Sewer "Donut" required?

Camper_bob · 08-22-2018, 12:42 PM

Not an earth-shattering question, just more of a curiosity to me...

So, I'm going to a place soon that states in the written policy that health code requires the use of a sewer "donut" on the stinky slinky. No problem really, I ordered one from Amazon with something else I was ordering so I would have it.

So here's my question: Would you still need a donut if your elbow screws into the sewer outlet? My elbow is threaded, so I can screw it into most sewer outlets of varying sizes, creating a much better seal than any donut...

I guess I could see the need if the outlet was not threaded, but most of them are because they have a cap installed when not in use. I have seen a handful that were not though, so maybe a donut is a good thing to have around anyway...

I've never been to a place that stated specifically in the policy that a donut was required (or at least not that I know of).

Marcm157 · 08-22-2018, 12:51 PM

I've never used a donut if I have a threaded pipe to connect with. It seems like it would be counter productive as the screw type setup is much more secure. Maybe it has something to do with sewer gasses?

SloPoke · 08-22-2018, 01:11 PM

I asked many of the parks in Florida we stayed in... The donut is required if you are just shoving the hose into the sewer connection - If you have a threaded end, they consider that the donut is not needed.

Camper_bob · 08-22-2018, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SloPoke

I asked many of the parks in Florida we stayed in... The donut is required if you are just shoving the hose into the sewer connection - If you have a threaded end, they consider that the donut is not needed.

HA! It's actually a park in Florida that I'm going to!

Yes, I would assume it's to control the escape of sewer gasses...

WinnieView · 08-22-2018, 01:37 PM

Why not just use one and always be 'in compliance'.

Camper_bob · 08-22-2018, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2008Seneca

Why not just use one and always be 'in compliance'.

Well, that's why I bought one.

But to me screwing my threaded elbow into the sewer outlet is a better, more effective method than trying to wedge a donut in there. Assuming the outlet is threaded; again if NOT threaded, I can see the purpose.

Marcm157 · 08-22-2018, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2008Seneca

Why not just use one and always be 'in compliance'.

Because in my experience they are not nearly as secure as a threaded connection. I've had my hose "lift" out of a donut before but I've never lost a screwed connection

Robbbyr · 08-22-2018, 02:10 PM

Back in my early camping days many parks with sewer connections just had the "bell" end of a clay or cast iron pipe coming out of the ground. No threads. Most sewer hoses then had no fitting on the discharge end, just the hose. So to secure it into the sewer to prevent leakage of effluent or sewer gas you used a donut to seal things up. In some cases where the sewer connection was level with the ground (or even slightly below grade) the donut also helped to keep surface water out during heavy rains so the campground's sewer treatment system did not become overloaded treating rainwater.

With the advent of "cheap" ABS and PVC piping, threaded fittings became common at the inlet connection and slinky manufacturers started offering elbows with corresponding threaded ends. If you have a threaded sewer inlet connection, use that system and no donut required. But there are still campgrounds with just the pipe end coming out of the ground, luckily my sewer end slips into the donut and all is good.

**norty1** · 08-22-2018, 02:20 PM

I have one in my sewer junk box but have not used it in years.

If I pitched it, there would be a un-threaded connection at the next campsite.

oldmanAZ · 08-22-2018, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

I have one in my sewer junk box but have not used it in years.

If I pitched it, there would be a un-threaded connection at the next campsite.

What he ^^^^ said.

But I've NEVER needed to use it.

**Midnightmoon** · 08-22-2018, 04:13 PM

I carry one with me but I can't remember the last time I've used it if ever.

crumgater · 08-22-2018, 04:20 PM

Huh. We don't have a "donut"... we do have a tapered & threaded final end piece that fits snug in all the ports we've pumped into... and I would know, as I am the one with my nose over the hole... since I'm the one that gets to put my foot on the hose to keep it secure, just in case.

And, we don't leave the hose in the receptacle when we're not dumping, we disconnect to avoid any sewer fly infestations or other critters coming up the pipe, so a firm, air-tight seal (when my foot's not present) is not a problem.

Old skipper · 08-22-2018, 04:25 PM

I am odd man out as I use the donut many times a year. No screw threads on the capped dump stations at many state parks.

wags999 · 08-22-2018, 05:11 PM

Yes the donut is to stop sewer gas's from escaping and you and your neighbors having to smell it. I don't understand not leaving your hose connected when stationary at a campground with full hook ups. I have never seen "critters" and I have worked at campgrounds for 6 years now, and have dug up and replaced my share of sewer pipes...if your really worried about it, you can dip your hose to form a trap, so gas or other things can't get back into your RV. Seems to be a PIA to keep connecting and un connecting your hose to me... Where we are at this season we have no threaded connections so a donut helps greatly to eliminate sewer gas.

Happy Camping, season is winding down..

**norty1** · 08-22-2018, 05:18 PM

What ever your aversion to gas is, the rubber plug does help when appropriate.

I like a water trap in my drain hose because it can keep critters from coming into your tank from the sewer.

I have opened the 4 inch sewer connection at some sites and seen roaches, bugs or flies in there. Ugh, A bend/ trap in the pipe will put a stop to that and any additional smells from entering your tanks and making things worse.

Glad I'm done with supper!

**Janet H** · 08-22-2018, 05:43 PM

Unless something has changed in the last year Florida State health laws require the use of donuts to connect to sewer lines at rv parks. I would pack one along if you are planning on camping in FL... just in case.

bdreinv · 08-22-2018, 06:02 PM

OMG never seen one living in Arizona. Remember park outside of Tombstone required screw in fitting.Lots of places here satisfied with a big rock!

Rustysocket · 08-22-2018, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janet H

Unless something has changed in the last year Florida State health laws require the use of donuts to connect to sewer lines at rv parks. I would pack one along if you are planning on camping in FL... just in case.

The donut thing in florida is likely a case of the wording of the law not keeping up with the times of a screw fitted "airtight" connection. I can't imagine a reasonable health department official writing a ticket or whatever they are capable of doing if one was using a airtight connection whether that was accomplished with a donut or a screw fitted connection.

Then again, I could be entirely wrong.

Robbbyr · 08-22-2018, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rustysocket

The donut thing in florida is likely a case of the wording of the law not keeping up with the times of a screw fitted "airtight" connection. I can't imagine a reasonable health department official writing a ticket or whatever they are capable of doing if one was using a airtight connection whether that was accomplished with a donut or a screw fitted connection.

Then again, I could be entirely wrong.

I am trying to wrap my head around how one would use a donut if you have a screw-in connection. Best I could do would be to lay it on top of the connection!

**norty1** · 08-22-2018, 06:36 PM

Have you ever seen one of these? sewie pig!!!

Sewiepig RV sewage accessory

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