Obstruction in grey water line??

[CindyB]

We've been at a camp with full hookups for a few days and everything has been fine. This morning we noticed there is no flow out of the grey water line, even thou the valve is open. Our grey water tank is beginning to fill up, co we're assuming there's an obstruction somewhere. We keep drain screens in the shower and sinks to reduce gunk going into the lines. Anyone have any ideas how to clear?

[Ford Idaho]

Most likely the piece of plastic from when the holes were cut in the tank.

Not sure how you will get it out without making a mess, I would try a septic snake at a RV dump station.

Just be sure to stand clear........

[nomad297]

How cold is it where you are camping?

Bruce

[CindyB]

We're in Borrego Springs, California. It's about 80.

[SeaDog]

Cindy they make a clear plastic fitting that you can connect to your sewer outflow flange. It has a shoe connection to back flush the tank (don't use your Potable water hose) this may cause the obstruction to move away from the drain pipe. I got mine a CW. Good luck.

[CindyB]

Thanks Seadog, we have that clear connection and will try your suggestion. However, we're thinking now that it might not be an obstruction because there is nothing we put down any drain that should cause a complete obstruction. We're thinking it might be more of a vent problem ....

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by CindyB

Thanks Seadog, we have that clear connection and will try your suggestion. However, we're thinking now that it might not be an obstruction because there is nothing we put down any drain that should cause a complete obstruction. We're thinking it might be more of a vent problem ....

Use a plunger on the shower drain while someone watches to see if gray water comes out.

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by CindyB

Thanks Seadog, we have that clear connection and will try your suggestion. However, we're thinking now that it might not be an obstruction because there is nothing we put down any drain that should cause a complete obstruction. We're thinking it might be more of a vent problem ....

If you I think it may be a venting problem, remove, by unscrewing, the air admittance valve under your vanity and see how it drains without that installed.

Bruce

[SeaDog]

It may be a vent and like mentioned the plunger may work I would think the black would also be experiencing slow drain if it were a vent stack problem, but you have a good plan just work your way thru it eliminating each as you go until things flow.

[SeaDog]

Cindy Please let the forum know when and what you did to solve the problem its the only way some of us learn how to deal with these problems.

[johntaylor]

Originally Posted by CindyB

However, we're thinking now that it might not be an obstruction because there is nothing we put down any drain that should cause a complete obstruction. We're thinking it might be more of a vent problem ....

Not an obstruction you have caused, one from the manufacturer. They cut the holes in the tank with a holesaw, and if the disc they cut out falls into the tank, they leave it there.

[RudysWorld]

X2, we had that issue.

[KyDan]

X3 my hole saw piece made it all the way to the gray dump valve which is
close enough to the end that I was able to -just- get my finger in there and
fish it out.
I agree it might slow the flow but don't see it causing a total blockage...
Still think a snake run up the line from the outside is best option.

Good luck!

[CindyB]

Problem solved, but we're not sure how!! Husband checked the roof vent and there was no obstruction there. We unscrewed the air admittance valve under both the kitchen sink and vanity and didn't see any problems there. We made a batch of margaritas and assumed we'd have to go home the next morning and take it in for service. In the morning, my husband pulled the grey line valve and everything flowed out just fine. So .... I'm thinking maybe it was the margaritas??? Thank you to everyone here for their suggestions!

[SeaDog]

Glad you got the problem taken care even if you didn't actually solve it. I'm leaning toward the under counter air vents being the problem and when you unscrewed them it allowed air into the tank. You'll find out the next time out. I think margaritas help most problem solving.