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Old 02-25-2019, 01:43 PM   #1
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What do you use to backflush grey water tank drain pipe

My gray water tank is draining very slowly. I have checked the air admittance valve, the vent cap on the roof, check to make sure the valve was opening all the way and all seems to be working properly. So I am assuming that there is some type of clog in the opening for the drain for the gray water tank. I have put laundry detergent in and let it soak. No change. The gray water tank connects with a 1 and 1/2 inch line into the three inch line for the RV. It is about two to three feet in from the opening at sewer line end and is a right angle turn from the 3 inch pipe. What do you use to backflush that type of greywater tank line? A hose that you run up there or a power washer fitting on the end of the sewer line or????
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Old 02-25-2019, 01:53 PM   #2
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Grey tank ? You mean when you are dumping, emptying the tank? The same valve as the Black tank? Or are you saying it drains slowly at the sink ,to the grey tank?
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Old 02-25-2019, 01:54 PM   #3
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I have read threads about construction debris blocking drains. a circle cut out from the floor during the construction process could of worked its way in front of the drain line?
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Old 02-25-2019, 02:06 PM   #4
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I use the Rhino blaster pro to back flush my black tank. It could be used for the gray tank as well.



https://www.campingworld.com/rhino-b...gate-valve-e-f
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Old 02-25-2019, 02:06 PM   #5
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There are three separate tanks on the trailer. Each has its own drain valve. The black tank empties into the 3-inch pipe and when you pull the cable for it to open the drain valve, water comes gushing out. Same for the galley tank. The gray tank from the bathroom is the one that drains slowly when you pull the drain tank valve cable. The gray and the galley tank connect into the 3-inch pipe and drain out of it . There might be debris in there but not sure. It always drained very well before and gushed out. But it stopped doing it.
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Old 02-25-2019, 02:06 PM   #6
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We use a Flush King to back fill our tanks completely and drain. If having sensor problems, we might travel with full tanks and chemicals. Might also dislodge a clog.

If you have a stubborn clog and can get to to valve, remove the center of the valve (four bolts) and hopefully there is enough wiggle room so you can insert a hose.

Otherwise rent or buy one of those inspection cameras to see what is going in. Here's a cheap one: https://www.amazon.com/USB-Borescope...40107488&psc=1

Good luck!
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Old 02-25-2019, 02:08 PM   #7
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Thanks for the idea. I can get at the valve easily and would be able to pull it out. So I might be able to do what you suggest in putting a hose in there to backflush.
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Old 02-25-2019, 04:59 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by NMWildcat View Post
We use a Flush King to back fill our tanks completely and drain. If having sensor problems, we might travel with full tanks and chemicals. Might also dislodge a clog.

If you have a stubborn clog and can get to to valve, remove the center of the valve (four bolts) and hopefully there is enough wiggle room so you can insert a hose.

Otherwise rent or buy one of those inspection cameras to see what is going in. Here's a cheap one: https://www.amazon.com/USB-Borescope...40107488&psc=1

Good luck!
Yep. I would try the Flush King first.
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Old 02-26-2019, 02:29 PM   #9
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Don't forget the stink pipe going up. If that's clogged with rodent or bird debris the tank can drain slower.
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Old 02-26-2019, 04:24 PM   #10
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I don't. The grey plumbing stays clean as it is soapy water. We don't dump grease or food down the sink. We use grey dump to wash out the hose after black tank dump.
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Old 02-26-2019, 07:05 PM   #11
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Agree with Anderson15 that easiest backflush for drain line is the RhinoBlaster -it has worked for us!
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Old 02-28-2019, 02:28 AM   #12
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I have read threads about construction debris blocking drains. a circle cut out from the floor during the construction process could of worked its way in front of the drain line?
That would be my quess. Maybe one of the inexpensive fiber optic camera attachment for your cel phone or a flashlight and a long inspection mirror would give you confirmation of the blockage.
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Old 02-28-2019, 07:15 AM   #13
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Best bet, start out with a inspection camera and go from there. This way you know what type of blockage you have.
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Old 02-28-2019, 09:00 AM   #14
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My Cedar Creek grey water tanks drains kinda of slow but we hardly ever dry camp so it doesn’t matter. I just leave the grey water tank valves open, I close the bathroom grey water tank a day before we leave.
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Old 02-28-2019, 12:04 PM   #15
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Curious, what would block up a Grey Water drain...food debris from the sink?
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Old 02-28-2019, 03:31 PM   #16
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Curious, what would block up a Grey Water drain...food debris from the sink?

As had been said before, if when the manufacturer cut the hole for the drain and vent the cut out part(s) fell inside they could make their way to the drain opening. Another is if the drain valve has a cable pull and the cable is not anchored properly it could cause the valve to not open fully, or close fully for that matter.
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Old 02-28-2019, 03:44 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NMWildcat View Post
We use a Flush King to back fill our tanks completely and drain. If having sensor problems, we might travel with full tanks and chemicals. Might also dislodge a clog.

If you have a stubborn clog and can get to to valve, remove the center of the valve (four bolts) and hopefully there is enough wiggle room so you can insert a hose.

Otherwise rent or buy one of those inspection cameras to see what is going in. Here's a cheap one: https://www.amazon.com/USB-Borescope...40107488&psc=1

Good luck!
I am ordering one of these cameras today. Not necessarily for a gray line inspection but rather for where that DA** mouse is in my AC ducting!
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Old 02-28-2019, 09:39 PM   #18
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We use the Flush King to back flush our black water and grey water tanks when we are at the dump station. On/Off water valve attached has a back flow preventer valve built in.
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Old 02-28-2019, 10:07 PM   #19
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If you’re using the Flush King or the Rhino Blaster, have a look at this video.

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Old 03-01-2019, 07:30 AM   #20
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If you’re using the Flush King or the Rhino Blaster, have a look at this video.



One of the main reason i never bought one. The toilet wand is the best imo.
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