Sewer Tank Flusher

[jkmcbride54]

I attempted to use the inlet designed to flush out my tanks but it seems that no water is being put into the tanks. Is clogging of the sewer tank flusher a common problem? Also does the flusher add water to all three of the tanks (black, gray, and galley tanks) or is it specifically used only for the black water tank? If it is clogged can I use a snake to clear it out?
Being a newbie to RV's I have many questions and absolutely no answers.

[babock]

You sure you aren't connected to the supply that feeds your fresh water supply when you are on city water?

[BFlinn181]

The flusher is only for the tank it is attached to. They can clog, or the vacuum breaker or check valve can be stopped up and prevent operation. You could try filling the black tank, add some Calgon Water Softener or bleach to help soften the water, let it soak a while then try blasting it clear with water pressure.

[tuffr2]

Typically the black tank is a stand alone tank to hold human waste. The key to having success with the black tank is to use plenty of water. Keep the dump valve closed, again using plenty of water until the tank is full. Once full it is time to dump.

Pull the dump valve and let the waste drain. Then after that leave the black tank dump valve open then use your black tank flush while the valve is open. I usually let my black tank flush for 10 minutes or until the tank level panel reads empty for the black tank. Once the black tank reads empty I turn off the black tank flush hose, disconnect it, close the blank tank valve. Now inside the trailer I hold the toilet pedal down to add fresh water to black tank. As I do this I drop in a green or blue black tank chemical pouch. I try to add 3 gallons of water.

Now the black tank is ready. Again use plenty of water when flushing.

Yes, you can use a snake to clear any blockage or a stick. You can also dump a bucket or two of fresh water in the toliet to try to flush the system.

Good luck

[Bob_C]

Clear elbow at the dump valve is what alot use, but your flushers..... check valve could be installed backward.....mine was up inside bathroom vanity

[BFlinn181]

Originally Posted by tuffr2

Typically the black tank is a stand alone tank to hold human waste. The key to having success with the black tank is to use plenty of water. Keep the dump valve closed, again using plenty of water until the tank is full. Once full it is time to dump.

Pull the dump valve and let the waste drain. Then after that leave the black tank dump valve open then use your black tank flush while the valve is open. I usually let my black tank flush for 10 minutes or until the tank level panel reads empty for the black tank. Once the black tank reads empty I turn off the black tank flush hose, disconnect it, close the blank tank valve. Now inside the trailer I hold the toilet pedal down to add fresh water to black tank. As I do this I drop in a green or blue black tank chemical pouch. I try to add 3 gallons of water.

Now the black tank is ready. Again use plenty of water when flushing.

Yes, you can use a snake to clear any blockage or a stick. You can also dump a bucket or two of fresh water in the toliet to try to flush the system.

Good luck

To be clear, you're not saying the tank flusher can be snaked out, are you? It's more likely that the vacuum break or check valve is the problem. You could try filling the hose with vinegar to dissolve any deposits in the line.

[tuffr2]

So you are talking about the black tank flush being clogged or blocked. If so, sorry I was off track.

If any pipe or system in a trailer seems blocked I guess it can be snaked with the right type of snake.

I would probably try to add pressure. Like kink the hose then let it loose a few times. Turn the water on and off a few times.

[BFlinn181]

My first suggestion, post #3, was a way to soak the nozzle of the tank flusher in a full tank with water softener or bleach. My second post, #6, was to use vinegar in the flush hose to help dissolve any sediments that might be blocking the check valve or vacuum breaker.

The vacuum breaker is usually found in a sink cabinet above the black tank.

[drfife]

I had the same problem. It was a failed vacuum break (anti retraction) valve. Easy fix.

[quartlow]

Mine didn't work either, turns out the tip was coated with hard waste. I dropped the underbelly. It had 4 screws that held it in. Pulled it out cleaned it and put it back in. It's worked fine ever since.

I think the trick is to use it every time you dump.

[Joe11]

The factory installed the back flow valve in mine backward. Fixed that. Good news is that I know the backflow valve works.