Community Forums

Always-RVing · 10-05-2011, 09:42 AM

Does anyone have a dump valve replacement guide? I don't need to replace the 3" black tank paddle valve yet but thought it would be a good idea to know how and check for got'chas, just in case.

Empty, Clean,,, Clean ... before starting..

It looks really simple: There are 4 large hose clamps. Two for the grey side and two for the black side. Loosen, pull out and replace the paddle gate valve then put back the hose clamps.. I'm going to buy a spare and keep it around just in case.

Not all are the same.

TIPS? Tricks? Got'cha's? Watch'out?

Slide Valve with Gate Seals - Product - Camping World

OneRVer · 10-05-2011, 11:32 AM

I know what you are asking. I bought the kit, slide valve and O-rings, and looked at it for about three days before I got the nerve to replace them. Really the only problem I had was blocking up the drain pipe, without breaking any fittings, to be able to achieve the room to remove the old and install the new. Took all of a half hour to do it. But I did it.

Just make sure that the O-rings stay in place. I used a little grease to help keep the O-rings in place and not falling or sliding out.

Have fun!

Yes, be sure your tank is empty.

ArmyEOD · 10-05-2011, 12:07 PM

Battman, I just changed the one on my Diplomat last week. My T-Handle broke. Anyway what I did was drained and back flushed the tank. I then removed the 4 bolts and nuts. I had some flex play that allowed me to seperate the dump end about 1/4 inch and then the valve just fell out. I cleaned the surfaces of the drain pipes, use a little vasoline to hold the new o-rings in place. I then seperated the to pipes a little and slid the new valve assy back in. Rotated it until the holes lined up and then put all 4 new bolts in. I then added the nuts and tighin them a little at a time in a "cross" pattern until they were good and snug. Add water to tank, checked for leaks, was happy with results. Washed hands, cleaned up tools and materials, washed hand again and enjoyed a cool one. Hope this helps you out. Cool one is not required.

RJay · 10-05-2011, 12:13 PM

Batman,
Once your tanks are empty, tilt the motorhome away from the valves so any residue in the tanks flow away from valves and you'll have no surprises.

RickO · 10-05-2011, 12:48 PM

All good advice so far IMO. I don't wait for them to break but rather tear appart the assembly every 3 years or so... clean and lube everything really well and replace both valves. RJay's tip about raising the driver's side of the rig to keep liquid at bay will help you a lot.

Good luck...

Rick

Always-RVing · 10-05-2011, 01:52 PM

Good Tips... Thanks

Shore2Shore · 10-05-2011, 02:27 PM

Just out of curiosity what kind of lube is best for the valves?

Thinking of replacing our dump valves eventually too, not just the actual valve but the whole arrangement with the Y pipe.

RJay · 10-05-2011, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pauland Ro

Just out of curiosity what kind of lube is best for the valves?

Thinking of replacing our dump valves eventually too, not just the actual valve but the whole arrangement with the Y pipe.

I use Dupont Teflon Multi-Use spray. It doesn't attract dirt and is not a petroleum product which will swell rubber seals.

paz · 10-05-2011, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pauland Ro

Just out of curiosity what kind of lube is best for the valves?

If I'm disassembling or replacing the valve, I use silicone plumbers grease on the seals. It is safe for rubber, and it lasts quite a while.

There is an additive/cleaner you can put into the tank that is supposed to have a lubricant for the dump valves, but I have never used it, so I can't say how effective it is.

Shore2Shore · 10-05-2011, 07:00 PM

Thank you for the suggestions everyone, doesn't need doing right now but the valves are original as far as we know and although work fine im not one for tempting fate for too long!!!

Especially with the brown stuff involved!!!

Poke a Long · 11-03-2011, 04:42 PM

I just replaced both of mine, found out the hard way you don't put coffee grounds down the drain. Both my Tee handles were pointed down, could hardly pull the grey tank handle, for $13. and some change bought both new removed the 4 bolts and nuts used plumbers grease on the spade and shafts, half hour later job complete. "OH" I reassembled with the Tee handles horizontal. Safe travels...

TroutScout · 11-07-2011, 03:24 PM

I had a difficult time getting the rusted bolts loose when I changed my value.

When I installed the new one I made sure that I used stainless steel nuts and bolts to avoid the problem in the future.