Black tank valve
We are on the road and my friend dumped his black tank, closed the valve and flushed then went to open the valve and it barely opened. Pulled and pulled and it would not open all the way. What could be wrong?
Forum Discussion
- What happened to the OP? I'd like to know what became of their problem with the valve.
- First thing to try, and I speak from experience, is to put Thetford Drain Valve Lubricant in your tank. Our valve was stuck open which is the opposite of yours. It's better and recommended to treat the valve with it closed. So at the advice of the local RV supply and shop, we bought the Thetford, ran hot water in our toilet (using buckets), managed to get the valve closed, which is what you want. We let it sit (preferred to drive around so the liquid swishes around), but for us it worked. We can open and close easily now. I put additional treatment in along with two gallons of hot water. Why they stick can be because sludge builds up around it much like the valve on your lawn mower when you move between mulch and bag. Try that first before you panic and have to take things apart.
- wait until evening and hook it up at the dump station and let it trickle until drained. Then you can disconnect the valve and see what's going on.
- Most likely jammed up with paper. As long as he drained it he can take it off and clean/lube it or replace it.
Bill
