Black water valve broke free. Need help please

[Gabriel_S]

Hi all, new to posting but been reading these forums for a long time. Well the above header describes my dilemma.


I accidentally opened my black water instead of my grey water pushed it closed real fast and the stem broke free, It is not threaded. The tanks is about 3/4 full. Problem is as I understand it that you need to empty the black water tank to replace it. Problem being I am parked on blocks so cannot get to a location. Even If I could I cannot open the plate to empty it. Is there a workaround that someone is aware of where I can replace it without having to empty my tank?


My RV is a 1997 Fleetwood Pacearrow Vision 33.5 FT length



Thanks so much in advance!

[Spdracr39]

picture of broken parts will produce more ideas.

[glarnold]

The real issue here is, do you have any of the "stem" left in view. If so, you can attach a normal drain hose, attach it to a portable dump tank, and pull the stem with a pair of vise grips, and empty the tank. If you don't have any stem showing, you have one big mess to prepare for.

[Dav L]

You will have to empty before you can replace the valve. So, concentrate on how to open the valve.
Is there any length of the metal shaft still beyond the valve body that you can grab with some pliers and pull out to open the gate?

If not, then consider drilling (metal bit) straight down the middle of the shaft. Once a hole is drilled, you can put an "easy out" into the hole. When the easy out is screwed into the hole, you can then use pliers on the easy out to pull open the valve.

You can also cut / grind away part of the valve to access the gate shaft. Certainly don't penetrate the liquid side of the valve or you will get splashed.

If you have to do the more drastic steps, consider what you will do if it does start leaking. ie: containment buckets. Nasty stuff, but much nastier if you don't think an advance of what to do. You might keep on hand some rags and duct tape to immediately put a band-aid on if Sh_t happens.

Once the tank is empty, unbolt the four screws on the sides of the valve and the old valve can then be removed. Clean the ends and replace with a new valve (have that handy before you start doing the surgery).

I assume you are near a dump station? If not, you have a portable dump tank?

BTW, typically you would dump the black tank and then the grey tank. The grey water helps flush out the valves before closing both.

[DKRITTER]

I would recommend what is called a "twist off valve". Amazon or really any RV store will have them.

It is a mechanical valve that twists on to the end of the pvc pipe where you hook up your sewer hose.

[tanman32225]

At some point, u have to replace the valve if you want it to work correctly. Open the bottom side slightly and look inside following the cable to the valve. Measure if you can and cut a flap under the valve. Only cut 3 sides about a 2x2 hole with the hinge part at the front and the flap to the rear. manually close or open valve as needed then replace. use Zip board tape to seal it. Then its done right

[nothermark]

Just to be clear, are we talking the valve stem itself or a cable operated valve setup with the cable knob broken?


As I recall the slide assembly is replaceable by removing some screws and nuts on the sides of the valve. If you can set up a suitable catch basin and to funnel what comes out into the sewer or a bucket then loosening the screws should let stuff leak out a partially disassembled valve. I might pull one screw at a time and replace each one with a longer screw and nut set around 1/4 inch out so that when the valve side opens it limits how much it can open. Once you get the tank dumped you can finish taking the valve apart to replace the shaft or do whatever repair/replacement is needed.

Thinking about it you can get long plastic gloves at a farm or veterinary supply. I'd be inclined to get some and a throw away coverall for the job. Better you than me. Good luck with it.

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

I don't have a solution without dumping the tank.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[TripleEEE]

I would call a Vac truck to come out. (Septic Service)

Tell him he needs to bring out a small diameter "stinger" to insert through the toilet valve. He could then vacuum out the contents that way. Then you will be able to replace the valve on site.

[apatz]

Originally Posted by Gabriel_S

Hi all, new to posting but been reading these forums for a long time. Well the above header describes my dilemma.


I think I posted my question in the wrong forum. I hope this is the correct one.



I accidentally opened my black water instead of my grey water pushed it closed real fast and the stem broke free, It is not threaded. The tanks is about 3/4 full. Problem is as I understand it that you need to empty the black water tank to replace it. Problem being I am parked on blocks so cannot get to a location. Even If I could I cannot open the plate to empty it. Is there a workaround that someone is aware of where I can replace it without having to empty my tank?


My RV is a 1997 Fleetwood Pacearrow Vision 33.5 FT length



Thanks so much in advance!

BTDT. You, my friend, are in for a real crappy day. There’s no easy way. Mobile septic service will get most out but you’re going to have a lot left in the line.

[Jake21]

I would go buy a new valve and use it as a model to test possible solutions. Like, could you drill a hole in the housing, thread a long screw into the valve and pull?

[mfire1339]

I cut a hole in the side of the valve body with a soldering iron and used a screw driver to walk the valve open.

[ctpres]

Originally Posted by mfire1339

I cut a hole in the side of the valve body with a soldering iron and used a screw driver to walk the valve open.

I like this best.

[dverstra]

Originally Posted by mfire1339

I cut a hole in the side of the valve body with a soldering iron and used a screw driver to walk the valve open.

X2 I like this idea also