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texasAUtiger's avatar
texasAUtiger
Explorer
Jul 15, 2015

Hoses for dedicated back flush of black tank

My TT has an exterior inlet to connect a hose to back flush the black tank. I normally carry a white fresh water hose and a green general purpose hose (for spraying off feet, etc.). Is it ok to use that general purpose green hose for the back flushing the black tank or must I use a dedicated hose for backflushing?
  • There is a check valve in the water line between the tank and the hose connection. This prevents anything from back feeding into the hose. You also need to blow that line out if you winterize. That valve will freeze and break if you don't. Then next time you use you will have a flooded camper. I have not found a way to get pink stuff in that line as pressure has to push it past and through that valve.
  • I don't see why you couldn't use the green hose, my black tank hose is blue making it simple to distinguish from our pair of white freshwater hoses.
  • There is a back flow prevented in the line. I also have two hoses hooked to the spigot at a campground, one for drinking and one for whatever, just don't leave it hooked to the tank flush. Someone will eventually turn it on.
  • I use one of the soft-squishy hoses "as seen on TV". Since there is really no back pressure from the flush valve the hose seems to work just fine. It takes up almost no room and can't be confused for another purpose.
  • So I do not need to worry about any type of back pressure sucking sewage into my green hose?
  • You can use your green general water hose. Just be aware that some dump sites have non potable water only so you might be running dirty water through the green hose and you probably shouldn't drink from the hose if used with non potable water.
  • I use a dedicated one for it just so I stay consistent with the fresh water white hose I use a grey one for the back flush.