Review on 🚽 Valterra SS01 RV SewerSolution Drainage Kit + 10' Hose & Accessories by Kyle Mason

How do you rate a product with so many aspects of the ownership experience: ordering, delivery, packaging, quality of parts/materials, performance, warranty, etc.? In the end I decided to go with Revane's suggestion of two stars for "I don't like this". But to be fair to the manufacturer, Valterra, I'll update my review to say it gets 5 stars for what it says (ability to empty waste tanks, albeit very slowly with incredible water flow, even uphill) . and only 1 star for materials/workmanship and 1 star for customer service. Here's why: I purchased the Sewer Solution in October 2016 and am writing this review in April 2018 after receiving the replacement pump head (the part that fits onto the end of your holding tank's outlet pipe). In the past year and a half I have used the sewer solution exactly THREE times: once in October 2016, once in June 2017 and once in March 2018. I noticed that the pump head was slowly leaking. due to two microcracks in the plastic around the outlet where the outlet hose is connected. Every time I camp I use the Camco RhinoFLEX drain hose set which I find much more convenient for all 'normal' uses (ie where you don't need to dump uphill). I always keep my waste solution clean and well protected in a large plastic tub whenever I have a reason to use it. Earlier this month after noticing the leaks, I called Valterra's corporate office to express my dissatisfaction with the quality and finish of my product. I explained to them that I was unhappy that I had only used the Sewer Solution three times since the original purchase and that I felt it should be strong enough to withstand such light use before cracking and leaking and that I not having to pay for a replacement pump under such circumstances costs about half the original purchase price of the entire kit. Their fully anticipated response was that the product is only guaranteed for one year regardless of the number of uses, and that cracks in the pumping unit are due to excessive stress from too much hose tension from the residential building (i.e. user abuse!). This may seem like a reasonable answer at first, but in reality it just keeps the company from taking responsibility for selling a poor quality, fragile product that is not meant to be used, even with occasional, light use and of course even normal wear to be used . . . If the wear and tear on my wastewater solution was due to normal wear and tear, I would write off the cost of replacing the pump against the normal and expected cost of the product and be happy to pay to have the pump replaced. However, in all three cases I was aware that there was a design flaw in the product and I used EXTREME CAUTION when handling the product with 'baby gloves' and avoiding stressing the hose connections. In my opinion, the quality of the materials had to withstand the extremely light wear I had subjected them to, regardless of the time that had passed since purchase. In my opinion, how much time has passed since the purchase does not matter in this particular case. A poor quality product is a poor quality product and the company needs to recognize this reality and rectify the situation with their customers. Unfortunately, Valterra doesn't seem to think so. The company remained steadfast and would not make amends until I threatened to post a negative review of my Revain experience. If they didn't agree to send me a replacement pump this would be a 1 star rating. The second star is both a charity and an attempt to provide an honest review that addresses both the positive aspects of the product (that it actually works as advertised) and the negative aspects (the materials and the company's willingness to take responsibility for their quality to assume) will meet materials). I don't think that good customer service is only there to reassure the customer to avoid negative feedback. If I were just a money-hungry eavesdropper to take advantage of the generosity of the producers, I could understand their position. However, I just want to pay a fair price for a well-made quality product that will serve me well over a reasonable period of time and I don't think Sewer Solution lives up to those expectations. To be fair, the company sent me a replacement pump under my pressure, but if that pump and/or associated parts fail a second time, which it obviously will, I probably won't be buying a replacement. If I find myself in a situation where I need to pump uphill, I will most likely just find a more comfortable connection. So here's my story. Purchase at your own risk. If you do, you know that you'll likely be buying a replacement pump quite often.