Help! Leaving tomorrow and have a macerator issue

[CopB8]

Help! leaving tomorrow at 6am and seem to have an issue with the dump station. Just to preface this, we are brand new owners of a 2021 DX3 37BH, and first time RV'ers of any kind.

I went to the dump station today and placed the macerator hose into the dump site port. When I opened the black water valve and turned on the macerator pump switch, the macerator hose had big leaks EVERYWHERE! I turned it off and shut the valve.

I now wanted to revert to the 4" gravity feed port to complete the process. This meant removing the cap that was already holding back a bunch of waste. I used a garage bag around it to remove the cap and drain the fluid. Used the bag to drain into the dump station. I then hooked up the 4" hose and placed the other end in the dump station port. When I opened the black water valve, not only did it flow out the 4' pipe (good), but also the 1.5" macerator hose (bad).

I've gone to 3 different places around me to get a macerator hose but all need to be ordered and we don't have that time.

So the question (finally), isn't there a way to use the 4" gravity hose without it also going to the macerator hose? I don't see an independent valve anywhere.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

You should be able to purchase 1.5" hose, cut to length and sold by the foot, at most all big box hardware stores. It won't likely have the fittings on the ends, but consult with one of the associates, regarding proper clamps.

With a gravity feed system, why bother with a macerator? Just more to clog and fail. Just wait until someone puts a Tampon in the toilet. You'll be digging out a bail of cotton. (How do you think I know this?)

Bob

 

[fedexflyer]

Mine doesn't have a separate macerator line, but until you can get one I recommend rescue tape. It's at every hardware/home/walmart store and goes by many names but wrap around the leaks and Voila, good to start your trip

 

[malmz]

Your macerator hose end should have a cap on it too. The cap screws onto the gray 90 degree that is there and also has a hose connection in case you are pumping or rinsing additionally through a garden hose, with an additional cap on that. After it is capped keep it higher than the gravity hose.

Thetford | Sani-Con Replacement Sewer Hose Nozzle Cap | 97514

The Thetford Sani-Con Replacement Sewer Hose Nozzle Cap is the perfect replacement for your RV's sewer hose. This cap is designed to fit Thetford Sani-Con systems and is easy to install. Designed to fit Thetford Sani-Con systems Easy to install Durable construction Secure fit Compatible with...

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[CopB8]

Your macerator hose end should have a cap on it too. The cap screws onto the gray 90 degree that is there and also has a hose connection in case you are pumping or rinsing additionally through a garden hose, with an additional cap on that. After it is capped keep it higher than the gravity hose.

Thetford | Sani-Con Replacement Sewer Hose Nozzle Cap | 97514

The Thetford Sani-Con Replacement Sewer Hose Nozzle Cap is the perfect replacement for your RV's sewer hose. This cap is designed to fit Thetford Sani-Con systems and is easy to install. Designed to fit Thetford Sani-Con systems Easy to install Durable construction Secure fit Compatible with...

unitedrvparts.com

I have that cap. The problem is is that it's at the end of a leaky hose so even though it won't come out the end, it'll come out.

 

[CopB8]

Ok, I did the temporary fix and installed a 1-1/2" PVC plug. I'll buy a new hose after we return from this trip.

Living and learning.

 

[malmz]

Valid point, I thought of that after. Good on the temp fix! I think I will get myself a spare hose.

 

[Peabs]

I carry a spare hose for our Sani-Con, but now I'll pick up a 1.5" plug just in case. The "living and learning" is a good perspective.
I also have a sleeve cover for the hose because I've learned from others that the sun & wear-n-tear takes a toll on the exposed hose.

 

[halla]

I added a 1.5" gate valve to the macerator side and a 4" gate valve to the other hole, just to be able to shut everything off if needed.

 

[malmz]

I like the idea of adding a 1.5 ball valve there in case of a hose break as long as it clears the door. hmmm.

 

[halla]

A friend of ours gave me the idea and also the idea to add banjo fittings. So I added the 1.5 gate valve, then banjo fittings, so I can remove the hose when traveling, easily connect an extension hose. It was a brilliant idea, and the parts are not too expensive. Amazon.com I bought the fittings on Amazon, added a few caps and it is a nice way to store and use everything.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

I carry a spare hose for our Sani-Con, but now I'll pick up a 1.5" plug just in case. The "living and learning" is a good perspective.
I also have a sleeve cover for the hose because I've learned from others that the sun & wear-n-tear takes a toll on the exposed hose.

We only expose the hose for the time it takes to dump. Even in sites with sewer connections, we do not deploy the hose until then needed dump time. It also prevents other issues such as sewer flies entering into the system.

Bob

 

[roonabeck]

I added camlock fittings as well, and since my DC3 lives a bit downhill from my septic at home, I was happy to find that with this and a camlock fitting added to a pipe going into my septic, I could empty the tanks at home. Came in handy while living in the RV last year for a bit while the house kitchen was being redone. I thought that Thetford’s tagline “going places” might be improved to “we make s**t run uphill.”

 

[KethCamps]

Cap the macerator hose and prop it up to stop the backflow. Valve or cap from the hardware store should do the trick...

 

[CyberShanks!]

Thinking this would work

Amazon.com

Jim

 

[halla]

 

[MevetS]

View attachment 1108244

I use the cam locks on the macerator outlet, also. Plus, I put them on an extra hose that I carry. If need be, it's easy to extend the line by using the spare hose or swap out to the new hose.

 

[malmz]

Thinking this would work

Amazon.com

Jim

Saw that too but it doesn't look like there is room to swing it 360 to screw it into the existing threaded pipe.

 

[cvd]

One additional recommendation - don't dump the black tank first (as is commonly recommended). Run the gray tank for a couple seconds, long enough to confirm you have no leaks. Then dump the black, then the rest of the gray.

 

[malmz]

Halla, how is your gate valve installed? 1 1/2" threaded or did you change or add to the 90 degree fitting?