An advanced builder mod that can work—if airflow and moisture control are respected.
We’ve seen some builders and vanlifers get creative with their installs and ask:
“Can I route my OGO™ ORIGIN’s vent hose into my RV’s existing black tank vent line?”
The short answer? Yes—you can.
But this is an advanced, optional modification and must be done carefully to ensure proper function, safe airflow, and long-term moisture management.
Why Some Builders Choose This Option
Every OGO™ ORIGIN comes with a 3-foot vent hose featuring a black rubber end that fits perfectly over 1-1/4" PVC pipe. This makes it easy to connect directly to standard plumbing components. In some rigs, builders have chosen to Tee into their existing black tank vent stack instead of creating a separate exit for the OGO™ vent.
This approach can:
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Reduce the number of wall or roof penetrations
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Route ventilation through an already elevated escape path
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Consolidate airflow channels into a single external outlet
But this method has tradeoffs—and airflow and moisture control become even more critical.
Moisture + Airflow = Everything
The OGO™ ORIGIN depends on a continuous stream of airflow to:
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Dry out the compost medium
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Prevent excessive humidity buildup
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Ensure oxygen circulation for healthy aerobic composting
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Eliminate odor before it ever becomes an issue
That airflow comes from the built-in, low-draw fan, which pushes air through the vent hose and out of your system.
Tapping into a shared vent stack can disrupt that airflow if not planned properly, and potentially allow moisture or even odor to waft back into the system.
If You Choose to Do This, Here's How
This is a mod, not an official OGO™ install method. But for those who understand the risks and plan their plumbing carefully, here's a general approach:
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Locate your black tank’s vent pipe—usually a vertical PVC pipe running from the tank up to the roof.
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Install a PVC Tee in that vertical run, ensuring you never connect directly to the tank or below the trap.
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Use PVC reducers/adapters to transition down to 1-1/4" PVC for compatibility with your OGO™ vent hose.
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Ensure an upward path from the toilet to the vent, so airflow continues outward and doesn’t stall.
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Flush and clean your black tank thoroughly before install to reduce risk of backdraft odor.
Pro Tips to Maintain Moisture Balance
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Never use this setup without an active fan. The OGO™ fan must run 24/7 to maintain airflow direction and pressure.
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Consider a check valve or charcoal filter in the vent path to prevent potential backflow.
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Monitor humidity in the solids bin. If you're seeing condensation or a soggy compost medium, you may need more airflow or a separate vent run.
Final Word
Venting your OGO™ ORIGIN into your RV’s existing black tank vent is not standard—but it’s possible. Some advanced builders make it work successfully. The key is understanding that this is not just a plumbing decision—it’s an airflow decision.
If airflow is compromised, composting stops and moisture builds up. But if airflow is well-managed, this method can be a clean and stealthy solution for certain builds.
Optional, advanced, and airflow-sensitive. Plan wisely. Build smart.
Need help reviewing your vent path or airflow setup? Our team’s ready to help you keep it clean and composting.