How to use the black tank washout on 5th wheel

[5ducksinadodge]

I have a 2004 Newmar Mountain Aire 38 rlpk fifth wheel that did not come with the manual. I have had to limp along and figure out things on my own as I will not give Newmar a 100 bucks for a manual. I was trying to washout my black tank yesterday and could not get water to flow into it and out the sewer line. I know theres a valve there, but not sure if I need to turn it or just hold my mouth just right. I sure would appreciate any ideas from anyone that has a similar unit or if its common on any Newmar product. Thanks for the help in advance..gary

[Norm4015]

I'm sure yours is the same as mine in a motorhome. You only need to connect a hose and turn on the water to flush the black tank. There is no valve to turn. Three times mine failed to flush and every time I had very low water pressure. The higher the pressure the better it will flush.

[5ducksinadodge]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm4015 I'm sure yours is the same as mine in a motorhome. You only need to connect a hose and turn on the water to flush the black tank. There is no valve to turn. Three times mine failed to flush and every time I had very low water pressure. The higher the pressure the better it will flush.

I appreciate your comments. I was thinking that i needed to turn a valve or something like that because there was no water going down and out the sewer line. Maybe I did'nt give it enough of a chance, so I will try it again. Thanks again....gary

[wa8yxm]

There are a couple of schools of thought on the flushing of the black tank.. I kind of belong to both of 'em.

To operate the tank flusher.. You have a seperate hose connection. The only valve should be a back flow preventer hidden somewhere in the rig, it's operation is automatic (may be in the flusher itself) on my coach there are two backflow preventers due to a flusher upgrade. but that's ... not common.

Basis flush is: Hook up hoses and empty tanks by opening the blade valve (T-Handle,, Pull)

Hook up a hose.. Please do not use your fresh water hose (I use color coded hoses. the flush hose is GREEN common garden hose)

And turn on the water

Suggestion: Have a short clear "adapter" somewhere in the sewer line (mine hooks to the rig, and the hose hooks to it)

That way you can see when the water runs clear

ADVANCED:

Close the blade valve and let 5-10 gallosn of water flow into the rig, ISSUE here is.. you need to estimate how long this will tanke.. THEN open the valve again

This gives you a "Woosh" factor and can sometimes draw additional solid or semi-solids off the floor of the tank.

Again, the clear fitting, very nice to see what is happening.

Hose colors:

WHITE or Clear: Potable water
GREEN: FLush/wash water
Gray: You can very likely guess but if you can't: Gray water
Now, I do have some special hoses (Washing machine hoses, double female) I also use for gray they are black but

Black Garden hose (3/4") I have a macerator pump so you can guess what flow down that line too.. No-Smell-Well

[mythplaced]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm ....... This gives you a "Woosh" factor ....

Me: (In a scottish brough) "DW, I canna change the laws of physics, I'm givin her all she's got!"

DW: (In an commanding voice) "DH, I need more power, the "Kling-on's" are right on our tail!"

Me: OK cap'n, Im taking us to "Whoosh factor 10"...

DW: "That did it DH, All Kling-on's removed, take us back to impulse power."

Me: "Aye Aye, Cap'n"

[Max Hubrich]

I turn on the flush water hose and then I pull the black water valve handle. I then let it run for 10-15 minutes. I peek down into the black tank with a flashlight. I also have a clear section of acyrlic plastic attached to the drain discharge line for additional observation of the progress being made.

I'm afraid to close the the black water valve while the water is running in the flush mode. I know I'll get engrossed in something else and then I will have created a major disaster on my own-- with out anybody's help.

[5ducksinadodge]

Thanks for all of the help and ideas. This is our first rv of this quality, so everythings kinda new and experimental at this point. gary