Replace waste valve stuck closed

robbi · 03-01-2016, 09:36 AM

The waste valve on our gray tank is stuck closed. Didn't realize it until the tank was full and water backed up in the sink. How do you install a new valve with a full tank without having a mess?? HELP
We have a 2012 class A Georgetown

bubbles · 03-01-2016, 09:46 AM

If water has backed up into a sink you probably already have a mess because the shower is the lowest drain and backup should have appeared there first. If you have a second half bath then may not be this issue. If you can't get the drain valve open then yeah, it might be a water mess ( if no way to suck tank dry) to change the valve but lucky it is the gray tank side.

robbi · 03-01-2016, 10:13 AM

Thanks, it is the half bath tank. Thought I'd throw it out. Figured there was no way to avoid a mess.

robbi · 03-01-2016, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubbles

If water has backed up into a sink you probably already have a mess because the shower is the lowest drain and backup should have appeared there first. If you have a second half bath then may not be this issue. If you can't get the drain valve open then yeah, it might be a water mess ( if no way to suck tank dry) to change the valve but lucky it is the gray tank side.

Thanks Bubbles....figured as much.

bubbles · 03-01-2016, 10:40 AM

If you haven't done it before the valve is easy to change. 4 screws and nuts. Getting at those screws and nuts sometimes is the real issue. The valve is readily available on line and at camper supply locations. Typically there isn't any issues with opening the valve, just closing it sometimes fails. Try pulling real hard on the valve handle. The gate valve may just be wedged between the gaskets that may have dried out some. You'll get it, good luck.

Rvdixie · 03-01-2016, 12:44 PM

I know it's not funny but I would pay to see the replacement procedure if it was the black tank. Just kidding.

camaraderie · 03-01-2016, 01:09 PM

Id try to thread a small plastic tube down the drain pipe attached to a small pump....get as much water out as possible by bucket.Then when you unbolt the valve... There will be much less mess. Time to break out the rubber suit!

lazyjj · 03-01-2016, 01:26 PM

My black tank valve was hard to open on my 2016 Chaparral. I just pulled very hard and it finally released. I have cable type valves which I am not fond of but just had the valve replaced under warranty.

Lostdog · 03-01-2016, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbi

The waste valve on our gray tank is stuck closed. Didn't realize it until the tank was full and water backed up in the sink. How do you install a new valve with a full tank without having a mess?? HELP
We have a 2012 class A Georgetown

Can we get a little more info?
When you pull the handle does the handle pull out and leave the "gate" still closed? That is pretty easy to check with a stiff wire up the drain.

If the handle IS pulling the gate open then you may have the dreaded plastic disk from the hole saw that was used when the tank was installed. The disk washes over the opening thus blocking it. We did and it was the factory that went in to remove said disk.

Good luck and let us know.

Happy Dave · 03-01-2016, 02:22 PM

In my vengeance touring edition in the 1/2 bath black and grey is same tank If this is your kitchen sink their should be a galley drain.

Joe-Barb · 03-01-2016, 06:51 PM

If you haven't drained the tank yet. Get the cap that has the hose fitting on it then drill hole in stuck gate throw the cap on and you can connect a hose and let the tank drain with very little mess .Then you can replace gate valve.

kholmes · 03-01-2016, 07:55 PM

We had a worse problem with our black tank. The whole handle mechanism broke and black tank was full😨 what i did was took a hack saw to the area where the metal sleeve was and cut a small area out so i could grab the sleeve with a pair of needlenose pliershe part that opens and closes

kholmes · 03-01-2016, 07:59 PM

I was able to hook the hose up and then open the valve to let it drain. I then had to purchase a new gate valve and put it on. Best thing is it all worked out and i didn't have to clean myself up. Thank God for that!!

Jim in Halifax · 03-05-2016, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camaraderie

Id try to thread a small plastic tube down the drain pipe attached to a small pump....get as much water out as possible by bucket.Then when you unbolt the valve... There will be much less mess. Time to break out the rubber suit!

Disconnect at "P" trap and get one of those pumps that attach to an elec drill and pump it out...

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