Cloged black water tank drain

[Dreamscape]

Chaz, here is something similar to what you described.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280145412976&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=018

or maybe this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RV-HYDROFLUSH-898466_W0QQitemZ330159951720QQihZ014QQcategoryZ50069QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Don't know if it works or not, am thinking it might not be a bad idea, or maybe a crappy one!

Paul

[WEC4104]

About five years ago, I had a challenging incident draining my black water tank.  I was on a trip and had let the tank get about 7/8 full.  It was time to dump, and I hooked up the hose. I pulled on the valve's T handle, and it came off it my hand. Instead of opening the valve, the handle broke internally where it had rusted, leaving me nothing to grab on to to open the valve.  I was at a pull-up dump station, and other folks were waiting, so I had to abort the dump.

For our next stop I made sure that we had a campsite with sewer hook up.  It took me over an hour of fiddling with the valve, and I was eventually able to get it open slightly (1/8?).   I probably had as many folks walk by and stop to chat as I ever had.  What's the facination with somebody poking around with their sewer lines?  Eventually I was able to drain and replace the valve.  Not fun.

[JohnEd]

WEC,

I have no idea what the facination is but I had at keast 15 standing by at high watch waiting for an "event".

The devicve I had was a simple sewer cap with a water hose hook up in it with a cap for the water hose.  Its purpose is to allow you to drain your gray water away from your coach.  CHEAP and you could make one.

Horrible story about the handle breaking off.  Reason alone to change those out as a PM on say...6 month intervals...for me.

I feel vindicated now after thinking many thought I was blowing smoke or shooting sh*t.

Thank you all.

John

[gumpy]

... I pulled on the valve's T handle, and it came off it my hand. Instead of opening the valve, the handle broke internally where it had rusted, leaving me nothing to grab on to to open the valve. 

That's the fear I had when I built my tanks, so I put a valve on each side. I've not had to use the other side, but it's there, just in case. Of course if I don't use it once in awhile, I suppose when I do need it, it'll be stuck, or rusted, or some such sh**. Maybe I'll use that side when I dump my tank this fall before winterizing.

[H3Jim]

I too put in two valves.  The main set I used electric valves, and when the one failed on the black tank side, I was VERY happy to have the backup dump valve!  I have to take the failed valve off, and if I'd done that while the 58 gal tank was half full, shudder, I hate to even think about it.

[JackConrad]

That's the fear I had when I built my tanks, so I put a valve on each side. I've not had to use the other side, but it's there, just in case. Of course if I don't use it once in awhile, I suppose when I do need it, it'll be stuck, or rusted, or some such sh**. Maybe I'll use that side when I dump my tank this fall before winterizing.

That is what we did, a dump on each side of the bus.  We have been at dump stations in several locations where dumping from the passenger side was easier.  As far as PM, if you have Valterra valves, they can be disassembled, lubricated and re-assembled.  Jack

[gus]

John,

I forgot you said the tank was full, my idea was not too good!

The PO put my drain on the right side and, of course, all RV parks are on the left. I thought about changing it to the left but after reading these posts it is obvious that the way to go is one on each side.

Great idea and I'll be changing mine this winter. Half the handle on my valve is broken off now so I am living on borrowed time-at least it broke on the outside but it is VERY hard to open.

[gumpy]

... Valterra valves, they can be disassembled, lubricated and re-assembled.  Jack

But not if your tank is full 

Valterra makes a repair kit that has new seals and such in it. I bought a set when I bought my valves, but haven't needed it yet.

I've been very happy with my valves, so far. My Father-In-Law used an electronic valve. We had problems with it, initially, till we figured out the flange was flexing due to the tank fittings.

[JohnEd]

Gumpy Dog (aka Craig),

I changed over to the electrics and the black would not work after the first few uses.  It tried but stalled.  I was ticked and I knew that they would not do anythig as it worked when I unbolted it from the system.  After studieing the rascal I figured out that I had a motor for the "small diameter" valve installed in a "large" or regular size valve.  Factory assembly error.  I was still miffed at all the extra work I went through to get SMART on the ways of the electrical(sic) valve.

Great idea going with dumps on both sides.

John

[H3Jim]

The electric valves I bought only came in one size, so I had to use them for the 3" bl;ack valve.  After the tank had sat for 3 months (I don't always use it enough to need to dump more than that) The valve stuck just a little, and the electric motor didn't have enough oomph to work it.  Couldn't use the manual part of the actuator either, so I jsut replace it with the manual valve.  Naasty job, and while the electric was more convenient while it worked, it was really inconvenient when it didn't.  Thank goodness for the backup valve, so at least I didn't have to pull it apart and dodge 30 gals of poo.  But still not fun to crawl under the bus to work on it.  Hosed it off good.

[Busted Knuckle]

Again I need to mention I don't have a converted bus yet! But my Setra's have pneumatic valves for dumping the toilet into the "extra tank" I love them as so far knock on wood they have always done what they are supposed to! Also I say "extra tank" instead of holding tank as they are not near big enough to be holding tanks! FWIW   BK 

[JohnEd]

H3,

I had a 3 inch valve with the innards of a 2 inch valve.  It operated like you described....no omph.  The correct one would break the entire valve if it got stuck cause it was a stout motor and gear reduced.  I hope you saved your valve as you can probably exchange it like I did.

John

[Chaz]

Why would a person need an electric valve? As of this moment, I have dumped a tank 1 time - last night - and am curious.
 Honestly. I have such little experience with this I'm not sure if it's something I should think about or not. And trust me, this is not something I can do easily. Not that it's a pleasant chore for anyone, but I couldn't even change a babie's diaper!!!   Good thing I never hd kids!! 

   Still learnin,
      Chaz

[Dreamscape]

In my HUMBLE OPINION electric is needed only when needed. If it can be done manually I prefer that. Less to go wrong and trouble shoot electrically speaking. I don't mind manual at all, because it's cheaper and I'M CHEAP!

Paul

[DrivingMissLazy]

Why would a person need an electric valve? As of this moment, I have dumped a tank 1 time - last night - and am curious.
 Honestly. I have such little experience with this I'm not sure if it's something I should think about or not. And trust me, this is not something I can do easily. Not that it's a pleasant chore for anyone, but I couldn't even change a babie's diaper!!!   Good thing I never hd kids!! 

   Still learnin,
      Chaz

Chaz, in my opinion, the height of laziness. LOL Since you should be at the drain to install the drain hose, why not just then pull the valve? Of course, I never left the drain hose connected while I was parked and never never leave the hose connected and the valve open.
Richard