For some reason the black tank valve is always harder to pull than the grey tank valve, and needs to be replaced more often. As you have already guessed your seals are probably binding. What I did when I replaced my BT valve is to put grease fitting on the top of the both valves to lubricate the blade seal. I did this about 7 years ago and pump some grease in when it becomes hard to pull. The grey water valve is 20 years old and still has never leaked. The BT valve needs some grease about every other year to remain easy to pull and leak free.