To Lube or Not?

[RayAndSteph]

We both have arthritis in our hands and don't have the grip we used to. The bayonet connectors for our black tank hook up seal so well that we have a very hard time getting them off. Is there some reason we should not put a lubricant of some sort - petroleum jelly, white lithium, whatever - on these connectors? Can't believe we are the only ones who have this issue. Thanks.

[RV Wizard]

I think silicone would be fine.

[paz]

Use silicone plumbers grease. It is made for use on rubber seals and O-rings in plumbing, so it lasts a long time when exposed to water.

Petroleum jelly may deteriorate the rubber seals. Other lubricants, even silicone spray, may have petroleum-based carriers that can also deteriorate rubber.

[Bigd9]

I use silicone plumbers grease also. However here is another idea you may want to try for less than $10. Its called a Drain Hose Wrench.

[Ramets]

Originally Posted by Bigd9

I use silicone plumbers grease also. However here is another idea you may want to try for less than $10. Its called a Drain Hose Wrench.

I learn something every day. had no idea something like this was available. Thanks.

[RayAndSteph]

Thank you all so much. We will get both the silicone plumber's grease AND the wrench. Obviously we didn't know about the wrench, but the funny thing is that we had talked about the need for one. We had even looked at the two water filter wrenches we have and wished one of them would work. I don't remember ever seeing them online or at an RV supply store; guess you don't see something unless you are in need and know about it. Thanks again!

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by RV Wizard

I think silicone would be fine.

Mike, every time I've used silicone on movable plastic it caused it to seize. I used silicone spray on a sewer swivel fitting and next time I used it it would not swivel.

[phranc]

On some airesols the carrier in the spray will attack some plastics. This may cause moveable parts to bind. If the OP just needs to lubricate the O ring area then silicone plumbers grease will be ok. I have used Sil-Guard available at auto parts stores . Comes in a 3 or4 ounce squeeze tube..

[paz]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Mike, every time I've used silicone on movable plastic it caused it to seize. I used silicone spray on a sewer swivel fitting and next time I used it it would not swivel.

See my post #3. Many sprays contain solvents that can attack rubber - and plastic. Black RV sewer pipe and connectors are ABS, which is susceptible to attack by some solvents. Even if the solvent doesn't attack the plastic, swivel fittings often contain O-rings which frequently swell when exposed to solvent.

[paz]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Mike, every time I've used silicone on movable plastic it caused it to seize. I used silicone spray on a sewer swivel fitting and next time I used it it would not swivel.

See my post #3. Many sprays contain solvents that can attack rubber - and plastic. Black RV sewer pipe and connectors are ABS, which is susceptible to solvent attack. Even if the solvent doesn't attack the plastic, many swivel fittings contain O-rings which frequently swell when exposed to solvents preventing the swivel fitting from moving.

Silicone plumbers grease contains no solvents.

[BVThunder]

Originally Posted by Bigd9

I use silicone plumbers grease also. However here is another idea you may want to try for less than $10. Its called a Drain Hose Wrench.

This would sometimes make my day. Between the tight space in the wet bay and my old hands the poop hose can be a real pain. Anybody else using this tool?

[Bigd9]

I've got a tool just like that to remove the Freightliner hub cap covers, and another one for the water filter and that one. One of my Dad's favorite sayings was if you are struggling to do a job you have two choices. One is to try harder or as they say get a bigger hammer. The second choice is to get a tool to help you do the job easier. Seems like there is a tool for every job, and I have a lot of jobs to do hence a lot of tools.

[BVThunder]

Originally Posted by Bigd9

I use silicone plumbers grease also. However here is another idea you may want to try for less than $10. Its called a Drain Hose Wrench.

I went to Wally's World in Yuma today and bought one. Came back to the MH and couldn't wait to try it out. Worked like a charm. Cost all of $5 plus tax. Thanks for sharing!

[Bigd9]

Happy stinky slinky removal BVThunder!