Bounder: Black Tank Question

[MathComp]

I just learned by reading another thread that some RVs drain more than the toilet(s) into the black waste water tank--typically one sink. I had never heard of this before, but it's nice to learn something new. Anyway, does anyone know for sure if this is or is not the case in a 2013 Bounder 35K?

[Mr_D]

Check your gauge, then run the bath sink and see which tank fills. That's how I found mine were totally separate.

[computerguy]

Plumbing diagrams can be obtained if you call REV customer service.
Only my toilets drain into the black tank.

[Old-Biscuit]

Don't know if your R does or doesn't


Simple test......
Next time you dump black tank....when it is empty/no water flowing out turn bathroom sink faucet on and wait. Within a few seconds water will start running out IF bathroom sink drains to black tank
If no water.dump grey tank


Couple of reasons for bathroom sink draining to black tank
Increase the water to solids ratio.....good idea
Easiest route to run plumbing...floorplan/substructure dictates it sometimes


Either case...RV MFG should note it so buyers are aware.

[96 Wideglide]

Worst setup I've heard is friends with a Lexington (sp), C class, and the owner claims the shower is plumbed into the black tank !

[MathComp]

Thanks for all the replies. I was hoping someone would know for sure because I'm having a slight problem with my tank. Still, I suppose the simple "run the sink after dumping" test would be fine.

In case anyone is wondering, my problem is that my 42-gallon black tank seems to only be holding 25 - 30 gallons, and I think I actually spewed out the roof vent last week. Fortunately it was dark out, and it rained pretty hard within hours.

It could be that the previous owners left us a poop pyramid. I'm trying some Rid-X first, since it's not too expensive. We'll see what happens in a few days.

[computerguy]

Originally Posted by MathComp

Thanks for all the replies. I was hoping someone would know for sure because I'm having a slight problem with my tank. Still, I suppose the simple "run the sink after dumping" test would be fine.

In case anyone is wondering, my problem is that my 42-gallon black tank seems to only be holding 25 - 30 gallons, and I think I actually spewed out the roof vent last week. Fortunately it was dark out, and it rained pretty hard within hours.

It could be that the previous owners left us a poop pyramid. I'm trying some Rid-X first, since it's not too expensive. We'll see what happens in a few days.

I thought my comment was pretty definitive.
The empty tanks and running the water would also be definitive.
If you do have a "pyramid", "a few days" of Rid-X will not rid you of it. It's a maintenance item not a pyramid removal item. Also, beware a black tank is different than a septic system.

[MathComp]

Originally Posted by computerguy

I thought my comment was pretty definitive. The empty tanks and running the water would also be definitive.

Indeed, yes; both comments were definitive and helpful!

Originally Posted by computerguy

If you do have a "pyramid", "a few days" of Rid-X will not rid you of it. It's a maintenance item not a pyramid removal item. Also, beware a black tank is different than a septic system.

I've read many opinions on this, both for and against, so I thought I'd give the Rid-X a try, especially since it wasn't too pricey. I'm not planning on continuing to use the Rid-X (or anything else but water) once the issue is resolved. Assuming I've inherited a pyramid and not something more exotic, what would you suggest? I've already done lots of spraying and dumping, and I don't see anything else but water coming out through the clear elbow in my sewer line.

[computerguy]

Originally Posted by MathComp

...Assuming I've inherited a pyramid and not something more exotic, what would you suggest? ...

Call REV and ask what size the tank is (and while you are at it get the plumbing schematics)

Buy an endoscope like this and check yourself:
Camera
You would need to check via the drain valve because I believe you have a vacuflush system.

Call a mobile tech proficient at cleaning out black tanks. They are out there as I've seen them in different CGs.

[MathComp]

Originally Posted by computerguy

Call REV and ask what size the tank is (and while you are at it get the plumbing schematics)

According to rvusa.com and the brochure, it's a 42-gallon tank. At some point, I might contact REV for the plumbing schematics, but I suspect that, just like yours, it's only the toilets that drain into the black tank. I only wish (like yours) my Vacu-flush pump were more accessible. One of these days I'm going to try to take it out to change the duck-bills and bellows. I have the new ones sitting in a box. That's a story for another time, though.

Originally Posted by computerguy

Buy an endoscope like this and check yourself:
Camera
You would need to check via the drain valve because I believe you have a vacuflush system.

Great idea! I was considering taking it to a tech for this, but I didn't want to spend the money on that right away. I know those cameras can be had pretty cheaply, so maybe I'll just get one and do it myself.

Originally Posted by computerguy

Call a mobile tech proficient at cleaning out black tanks. They are out there as I've seen them in different CGs.

I'm fortunate to have several choices of mobile techs as well as a couple of shops within reasonable driving distance. Hopefully I won't need them, but it's nice to know they're there when I do.


Thanks, again, for both the ideas and encouragement!

[rviking]

I just read the plumbing schematics for my 2004 Discovery and it sure looks like the kitchen sink is routed to the black tank. Surprise!