Odor Control in Your RV – Part 3 – System Components

In part 1 and part 2 of this series of posts I discussed how venting and additives can play a role in odor control in your RV. This week I tackle some waste system components that also play a role, and discuss some products I’ve found to assist.

We’ve all experienced the negative aspects of evacuating the holding tanks. We’ve all had to contend with the nasty job of attaching the sewer hose, connecting it to the dump station (somehow), and then dumping each holding tank by yanking on a cable or T-handle (both of which have the propensity to break or wear out eventually – typically at the most inopportune moment, right?). And then somehow flush out the hose without getting waste on the ground and then try to find a location to store it well away from anything else, yuck! Isn’t there an easier way? Yes!

Phase Four Industries is one of those leading edge companies that is always searching for a better method of coping with what most RVers believe to be the least enjoyable aspect of RVing, dumping the tanks.

One of their first products was an electric gate valve called Drain Master. With the push of a button from inside the comforts of the RV, holding tank evacuation can be a clean and sanitary act. The full-way 3-inch Drain Master electric valve easily replaces all standard four-bolt termination valves found on any RV. It is powered by 12-volts DC and installation is easy. Adapters are available for the smaller 1-1/4″ or 1-1/2″ gray water termination valves. Though these smaller valves are legal, I feel they actually contribute to the proliferation of gray tank odors and false monitor panel readings. It is my opinion it would benefit every segment of the RV industry if manufacturers choose instead to use only 3-inch outlets on both gray and black holding tanks. RVers would benefit by realizing a quicker exit flow rate during evacuations. Tests have proven that faster dumping sequences will increase the flushing action resulting in all waste being quickly washed away rather than having them slowly recede down the tank walls and trickle through a smaller opening. Thankfully many RV manufacturers have now adopted this as common practice.

By the way, each Drain Master valve is equipped with a manual override in case battery power is lost.

Another fine product I recommend from Phase Four is the Sewer Master. This state of the art sewer hose is like no other on the market. It is made from 20-mil polypropylene, not vinyl. How many pinholes have you seen in a relatively new vinyl hose? No other hose is as strong or as durable. And it’s repairable too. This one won’t get tossed out the second week into your trip. One unique feature is its inherent memory; no need to struggle with a floppy, accordion-like vinyl hose. This one can be extended only as far as need be. Bend graceful turns and it stays in place. If you only need eight feet to reach the sewer inlet, just extend it that far. Sewer Master is available in 12-foot or 25-foot lengths. And they’re guaranteed for one year.

Here’s another product I really like from Phase Four, the Waste Master. I’ve long felt RV manufacturers have given us the “short end of the stick” by not supplying a safe, clean, positive shut-off method of connecting the RV sewer hose to the sewer inlet in the campground. Well, the Waster Master system takes care of that dilemma.

The Waste Master hose (available up t0 25-feet in length) is permanently attached to the termination assembly (retro-fit bayonet adapters are available). This eliminates the need to waste copious amounts of fresh water rinsing out the hose after dumping. With a positive shut-off at the nozzle and a positive shut-off at each termination valve, there is never a mess to contend with, or odors emanating from a filthy, open-ended hose jammed into a storage compartment. A compartment oftentimes not even sealed from the interior of the coach. Every little bit helps! My recommended set-up includes Drain Master electric valves on each tank coupled with the Waste Master 1, Part #5525, which contains the Sewer Master hose and the permanently attached nozzle. The Waste Master system is adaptable to any coach with a large enough water bay to store the hose and nozzle. And remember, because it is a closed system, there is no odor potential. Other, more elaborate systems are also available as well.

That’s it for this week. Next week in I’ll discuss Holding Tank Blockages and a product I recommend to help with those.

Until later,
Gary Bunzer, The RV Doctor