Holding tank replacement/upgrade?

[mickpick]

Hi,
I have a '96 Win Adv 37ft MH and am looking for info on whether I can upgrade/replace my holding tanks with newer models.

I have had leaks a few times and usually, replacing the valve has stopped it. But this last replacement (gray water valve) did not stop the small leak. We thought it was the valve, but upon further examination, when dumping, the leak seems to be coming from the tank itself. It also leaks from the main drain, when attaching the hose, so I have to put a bucket below. (I empty the bucket into the ground drain when through draining & clean thoroughly.)

Also, it has been getting harder and I spend more time, when dumping due to another issue- the main drain is hard to move down enough to allow me to attach the hose, especially since I use a see-through attachment when draining. (I have been using this for about 1yr and mostly like it). It sometimes works well, other times, not- but this is not the attachment's fault. (I thought it was attached to the main drain tightly this last time and found out it was not!) So coupled with that, and the re-occurring leaks, I am fed-up with it and want to replace it all.

I asked around at the outing and some, who have newer rigs, have a masticator pump. Does anyone know if that replaces the complete holding tank, or is just an add-on? (If just an add-on meaning continue to use my holding tanks, don't think that's what I want or need).

Also, I searched Win webpage and couldn't find any info about replacements. I did see a webpage for Plastic-Mart.com. Does anyone know anything about them? My Black water tank capacity is 55 gals and white water is 50 gals, and they do show those sizes. But, will it completely replace my holding tanks? (I am assuming since they ship the tanks, these can be installed by my repair place.)

I will be going back to them soon, but want to be able to tell them what I want/need. No more replacement valves, no more leaks, and, hopefully, no more accidents and hours doing this less-than exciting job.

Any help is appreciated,
Thanks,
mickpick

[ruffian]

I hate to say it but as an RV owner, you must become familiar with the old saying "S**t Happens".

[Jim_HiTek]

Sorry to say but you need to actually find the leak. If it's the tank itself, and in an appropriate place, then you could use Eternabond tape to seal small to medium sized leaks. Like along seams. If it's leaking from the plumbing (plastic pipes) before the valves, any plumber or skilled DIY'er could replace a piece here or there quite easily. If it's in the slide valve housings, I'd have to look at it, but I'd think you'd still have some options for DIY repairs.

Then, if the leak is from a connection into the tank, there are specialized plastic glues that might work.

Replacing an entire tank for a small leak (as opposed to a large crack) isn't usually done.