Dump Valves

Dave and Sue wrote:
Why not cut the pipes and use a rubber coupling,Called Furnco here,to put it back together.makes pipe fitting much easier.

That's what I did when I replaced a valve on my old trailer; cut the valve off with my sawzall and used one of those rubber couplers with stainless steel clamps to put everything back together.

On our second last trip I had a small amount of liquid escape through one of the valves. Learned to hold the slinky under the exit when taking the cap off to catch that cup full. After dumping I put water in only the grey tank and it leaked, so I bought a new smaller valve. When I started the install I realized there was no provision for making room to pull the valve out or push the new one in - there is a part of the valve that projects into the pipe. I bought a rubber joiner that should make it possible. Then procrastinated, thinking I should do both valves and at a time when trouble wouldn't interfere with a trip. I did lubricate the valves with silicone spray, squirting in from the drain opening and pouring a little Canola oil down the toilet and sink.

Lazy man's luck - there was no leak at all on the next trip.

Why not cut the pipes and use a rubber coupling,Called Furnco here,to put it back together.makes pipe fitting much easier.

Thanks for all suggestions. The twist on valve is a temporary fix to me. When I want to dump grey water only, I will have a stinky mix with it. I prefer getting the two tanks separate with separate pulls. I guess the only think to do is put on new ones. Part are not that expensive and since most local places charge $110 an hour, I am better off doing this simple job. The main problem I have is the very tight fit as I install the last cut off valve. Last time I lowered the entire assembly as mentioned. One goes on great and the other one is tight as I must have it in place as I raise the assembly and before I can tighten the bolts.
Thanks again.

If you have replaced the valve 3 times you might be over tightening the screws when installing. They need to be tightened a little at time evenly on all 4 corners. If not done correctly the blade can bind and cause the leakage.

Some new trailers come with separate black and gray valve connections. However, I think the best solution is the one mentioned above about adding a new gate valve at the end of your present single connection point. You could even do away with the cap if you wish if you use this.
Twist on gate valve.
Barney

I would not try the two-connection solution you suggest - It does not eliminate the leakage problem and makes you have to disconnect the not-yet-rinsed stinky slinky from the black tank connector, which has to be great fun-NOT.

I have an additional valve installed just before the stinky slinky connection which gives the extra protection I need to prevent situations like the one you explained.