Black tank will not empty-I'm stumped

Volvodriver · 09-08-2013, 03:03 PM

Tank emptied 2nd day at cg after 1200 mile trip (we are fulltimers). Dump on 7-8 day schedule so tried to dump yesterday. Galley & grey emptied but black did not. Have tank flush connect but used the flush king first. Nothing. Handle pulls like it is opening but can not tell. Nothing through the clear 90.

So, need some discussion. Should I try to use the tank flush system to see if this might dislodge something or have a tank cleaning service come out.
Or call FR and talk with them about it. Rig is still under warranty - purchased April 2013. Need some direction - I'm stumped

and getting stressed out about tank issues-galley problem still not resolved

Thanks, Dave

Pipeman · 09-08-2013, 03:35 PM

If it is still under warranty, I would call FR. My experience with them on warranty isn't good. Don't get anything fixed until you contact them or they won't cover you under warranty.Your problem sounds like the black tank valve cable might not be connected. If you're near full I wouldn't use the flush because it might overfill the tank and spill out via the toilet, don't ,ask me how I know this....good luck.

kc8lvy · 09-08-2013, 03:38 PM

Is your dump valve cable operated or a rod? It may have came disconnected. That is 1 possibility.

dalford · 09-08-2013, 03:46 PM

You said you have a flush king connected. Can you add water to your black tank? Maybe something plugging the line and you could possibly back flush it loose with flush king. Unless your black tank is nearly full you should be able to try this.

If you turn on the water and open the black tank valve, if not water is going into the black tank then water will usually start spraying out from you flush king. Just a suggestion...

mTn_biKer65 · 09-08-2013, 03:51 PM

Brother in-law had a similar issue when they were leaving a campground they had been at for a week. In their case the black tank was just plugged. Another camper just happened to have a plumbing snake. Once they broke through they closed the valve and reconnected to finish the tank off normally. Then they started the clean-up of what they couldn't catch in time.

BarryD0706 · 09-08-2013, 04:00 PM

If nothing comes out at all, I think the valve isn't working. If it was, you should get at least a little dribble out of the thing even with a blockage.

dalford · 09-08-2013, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarryD0706

If nothing comes out at all, I think the valve isn't working. If it was, you should get at least a little dribble out of the thing even with a blockage.

x2, should be sewage between valve and holding tank..

MillerTime · 09-08-2013, 07:02 PM

How about using one of these clear, flush with valves to back flush from the outside. Just close this secondary valve and turn flush on and let it pressure up and un-block your stoppage ( Unless primary valve is closed then you will notice too much pressure really quick)

Best of luck!

MillerTime · 09-08-2013, 07:04 PM

Sorry couldnt edit the pic in after hitting send.
Heres the valve

Click image for larger version

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caper · 09-08-2013, 07:21 PM

It could also be the disk that was cut out of the tank to install dump valve. Have hear of situations where the disk fell into the tank at the factory and the employee did not try to get it out. After several dumps the disk will move back to the dump valve and block the opening. Also what type of TP are you using. Some brands do not break down and will plug the dump valve. If this was to happen then you would not get any flow (don't ask how I know). I have a clear elbow with a hose attachment to back flush the system. When I removed the hose attachment there was a small hole that allowed a drain snake to be used. Because the hole is so small when I dislodged the block I only had to put my thumb over the hole.(I was wearing gloves) I have change my TP to the Kirkland (Costco) brand. Have not had a problem since.

**ependydad** · 09-08-2013, 07:23 PM

Caper, what kind of TP did you use before?

caper · 09-08-2013, 08:37 PM

I was using Charmin.

Taranwanderer · 09-08-2013, 08:46 PM

Charmin? That's got to be one of the worst brands for breaking down in a holding tank!

We use Scott, never a paper problem.

Weezer · 09-08-2013, 08:59 PM

(whew) glad to see there are other acceptable brands other than what the RV supply stores sell.

I appears I'm allergic to that.

What makes that brand so acceptable? Is there a chemical involved that promotes break-down?

VinceU · 09-08-2013, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weezer

(whew) glad to see there are other acceptable brands other than what the RV supply stores sell.

I appears I'm allergic to that.

What makes that brand so acceptable? Is there a chemical involved that promotes break-down?

Scotts is very thin, one ply and no chemicals in it. It may not break down easily but it breaks up into very small pieces. Charmin in the meantime is quilted two ply and tends to enter the tank as small pillows, very hard to break up. I've used it and it tends to built "pyramids" at the bottom of the toilet exit. Had to pole it a few times and quit using it.

**ependydad** · 09-08-2013, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinceU

Scotts is very thin, one ply and no chemicals in it. It may not break down easily but it breaks up into very small pieces. Charmin in the meantime is quilted two ply and tends to enter the tank as small pillows, very hard to break up. I've used it and it tends to built "pyramids" at the bottom of the toilet exit. Had to pole it a few times and quit using it.

I definitely need to do the water test (put it in water, leave it there for X minutes and then shake it to see if it breaks down or not) with our TP.

We like it for it's wipeability. But would be sad if it's going to cause us problems come dumping time.

BarryD0706 · 09-08-2013, 10:22 PM

We use Charmin all the time and haven't had a problem. It says it's ok for septic systems.

Volvodriver · 09-09-2013, 08:35 AM

I have the back flow clear 90 with gate and hose back flow protect. We use generic Cosco TP. I am going to try to back flush again with the gate 90 and if I get no results will be calling my good friends (I have #s and email) at FR.

Flying dutchman · 09-09-2013, 09:24 AM

Regarding TP all one ply brands are generally ok. Good luck with your blocked (by whatever) black tank. Just be careful and stay away when the blockage is breaking up and the stuff shoots out.

Volvodriver · 09-09-2013, 11:02 AM

A combination of flush king back flush and the rigs built in system and some luck got what ever it was cleared and the tank flushed out. You can be sure I will use plenty of water and good toilet chemicals from this point forward. I am learning good lessons along this journey.
Thank you for all the replies and advice. Thia forum is very helpful to FR owners and all other rv'ers that need help. Hope to pay it forward as time goes by.

Dave

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