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joelogan's avatar
joelogan
Explorer
Aug 03, 2013

black water tank leaking

2006 Montana Mountaineer (3 tanks)

Went camping for two weeks. Started smeling odor from black water at start of second week. Emptied tank and still smelled odor.
Today when left campground black water came out all around bottom of the black insulation cover when moved RV. What is the best way to attack this problem? I am at home now with RV on pad.Should I try to clean the insulation pad after I correct problem os just buy a new one? I am assumming the tank is leaking or a connection is leaking.
Any help or information will be appreciated.
Thanks

6 Replies

  • Where can I buy the belly pan (Coroplast) The only size in Memphis are small sheets 4ft x 8ft.
    Thanks
  • Where can I buy the belly pan (Coroplast) The only size in Memphis are small sheets 4ft x 8ft.
    Thanks
  • The coroplast (ABS) liner comes down in a big sheet. Unscrew the sheet metal screws and fight it out. This will give you access to the entire tank. It prolly cracked along the upper seam OR where the piping meets the tank. There is a 'plastic weld' kit you can buy that literally melts the tank ABS and you add more material to 'weld' it shut. It's a good afternoon's work. Good luck.
    Mike
  • The belly pan is coroplast (plastic cardboard LOL)

    You can cut a window as described.....
    But due to black tank leak I would remove the panel (panel can be reused)
    The insulation on panel or in/around tank will need to be replaced......ain't going to remove the stink.

    After removing panel...locate leak (drain valve/flange/seals, tank fittings, tank wall etc.)
    After identifying leak.....fix/repair/replace
    New insulation and reinstall panel

    Good luck......old clothes, gloves, mask, water hose and a really good friend to help
  • I know I would drop it off at Camping World and say Fix It and clean it. But if you must try yourself cut a hole dear the center like a flap with the "hinge" part at the front of the flap. Open both sides of the belly pan some so you can get a hose in it and begin to flush it out. Its gonna be stinky and messy. Now you need to find the leak. You may have to drop the entire belly pan or part of it looking for a leaky pipe or cracked holding tank. That will determine your next step. Cracked pipe you might get away with cutting another flap and fixing it. Cracked or leaking holding tank requires a patch or replacement.

    Either way you go its gonna be a crappy job for someone to fix and clean.