonet connections. You’ll simply need a razor blade to make a clean and straight cut to remove the plastic piece from the hose.
Next, slide on a circular clamp. Then place the end of the sewer hose connection into the other side before tightening the clamp.
Finally, ensure the clamp creates a water-tight seal to avoid any potential leaks. This is one project that you don’t want to rush or do a mediocre job on.
If you do, you’ll end up with a mess and possibly an angry campground manager or neighbors.
How Long Does an RV Sewer Hose Last?
The longevity of an RV sewer hose will depend on your RVing style. If you RV sporadically during peak camping seasons, you can get three to five years out of your sewer hose. However, full-time travelers who empty their tanks multiple times each week may only get a year or two out of their hoses.
Store it correctly if you want the longest life out of your sewer hose. Many RVs have hollow bumpers or tubes mounted under the RV, specifically designed to store the RV’s sewer hose. The plastic ends can become brittle when exposed to the sun for extended periods, so keep them put away when not in use.
Will RV Parks Kick You Out for a Leaky Hose?
An RV park could kick you out for a leaky hose. However, they’re most likely going to have a conversation with you regarding the leak to give you a chance to address the issue. They may ask that you fill up your fresh water tank instead of using the city water connection, so it doesn’t leak.
Because the RV park pays the water bill, they’ll likely be unhappy with you if you’re wasteful. If they’ve already had a discussion with you and you ignore their requests, then they have every right to kick you out.
Additionally, RV parks may kick you out quickly if your sewer hose leaks. This causes a health problem if sewer waste gets on the ground. It can also cause smells that disrupt other campers.
Many campgrounds and RV parks are private businesses, and they typically can reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, especially those who aren’t following the rules or ignoring requests. We’ve heard of RVers getting kicked out of campgrounds and RV parks for far less.
How Often Should You Replace Your RV Hoses?
When replacing your RV hose, it’s better to replace it too soon than too late. Asking too much from an old RV hose is a recipe for disaster. An RV sewer hose past its prime could fail in the middle of dumping your tanks, which just stinks.
Additionally, a leaking water hose could make it difficult or impossible to use water in your RV during your next trip. We recommend keeping an eye on your RV hoses and replacing them at least every two or three years to avoid any issues.
