Sewer valve leak - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Paul and Shirley · RV-Dreams Community Member

Sewer valve leak

igotjam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Had the same problem and got all kinds of advise from spraying WD-40 up the pipe to removing the valve and replacing the seals. Eventually I bought a new valve but as its located in the bowels of my rig requiring removal of the underbelly etc I haven't tackled it yet. (the RV shop estimated over $500 to try the repair...could be more) Good luck.....I continue to live with my problem....I get 3/4 of a large bucket after travelling and always connect the sewer hose immediately upon arrival.

-- Edited by igotjam on Tuesday 20th of April 2010 08:40:44 AM

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

One thing a lot of people do is to install a twist on valve at the terminal end of the dump line. This gives a safety margin when removing the cap. Looks kind of clunky, but it removes the dreaded black rush on your hands.

What I am talking about is
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/twist-on-valve/27868

Beats having to depend on a bucket and hope it is large enough.

Old Snipe · RV-Dreams Family Member

Here is the link for the twist on valve:

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/twist-on-valve/27868

If you decide to replace the leaking valve, the hardest part is getting your tanks flushed and clean so when you remove the four bolts that hold in the valve you don't get any leakage.

I'd replace both the black and gray tank valves at the same time, if one is worn out and leaking, the other might not be far behind.

Best Regards!

Gary · RV-Dreams Family Member

Another item for my list. Thanks!

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Related to this discussion, I believe it is a very good idea to carry one of these external valves “just in case.”

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/twist-on-valve/27868

If you should ever have a gray or black water valve jam open or simply break the cable that operates many of them you’re in a world of hurt. One of these external valves could be a real lifesaver until you could get the cable or valve repaired.

‘Just a word to consider. It is very inexpensive insurance.

Bill

Paul and Shirley · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks for the advice. We took the valve out and it had debris in it. Seems like our sani-flush is not working either. Have had it repaired several times, but it continues to plug up. Has anyone ever had that problem? This is a 6 month old camper, and the saniflush has never worked more that one time without having to be taken apart and cleaned out?

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

Paul and Shirley wrote:

Thanks for the advice. We took the valve out and it had debris in it. Seems like our sani-flush is not working either. Have had it repaired several times, but it continues to plug up. Has anyone ever had that problem? This is a 6 month old camper, and the saniflush has never worked more that one time without having to be taken apart and cleaned out?

I presume you are talking about the "black tank rinser". It may be that you are not using it long enough. One fella told me to hook up the sani-flush and turn it on, open the black tank dump and go get a coffee. Let it flush for at least 15 minutes to be sure it is clean.
I dump the tank and watch the clear connection until it is running clear water. Sometimes, if feeling brave, I close the dump valve for a minute or so, then open it again, all the while running the sani-flush. I have never had a problem with our dump valve. Good luck.

Paul and Shirley · RV-Dreams Community Member

Our black water flusher hose just is stopped up and will not put water in the tank. We have only been able to use it a couple of times in the last 6 months, because it has been working just one time and then it is stopped up, so we take it in and they fix it and then we use it one time and the next time it is stopped up again.

Paul and Shirley · RV-Dreams Community Member

All of our problems are fixed and we are now heading west. No more repairs for a while we hope.

tntlowrider · RV-Dreams Family Member

I agree with the above, let that rascal run for a few minutes with the black valve open. It helps get the tank good and clean. While you are filling up again with the flush, you must be there and keep an eye on it while filling up or you will have a flood. While filling up, do not let anyone or anything distract you on this chore. I will fill and flush two to three times until I see clear water coming out. When all done, I put the deodorizer in the tank right away so I will not forget. That also helps break down paper etc.

2fortheroad · RV-Dreams Family Member

We had the same issue with the black tank valve. I thought I was getting it shut all the way but wasn't and getting the same messy results. After several rinses and pushing the valve in and out while back-flushing I felt the valve finally completely close. We also use a water softener in our holding tanks. I read somewhere that this helps keep your tanks cleaner by not allowing the walls to build up with sludge. If I can find the article again I will post a link.

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

Interesting article, Gene

http://www.newrver.com/holdingtank.html

Gary · RV-Dreams Family Member

Very interesting. Stashed that one away for future reference. Thanks!

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

GENECOP wrote:

Interesting article, Gene

http://www.newrver.com/holdingtank.html

Just a FYI,if you use Firefox browser DO NOT click on this link.

2fortheroad · RV-Dreams Family Member

GENECOP wrote:

Interesting article, Gene

http://www.newrver.com/holdingtank.html

Thanks Gene, I knew I had read this article, just couldn't remember the link.

Paul and Shirley · RV-Dreams Community Member

Once again our black water sprayer is clogged. We have run water through it for over at hour at a time, nothing seems to work. The repair shop says toilet paper is getting into the hose and there is no way to stop it. Short of not using toilet paper we have no idea what to do. Sounds like a bad design or something. Anybody out there have any ideas?

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't know what brand toilet paper you are using, but you have to use one that dissolves easily in the tank. You can get special paper at RV stores and there are a number of commercial brands that work well.

We have been using Angel Soft for 4 years now without any problems.

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

I am not familiar with your sprayer, but if it's getting TP stuck in it then I assume it's the type you just hook to your drain valve and water hose. I prefer the kind that is mounted directly in the tank like this one:

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/product/tornado-permanent-tank-rinser/4969

-- Edited by NorCal Dan on Saturday 22nd of May 2010 08:43:27 PM