Community Forums

bandie · 01-19-2016, 09:05 PM

How do you determine that your black tank is clogged or you need to replace the valve?
Opened the valve and nothing? Does anyone know how to proceed?

Old-Biscuit · 01-19-2016, 09:45 PM

Tank FULL?

Did valve actually OPEN?
Or did handle just pull out?

Did anything come out......some liquid?

Nothing come out?

First thing you have to verify is whether or not valve is opening.....
If unable to see valve then you will need to open underbelly covering so that you can visually inspect valve/valve handle or cable attachment

If cable or handle has separated from valve then you can possible reattach and open valve OR just open valve using pliers (make sure you are ready to dump tank!!)

If valve is actually opening .........
Then you will need to run a hose with power nozzle up drain line and start blasting to get flow started (this is going to be messy)

OR you can have a 'septic tank service' come out and suck tank fairly dry via toilet opening
Then blast away trying to break up clog/obstruction
If valve actually opens SOME stuff should flow......

Odds are---------valve handle/cable not connected to valve and it is still closed

Arch Hoagland · 01-20-2016, 01:18 AM

bandie said :
Does anyone know how to proceed?

Yes. VERY carefully.

Old-Biscuit pretty much covered it and I agree the valve is no longer connected to the handle.

Could we get a little more information about the RV? Make, model, year.

Did it ever work for you?

Does the grey tank work OK?

Looking down the toilet can you see there is stuff to be drained?

I had to replace a drain valve on a trailer one time while there was "stuff" in the black tank. I backed the trailer up a very steep drive way and lowered the tongue jack to the ground which raised the rear of my trailer pretty high.

I was lucky because the drain valve was towards the rear of the trailer and I was able to replace the valve without any issues.

You could do a similar thing if it's on the side by driving up on some boards to tilt the RV.

bandie · 01-20-2016, 05:20 AM

The 5 the wheel is a 2005 montana keystone.

bandie · 01-20-2016, 05:31 AM

The valve has been working just fine..until now. Went to empty and nothing came out like it usually does.....the 5 the wheel is stationary so moving it is not an option. So, getting the underbelly off? To check the valve...new to all of this...how is what I'm asking.....

clifford j · 01-20-2016, 05:40 AM

One clue to the failure could be if the pull handle felt different than previous use. If the problem is related to something that disconnecting there would be a different "feel" when pulling the operating handle, like it pulls really easy.

CLIFF

wingnut60 · 01-20-2016, 09:24 PM

This is something a lot of RV owners have to face sometimes. Worked before, now doesn't--as mentioned, either the valve is not opening, or the line is blocked. I think you are going to have to follow the 4" line backwards to the valve, so you can see if it is a cable problem or a valve problem. If cable is broken, open the valve with pliers; if cable not broken, then it is a blockage.
Joe

bandie · 01-21-2016, 06:04 AM

Tanks to all for the advise on the black tank. Turns out it was clogged....the unit had been sitting for awhile and who knows how the previous owners cleaned the tank.But what a job it was. Thanks again.......

glarnold · 01-21-2016, 06:17 AM

If you've already done it, this won't be much help (this time). But for future reference, you can buy and use a black tank clean-out connector. Hooks up to the discharge connector. It has a hose connection, to put water in, up from the bottom. And it has a valve and drain connector built in. You hook up the unit, close the outlet end, open your black tank valve, and use the hose connector to run water backwards, thru the black tank valve, busting up the clog from the bottom. When you have water flowing (backwards), you then drain it out normally (thru your slinky), and hope you don't have to do that again. (They run $30 to $40.)