Gray-Water Drain Cleanse

For starters, you can minimize the frequency for cleaning the drains by using a strainer in each sink and shower; Camco offers a strainer three-pack (P/N 42273) for less than $6 on Amazon. It’s also best practice to always wipe off dishes, utensils and pots/pans before washing — and never pour oil from cooking and fish cans (for example) down the drain.

Actually, we should say “pressurized water,” because you’ll need to use a standard-type metal hose nozzle with a lever (no need to get fancy here). Hook up the hose to an outside faucet (and test it for leaks before dragging it into the RV), then pull out the strainer from the drain. Insert the nozzle into the drain and stuff a towel around the gaps; microfiber towels work great. Squeeze the nozzle in short bursts, allowing water to enter the drain. Do this a few times and the crud on the sidewalls of the drain pipe and any debris causing a clog will be flushed into the holding tank.

When flushing a double galley sink, have someone hold down the strainer (if it’s the type that seals the drain) or use another towel to provide a seal. You’ll only forget this step once after getting sprayed with water.