Whether you're converting a campervan, RV, or motorhome in New Zealand, understanding self-containment regulations and waste hose requirements is crucial. A proper waste hose setup ensures you're compliant, comfortable, and environmentally responsible. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about waste hoses, from the "why" to the "how," and the best places to source your gear.

What Exactly Is a Waste Hose?

In simple terms, a waste hose—also known as a sullage or grey-water hose—is used to drain wastewater from your campervan’s sink, shower, or any onboard plumbing into approved dump stations or portable wastewater tanks.

A waste hose on a campervan is a hose used to drain wastewater, also known as grey water, from the campervan's holding tank to a designated disposal point. This hose is essential for managing wastewater and ensuring proper hygiene while traveling.

Note: Waste hoses are only required when your campervan has a fixed grey water tank. If you're using portable grey water containers, a dedicated waste hose is not needed, as the tank itself can be detached and emptied manually at a dump station.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Purpose:
The waste hose is designed to connect the campervan's grey water tank to a dump station or other approved disposal point. Proper waste management improves comfort and convenience on the road, and is key to being a responsible traveller.

Types of Waste:
Campervans typically have two types of waste: grey water (from sinks, showers, and sometimes washing machines) and black water (from the toilet). While grey water is less harmful, it still contains soap, food particles, and bacteria that require proper disposal.

Grey Water Management:
Grey water is collected in a separate tank and must be emptied at designated dump points. Using a proper hose setup ensures cleanliness, reduces odour, and avoids overflow.

Sullage Hose:
A sullage hose is a type of grey water hose, often with a smooth interior to prevent food particles from getting stuck. It’s flexible, durable, and designed for regular use with greywater systems.

Importance of Proper Disposal:
It's crucial to dispose of wastewater responsibly to protect the environment and comply with local laws. Dumping waste on roadsides or near waterways can result in environmental harm and hefty fines.

Hose Characteristics:
Waste hoses must be flexible, chemical-resistant, UV-resistant, and sized appropriately (usually 25 mm in NZ). They should connect easily to your tank and dump station.

Connection Points:
The hose connects securely to the campervan's grey water outlet and the inlet at dump points. Secure fittings like cam-locks or threaded adapters are common.

Safety:
Always ensure the waste hose is securely connected before draining. Never travel with a full grey water tank, and clean your hose after each use to maintain hygiene.

NZ Self-Containment Regulations Overview

Self-containment certification (the green or yellow sticker) ensures your campervan meets environmental and sanitary guidelines.

According to NZS 5465:2001 (updated in 2023), the regulations around waste hoses are clear:

• Minimum Hose Length: The waste hose must be at least 3 metres long for vehicles with fixed grey-water tanks.
  
  
• Hose Diameter: Recommended internal diameter is 25 mm.
• Material Requirements: The hose must be made from durable, non-toxic, and UV-resistant material such as flexible PVC or EPDM rubber.
  
  
• Ventilation: If the hose exceeds 3 metres, a breather or vent must be installed to avoid vacuum pressure.
  
  
• Fittings and Sealing: The hose must be securely connected with appropriate fittings (cam locks, screw threads, or bayonets), and include an end-cap or stopper to prevent leakage and odours when not in use.
  
  
• Storage: When not connected, the hose must be stored in a way that prevents drips or contamination of the surrounding area (often in a separate container or external tube).
  
  
• Flow and Gradient: It must allow effective flow of grey water away from the van, ideally sloped to prevent stagnant water or backflow.
  
  

Certification Types:

• Green Warrant: Fixed wastewater and toilet installations; preferred by councils.
  
  
• Yellow Warrant: Portable wastewater tanks and toilets; limited freedom camping locations.
  
  

Waste Hose Kits (Ready-to-Use with Fittings)

When setting up your self-containment system, one of the easiest ways to get started is by choosing a complete waste hose kit. These kits come pre-assembled or bundled with all the essential components—saving time, reducing guesswork, and helping ensure your campervan meets self-containment requirements from the outset. Whether you're after something simple for a DIY build or a reliable plug-and-play option for a professional install, a kit can make the job a whole lot easier.

Why Choose a Ready-Made Waste Hose Kit?

Ready-to-use waste hose kits are a convenient and often cost-effective solution for anyone installing a self-containment system. Here’s why they’re a popular choice:

• All-in-One Convenience: These kits typically include the hose, camlock fittings, valves, caps, and sometimes mounting hardware—saving you time hunting down individual parts.
  
  
• Compatibility Guaranteed: Since all components are designed to work together, you avoid the common issue of mismatched thread sizes or incompatible connectors.
  
  
• Compliance Confidence: Many kits are specifically designed to meet New Zealand’s green warrant self-containment standards, making certification simpler.
  
