Sullage Instructions
2 min video: How well does a flat hose flow?
This video demonstrates the hose’s performance with both fast and low-pressure water flow. Zoe also shares quick tips on resolving kinks for optimal use.
WELCOME TO THE FLAT OUT SULLAGE HOSE GUIDE
Thinking about a Flat Out sullage hose? Or maybe you’ve already got one and want to make sure you’re getting the best out of it… either way this page is designed to help you.
Our lay-flat hoses are known for saving time and space, but it's a gravity-fed flat hose, so you're probably wondering, “How do I get this thing flowing?”
Good news! It’s simpler than you might think. With a few clever setup tricks (which we’ll cover below), you’ll enjoy great flow and see why so many Aussies have ditched bulky, traditional hoses for this compact and lightweight greywater solution.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
"Which one should I get?" is a question we are often asked. Firstly, you
do not need to select a hose based on the outlet on your van. There is no standard sullage
outlet size for Caravans/RVs in Australia. However this is no cause for concern, as fittings and conversion
parts are easy to come-by.
We suggest you select a hose based on your space, length and flow requirements and then acquire fittings
accordingly. See the decision quiz that follows for how we help people choose.
Regarding fittings, we stock a few helpful attachments yet if none of those qualify, we suggest you talk to your local pumps/irrigation or caravan parts specialist. They will carry a significantly wider range, you simply need to ensure your outlet finishes on a downward pointing barbed fitting of the same size as the hose you choose (i.e. 25mm or 32mm).
Flat Out Sullage Hose Decision Quiz
(tap the image)
Ensure you check that your hose connects to the van from a downward-facing or 45-degree outlet. A horizontal outlet will cause the hose to sag, fold, and restrict flow. If your outlet is horizontal, see section C below for adaptation options.
Caravan sullage outlets come in various shapes and sizes—unfortunately, there’s no standard fitting across vans. However, converting them to work with your Flat Out sullage hose is easy with the right parts, which are readily available.
Flat Out sullage hoses are designed to fit standard irrigation fittings of the corresponding size.
Example:
- a 25mm Flat Out hose fits snugly over a 25mm (1 inch) barbed irrigation tail.
- a 32mm Flat Out hose fits snugly over a 32mm (1 ¼ inch) barbed irrigation tail.
Here’s how you can create some common conversions:
- Visit a dedicated irrigation store for a wide range of parts.
- Many 25mm-sized fittings are also available at Bunnings for added convenience.
- We’re continually updating the Sullage Accessories section of our website as we discover popular combinations, so check back regularly for new solutions!
Here are some of the more common sullage outlets we see on caravans and the best way to connect each one of them.
What you see pictured here is a grey water tank outlet fitted with a Type A (sometimes F) camlock male part. This camlock male fits inside camlock B,C or D type parts. You will need to measure the size of your male end to get the right size female.
You can create a quick-connect camlock converter for the flat out gear with just a couple of parts.
Usually this pipe on a caravan in Aus is 1" or 1 ¼" BSP thread. If you can't read the label on the pipe, you can measure it. Here is a guide to finding out the size on your van.
This is a standard plumbing thread, the easiest thing to do when you know the thread size is purchase a threaded MF elbow and then a barbed fitting with a male thread. We have made up some common combinations for you with parts from irrigation stores here:
Like the female threaded parts mentioned above, you will first need to know your size, and the difference here is that you will need a FF elbow to start rather than a MF part.
Here are the ones we have made below, but again you can make it up from parts at your local pumps and irrigation store.
The Jayco Twin Waste Water Adaptor is perfect for caravans that need to convert two outlets into one. It includes a 25mm barb fitting, two 32mm ID x 400mm clear hoses, one 25mm nut and tail, and a white PVC adaptor. Easy to use, it’s compatible with many Jayco caravans for reliable waste water management.
While we don’t sell them ourselves, they are available from other suppliers.
If there is variance between the brands of fittings and your hose is loose, use a giant peg to hold it there. It isn't under pressure so does not need perfect seals.
1. Remove outer plug, connect to van and walk away to unspool.
2. Run your hose to the drain in smooth, flowing curves rather than tight bends. Avoid folds, as they restrict flow.
3. Your hose comes in two lengths. Use the shortest length needed to reach the drain, and use the provided joiner to extend the hose only when necessary. A shorter run ensures better flow.
6m Sullage Hose on Compact Multi-Reel C3K
9m Sullage Hose on Narrow/Original Multi-Reel M3/M3NK/M4K
4. If your site includes a dedicated drain pipe, attach the provided drain adaptor to your hose and secure it to the pipe. This will direct the flow downward and prevent the hose from kinking at the connection point.
1. Run clean water through your camper sink or shower to flush the hose. Detach it from the RV and insert the end plug into one end of the hose.
2. Align the plugged end with the rubber guides on the Multi-Reel, then slide it into place.
3. Wind the first length of hose while walking along, allowing water to drain naturally. At the junction, remove the joiner.
4. Insert approximately 10cm of the second hose into the end of the first hose. Wind carefully to maintain a firm grip and continue until the hose is fully wound.
5. Detach the drain adaptor and secure the second end cap onto the protruding end of the hose.
How to reset and care for your sullage hose
If your sullage hose has become sticky, flat, or won’t return to its circular shape, don’t worry—it’s an easy fix. Simply pour boiling water over the hose to reset it to round. The heat won’t damage the hose, but be sure to protect your skin while handling hot water. (See our video for a demonstration.)
Tips for Maintaning Your Hose and Grey Water System
- Pre-Wipe Grease off Plates: Use paper towel to wipe grease from plates and pans before washing dishes. This helps keep your pipes, grey water tank, and hoses cleaner.
- Flush Your Hose Before Packing Up: Run clean or soapy water through the hose before storing it. An easy trick? Make showering your final task before pack-up. Shampoo and soap will clean out the tank and hose naturally, leaving it ready for storage.
- Use Grey Water Tank Cleaners: Solutions designed for maintaining grey water tanks are safe for your sullage hose. When you are cleaning your tank, draining the treatment solution via your Flat Out hose means your tank isn't the only thing that gets a clean.
