Community Forums

DoC808 · 03-31-2017, 10:58 AM

Hi guys, another new guy question. Everyone talks about having the clear extension on the sewer line. So are all of them created equal? I bought a 20 foot rhino Flex sewer line with a 10 foot extension period but have yet to buy the clear adapter. Through your experience do you believe it is better to use a straight clear, 45or 90 degree extension? Or none at all? My black line seems close to the ground so I was thinking the 45 degree or the straight.

blang · 03-31-2017, 11:10 AM

I think the only deciding factor should be what shape fits with your particular rig/configuration. Personally, I use a 90 connected immediately after the valves and it ends just above the screw in plug for the compartment so that I am able to leave it in place.

Gary RVRoamer · 03-31-2017, 11:18 AM

Choose 45 or 90 elbow depending on the convenience of hooking up to your outlet. If you don't need an elbow to make a hook-up, why buy one?

Personally, I've not found any need or desire to look at the fluid running out of my black tank, but if a clear elbow makes you more comfortable, have at it.

DoC808 · 03-31-2017, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

Choose 45 or 90 elbow depending on the convenience of hooking up to your outlet. If you don't need an elbow to make a hook-up, why buy one?

Personally, I've not found any need or desire to look at the fluid running out of my black tank, but if a clear elbow makes you more comfortable, have at it.

That's exactly what I was thinking, but being new I wanted to ask for more experience RVer's opinions. It seems if I put any elbow in it it will provide a bend in Ihe line that's not needed, right now it looks like it would be a smooth flow all the way to the drain. Thanks for the replies guys.

sd75mac · 03-31-2017, 11:43 AM

To each his own desires. I do like to check my black water dump and desire to see clear and nothing but a clear water flush. And I use a clear 45.

That's my desire, others will differ.

blang · 03-31-2017, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathoncall

That's exactly what I was thinking, but being new I wanted to ask for more experience RVer's opinions. It seems if I put any elbow in it it will provide a bend in Ihe line that's not needed, right now it looks like it would be a smooth flow all the way to the drain. Thanks for the replies guys.

Your mileage may vary but here are a few examples of the benefits I have experienced:

1. When dumping the black first and then using the grey to backwash into the black tank, I can see how many rounds of backflushing are needed before I'm satisfied with the results. If it's just you using the facilities, you're already aware of what's in there. If there is an entire family (kids included), you have very little idea of what's in there.

2. When boondocking (or whenever I have a full grey and less than full black) and I want to move some grey to the black tank, I put a secondary valve on the outflow and open the grey then the black valves. The clear extension lets me monitor the flow so that I know when to close the black and then the grey.

Again, your mileage may vary but I have found valuable uses for the clear piece.

Healeyman · 03-31-2017, 11:48 AM

I use a straight clear section that stays connected to the slinky hose and fits inside the square rear bumper/hose carrier.

One less loose piece to have to handle and have to store someplace.

Tim

DoC808 · 03-31-2017, 11:55 AM

I spoke to another rver and he recommended dumping some ice cubes into the black tank down the toilet. Then driving around every now and then. The theory is that the ice cubes help break things up and clean the tank out. Anybody heard of that?

DoC808 · 03-31-2017, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sd75mac

To each his own desires. I do like to check my black water dump and desire to see clear and nothing but a clear water flush. And I use a clear 45.

That's my desire, others will differ.

I haven't even dumped it once yet, so I'll see which one to get after I've a bit more experience. The clear adaptors are cheap so I'll order a couple, I was just concerned of adding another piece in the line that could leak.

mrrving · 03-31-2017, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathoncall

I spoke to another rver and he recommended dumping some ice cubes into the black tank down the toilet. Then driving around every now and then. The theory is that the ice cubes help break things up and clean the tank out. Anybody heard of that?

Yes, When we leave a campground we dump and turn on the internal sprayer for the black tank. Open and close the valve for about 1 minute and then let drain. I do this until the water runs clear. Then I dump the grey to clean out the sewer hose. I close both valves and fill the black tank 3/4 with water. When ready to leave the site I dump ice cubes down the toilet. After driving to next location, the ice swishing around cleans the tank and sensors. My 2008 RV never had a sensor problem. We also use the Geo Method to keep tanks clean- detergent-liquid Calgon- method can be found on internet.

dennis45 · 03-31-2017, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathoncall

I spoke to another rver and he recommended dumping some ice cubes into the black tank down the toilet. Then driving around every now and then. The theory is that the ice cubes help break things up and clean the tank out. Anybody heard of that?

The ice cube theory is an Urbam Myth. Put ice cubes if you wish but it's the same result as dumping them out on the ground with the exception that it will raise the level in your black tank.
I and many others use a clear adaptor located at the valve before the hose. Straight, 90 or 45 whichever suits your configuration. The point is to flush the black tank to remove all solids and the clear adaptor allows you to confirm that process.
Once you have completed the process, add a few gallons of water which will help keep solids from building up on the bottom of the tank. Your tanks should be at least half full before dumping. Add water if required but volume is key.

vsheetz · 03-31-2017, 12:27 PM

Depends in what works for your setup. I have a 3" clear straight section added to the where the stinky slinky attached. It stays on the coach and the cap goes on it.

jcgribks · 03-31-2017, 12:57 PM

The clear adapter I use is a 45 deg but it also has an attachment point for a garden hose with the jet pointing back up towards the tanks. I don't have rinse jets inside my black tank so I have to clean it this way.
I always open the gray just for a few seconds, close it and then open the black until empty. Then while the black tank valve is open I hook up a garden hose (one I only use for this) to the adapter and turn on the water. The jet has an on/off knob so I run it a minute or until I'm getting more water coming back out than I think is going in. Shut off water jet, let black tank drain and replete until I get clear water.

saddlesore · 03-31-2017, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathoncall

I spoke to another rver and he recommended dumping some ice cubes into the black tank down the toilet. Then driving around every now and then. The theory is that the ice cubes help break things up and clean the tank out. Anybody heard of that?

Yup.... sounds good in theory... unless the tank is completely empty.. the ice cubes just float on top of the mess and do not accomplish a durn thing.. IMHO.