  
• Better Value: Buying a bundled kit is often cheaper than sourcing each part separately, especially when you factor in shipping and hardware store markups.
  
  

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider:

• Component Quality Varies: Some kits use budget hose or fittings that may not last as long or be as durable as higher-grade alternatives.
  
  
• Less Flexibility: If your van setup has unique plumbing or fitting needs, a pre-made kit might not be a perfect fit without modification.

Options

SelfContained.co.nz – 25 mm Evacuation Kit

• Includes: 3 m grey water hose, cam-lock fittings, ball valve, end cap
  
  
• Compliance: Fully compliant with NZ green warrant regulations
  
  
• Price: ~$114.99
  
  
• Best for complete, compliant fixed installations
  View Product
  
  

SelfContained.co.nz – 32 mm Evacuation Hose Kit

• Includes: 3 m 32 mm hose, cam-lock fittings, ball valve, cap
  
  
• For larger plumbing setups
  
  
• Price: ~$119.00
  
  
• Ideal for fixed 32 mm grey water tank systems
  View Product
  
  

RV World NZ – 25 mm Waste Hose Kit

• Includes: 3 m hose, ball valve, camlocks, and dust cap
  
  
• Designed for NZ campervans and RVs
  
  
• Price: ~$199.00
  
  
• Premium quality kit for general van use
  View Product
  
  

RV World NZ – 32 mm Waste Hose Kit

• Features: 3 m flexible hose (32 mm), quick couplers, valve, cap
  
  
• Price: ~$235.00
  
  
• Good for larger grey water outlets and heavy-duty setups
  View Product
  
  

RV Super Centre – Camco Rhino Flex Waste Hose Kit

• Includes: 3 x 1.5 m hoses, swivel bayonet and lug fittings, clear elbow
  
  
• Premium USA-made hose with high crush-resistance
  
  
• Price: ~$180.00
  
  
• Best for RVs and long-term travellers
  View Product
  
  

Burnsco – Grey Waste Dump Kit

• Includes: 3 m 25 mm hose, tap, male camlock, ball valve
  
  
• Price: ~$99.99 (sale prices often available)
  
  
• Compact, straightforward setup for green warrant vans
  View Product
  
  

Valves Direct – 32 mm Waste Hose Kit (Compact BV)

• 32 mm hose with compact ball valve, designed for tight spaces
  
  
• Includes fittings and cap
  
  
• Price: ~$134.00
  
  
• Ideal for under-van installs
  View Product
  
  

Valves Direct – 32 mm Waste Kit for Motorhomes (Complete)

• Complete 1 1/4" grey water evacuation kit
  
  
• Includes hose, valve, camlocks and attachments
  
  
• Price: ~$199.00
  
  
• Best for motorhome plumbing compliance
  View Product
  
  

Caravan Camping & Marine – 25 mm Grey Hose Kit

• Includes: 3 m hose, ball valve, male adaptor, end cap
  
  
• Price: ~$159.90
  
  
• Affordable complete system
  
  

Burnsco – 3″ Black Waste Hose Kit

• Includes: 6 m flexible hose, bayonet fittings, angle adapter
  
  
• Price: varies depending on promotions
  
  
• Great for black water or larger vehicles

Best Waste Hoses Sold by the Metre in New Zealand (DIY Plumbing)

For DIY campervan builders, custom installs, or replacements, buying waste hose by the metre gives you the flexibility to tailor your system exactly how you want it. Below is a list of quality suppliers across New Zealand offering grey waste hoses sold by the metre or in bulk rolls.

Choosing Between 25 mm, 32 mm, or 3-Inch Waste Hose Sizes

The size of your waste hose impacts both flow rate and compatibility with fittings. 25 mm hoses are the most common in New Zealand and typically used for standard grey water discharge systems in campervans. They meet the minimum size requirements for green self-containment and are compact enough for tight van layouts. 32 mm hoses offer faster flow and are ideal for larger campervans, high-use sinks, or longer plumbing runs where you want to avoid blockages. Meanwhile, 3-inch (≈75 mm) hoses, like those in the Camco Rhino Flex kits, are typically reserved for black water systems in motorhomes or RVs with cassette or holding tanks. These handle larger volumes of waste and are often paired with bayonet-style dump points.

