Black Water Surprise

[RalphieAdie]

Both our black and gray water do release rapidly and then it seems to take 10+ minutes for the tanks to stop trickling.

We then push the tank releases back to shut them and cap the outlet. When we get to the next location, inevitably we get a "surprise" when we uncap the outlet. Not much, but enough to be an big nuisance.

I've never experienced this before on past coaches and trailers, but it's been a few years since I've been rv'ing. Is this normal now? Or, since the unit is under warranty is there some problem that can/should be addressed?

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by ralphieadie

Both our black and gray water do release rapidly and then it seems to take 10+ minutes for the tanks to stop trickling.

We then push the tank releases back to shut them and cap the outlet. When we get to the next location, inevitably we get a "surprise" when we uncap the outlet. Not much, but enough to be an big nuisance.

I've never experienced this before on past coaches and trailers, but it's been a few years since I've been rv'ing. Is this normal now? Or, since the unit is under warranty is there some problem that can/should be addressed?

Sounds as if you shut off valves are leaking.


Turbs

[Dave_Monica]

The valve is mounted on the neck of the tank and opened with a cable. There's about 6' of piping from the black/gray tank connection to the end cap. If there's not sufficient slope in this section, material will stay in the pipe between the valves and the end cap giving the surprise next time you open it.

That's the reason that I'm very careful removing the cap.

[DDC]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Sounds as if you shut off valves are leaking.


Turbs

X2

I had that on my last trailer it's not a pleasant experience but I'm sure you will know which one is leaking by the odour.

[WEMig]

I had that problem on my last camper. What a surprise and what a mess. I flushed my tanks and changed the leaking valve myself.

[Dave_Monica]

I should ask what amount comes out when you remove the end cap...1 cup or 2 gallons?

Dave

[RalphieAdie]

Originally Posted by Dave_Monica

I should ask what amount comes out when you remove the end cap...1 cup or 2 gallons?

Dave

It's more like 1 cup of fluid.

[Herk7769]

The leakage can be from blockage that is preventing complete emptying.

When did you last flush your tank for about 30 minutes or until water runs perfectly clear.

A quick work around is an end cap like the photo. The valve just twists on with the same type bayonets as the sewer hose.

[danno2u]

We had the same "surprise" in our black water tank. Simple solution -- we installed a $20 shutoff at the cap. Now absolutely nothing comes out until I hook up first and open the shutoff at the cap. Usually about a quart of blackish water will come out. Our underbelly is enclosed so it's too big a chore to get in and replace the black water shutoff and I don't want a dealer monkeying around there either (RV is still under warranty).

A good tip is to add a clear section too so you can see what's coming out when you flush. Here's a pic of my setup.

[RalphieAdie]

Originally Posted by herk7769

The leakage can be from blockage that is preventing complete emptying.

When did you last flush your tank for about 30 minutes or until water runs perfectly clear.

A quick work around is an end cap like the photo. The valve just twists on with the same type bayonets as the sewer hose.

Last time out we flushed till the water ran clear and I believe that our end cap is the bayonet type. It's probably worth having this issue checked out while it's still under warranty.

Thanks. for the help.

[Capt. Mike]

Ralph,

We ran into Bob and Joyce at the STL RV show yesterday (Thursday) afternoon. Bob said you guys were there, too. Sorry we missed you.

We have not had the "leaking" problem on our 2012 Rockwood that you are describing. I think you are wise to have it checked out while still under warranty.

Mike

[RalphieAdie]

Originally Posted by danno2u

We had the same "surprise" in our black water tank. Simple solution -- we installed a $20 shutoff at the cap. Now absolutely nothing comes out until I hook up first and open the shutoff at the cap. Usually about a quart of blackish water will come out. Our underbelly is enclosed so it's too big a chore to get in and replace the black water shutoff and I don't want a dealer monkeying around there either (RV is still under warranty).

A good tip is to add a clear section too so you can see what's coming out when you flush. Here's a pic of my setup.

Like your set-up. We do use a clear section so we know when the tank is clean. I agree, not sure I want anyone tearing out the underbelly. Thanks for the suggestions.

[RalphieAdie]

Originally Posted by Capt. Mike

Ralph,

We ran into Bob and Joyce at the STL RV show yesterday (Thursday) afternoon. Bob said you guys were there, too. Sorry we missed you.

We have not had the "leaking" problem on our 2012 Rockwood that you are describing. I think you are wise to have it checked out while still under warranty.

Mike

Hi Mike,

Sorry we missed you and Yvonne. We enjoyed the show and can't wait for camping season to begin in STL.

Did you make a decision yet on your new unit? Saw your's for sale here, hope it moves fast.

[jdadoug]

I had the same problem with my fully enclosed belly on my Cardinal.......
I opted for the "end of line valve" like Herk & Danno.
I didnt get it untill the end of the season, but had to put up with the "suprise" each time I went to the dumpstation. (think my black tank was doing the leaking)
Since my valves are hidden so far inside the camper I would get most of two gallons of suprise! I also started using the Geo method, trying to clean the wiper and blade and the whole tank system, thinking that it would fix the leak. (it has'nt so far) But now I know I wont have any more suprises
jdadoug

[MissouriCamper]

Our 2603 does the same, my solution a cheap plastic dishpan I place under the outlet before removing the cap, and a pair of rubber gloves. Usually less than a few tablespoons leak out but enough to be irritating.

[Dabmeb]

We us a cap with the garden hose connection, I just undo that and let it drain into the slinky. Then just hold the slinky under the main cap while removing it to catch and extra drips. Just install slinky and dump from there

[Hans]

I had a "surprise" in my black water tank, too. I couldn't figure out why I would get an extra quart or so, out of my tank after I thought I had completely emptied it. This is what came out after my 3rd trip in my rig

[RVChick]

What the heck is that?

[Hans]

When they drilled the hole in the floor to connect the sewer pipe, the plug that they were drilling, fell into the black tank hose. They just left it there! It finally flushed down the line, with some "back up" behind it.

[RVChick]

Oh My Word!!!