RV Mega – Flexible Grey Waste Hose

• Size: 32 mm or 40 mm internal diameter
  
  
• Price: ~$22–24 per metre
  
  
• Design: Spiral-reinforced, highly flexible PVC
  
  
• Great for custom grey water lines with tight turns
  View Product
  
  

Burnsco – 25 mm Waste Hose (Grey)

• Size: 25 mm internal diameter
  
  
• Price: ~$17.99 per metre
  
  
• Material: Flexible, lightweight PVC
  
  
• Perfect for budget DIY plumbing setups
  View Product
  
  

RV Super Centre – Convoluted Waste Hose

• Size: 32 mm internal diameter
  
  
• Price: ~$11.99 per metre
  
  
• Features: Durable, UV-stable convoluted design
  
  
•  Excellent value, ideal for long custom runs
  View Product
  
  

Brass-Fit NZ – Clear PVC Waste Hose

• Sizes: 25 mm or 32 mm
  
  
• Sold As: Per metre or by roll
  
  
• Price: Starting from ~$9.60 per metre
  
  
• Trade-grade, transparent hose for easy flow checks
  View Product
  
  

Valves Direct – 32 mm Grey Water Hose (By the Metre)

• Size: 32 mm
  
  
• Price: ~$18.00 per metre
  
  
• Design: Smooth-wall reinforced PVC for grey water
  
  
• Ideal for long-term installations with standard fittings
  View Product
  
  

SelfContained.co.nz – Grey Waste Hose (Cut-to-Length)

• Sizes: 25 mm and 32 mm
  
  
• Sold As: Per metre (cut to order)
  
  
• Material: UV-stable, compliant with SCNZ regs
  
  
• Ideal if you want hose only (no full kit)
  View Product

Waste Hose Storage Bags & Carriers: Do You Need One?

Is a Storage Bag Required for Green Warrant Certification?

Yes—according to NZS 5465:2001 self-containment standards, any waste hose that is not permanently fixed to the vehicle must be stored in a sealed container or bag to prevent drips and contamination of the living space or road. For portable grey tanks or loose hose systems, a waste hose storage solution is not just a good idea—it’s part of getting certified.

Why Waste Hose Storage Matters

• Hygiene: Waste hoses carry grey water and can contain food debris, soap scum, and bacteria. Storing them inside your van without containment can lead to odours, mould, or contamination.
  
  
• Organisation: Hose bags and carriers keep your gear tidy, protected, and separate from drinking water hoses and tools.
  
  
• Durability: Prevent kinks and UV damage by using storage bags or enclosed carriers when the hose isn’t in use.
  
  
• Certification: Storing a used hose loose in the van can fail your green warrant inspection unless it’s in a sealed bin or bag.
  
  

Popular Waste Hose Storage Options in New Zealand

RV Super Centre – Camec Hose Storage Bag (Large)

• Size: Suits up to 10 m hose
  
  
• Material: Mesh sides, heavy-duty vinyl base
  
  
• Features: Drawstring closure, breathable, water-resistant bottom
  
  
• Great all-round bag for 25–32 mm hoses
  View Product
  
  

RV Super Centre – RVSC Deluxe Hose & Cable Bag

• Size: Approx. 400 mm diameter
  
  
• Features: Zip closure, waterproof base, carry handle
  
  
• Best for organised travellers who store multiple hoses
  View Product
  
  

Burnsco – Grey Water Hose Carrier (Rigid Tube)

• Design: Rigid plastic tube with end caps
  
  
• Mounting: Ideal for under-van or rear storage
  
  
• Long-term storage, prevents damage and odours
  View Product
  
  

Coast RV – Grey Water Hose Carrier

• Type: Heavy-duty PVC storage pipe
  
  
• Mounting: Underbody or external
  
  
• Ideal for permanent mounts under caravans or large vans
  View Product
  
  

Moutere Caravans – Grey Hose Carrier with Locking Ends

• Build: Durable with optional locking lids
  
  
• Great for security-conscious users or harsh weather
  View Product
  
  

Calpro – Fabric Hose Bag

• Material: Canvas-style round hose bag with strap
  
  
• A simple, light-duty solution for storing up to 3–5 m hoses
  View Product

Best Practices for Waste Hose Use and Maintenance

• Always rinse hoses after use to avoid odours and bacteria buildup.
  
  
• Use a smell trap or check valve to prevent gases entering the cabin.
  
  
• Store hoses in a sealed tube or bin away from living areas.
  
  
• Inspect connections regularly for wear or leaks.
  
  
• Label fresh and grey hoses separately to avoid cross-contamination.
  
  
• Slope the hose downward to encourage full drainage.
  
  

Final Thoughts

A well-selected and maintained waste hose is key to both self-containment compliance and a comfortable vanlife experience. Whether you're after a complete kit or just replacing fittings, there's a growing range of high-quality options from New Zealand suppliers that meet the latest certification standards.

Want a hand designing your plumbing layout or selecting a compliant setup? Get in touch—we’re happy to help you build out your dream camper the right way.