Clogged Drain

Coach-man wrote:
The problem is you leave the valves open! The system is not designed to do that, you get build up and it clogs the pipe. To try and fix it you need to open the hot water faucets and hope it is enough to dissolve the build up! Both tanks, black and grey are called "holding" tanks. They are called that for a reason, they hold the contents, and then are drained. This action "sweeps" out any build up and keeps them clean! If you are able to get the tank clean, please do yourself a favor, and keep the valves closed, until the tank is full, then drain! Simple concept, why do so many people think they know more than the engineers who designed and built these systems?

When hooked to sewer I have left my grey tank open, been doing so for many years and full timing for nearly 6. I do once a week turn on tank spray, close valve and fill tank while doing black tank then open.

Never been a fan of being in the shower with the pan filling from the tank being full.

The problem is you leave the valves open! The system is not designed to do that, you get build up and it clogs the pipe. To try and fix it you need to open the hot water faucets and hope it is enough to dissolve the build up! Both tanks, black and grey are called "holding" tanks. They are called that for a reason, they hold the contents, and then are drained. This action "sweeps" out any build up and keeps them clean! If you are able to get the tank clean, please do yourself a favor, and keep the valves closed, until the tank is full, then drain! Simple concept, why do so many people think they know more than the engineers who designed and built these systems?

Vinny did not tell us if this is new to him camper or if he has been draining the tank in the past with no problem :h

my shower and bath sink grey tank and the black tank handles are to the left of the dump tube and the sink dump valve is located to the right of the dump tube.

Keep looking and you will most likely find the valve that operates that tank otherwise your valve is broken and must be replaced

RVUSA.com spec sheet shows the 2012 Cedar Creek 36B4 with 2 grey tanks. 99+% that there's another dump valve Vinny's not seeing.

Lyle

If shower and bathroom sink are draining, sounds like a 3rd tank..galley tank. One fifth wheel I had, the handle was behind the 2nd axle. I also have a galley tank in my current unit. No galley drain, maybe slide valve is not opening? Other than that, snake it. I would try snake in sink first, then go to drain on outside and try from there. Be prepared.

If the valve is concealed in the underbelly, the rod may have become disconnected from the valve.

I am not familiar with your particular FW, but do you possibly have three holding tanks. Some units have two grey tanks; one for the bath and another for the kitchen.

If you have electric remote operated valves, then you will have to find it. A call to the manufacturer or dealer may give you the valve location.

Open your gray tank discharge valve and see if anything comes out. If nothing comes out, try shoving either a plumbing snake or a flexible garden hose up the pipe. If something is clogging or if the valve is closed when you think it's open, you won't be able to shove the snake or the water hose up into the tank.

It's possible, you have a clog, and shoving something up the pipe into the tank from the outside might free it up. (be prepared to get a bath when it breaks free).

If the grey tank is clear, then you know the clog is somewhere between the sink and the grey tank in the drain plumbing.

Tearing the underbelly of your camper will not accomplish anything, except give you more work to do to replace it. You won't be able to see anything clogged through the black pipe anyway, and you don't want to dismantle anything as it's all glued together. Start cutting things apart and your in for some REAL work to replace it all.

If the gray tank is really empty, then proceed with a snake down the kitchen drain. Avoid drain opener chemicals. Not that they will hurt the pipes. No they will not, but the caustic affects of drain openers will not be pleasant if it get's on you, your clothing, or anywhere on your camper.

That's how I'd approach it, initially.

Question? do you put grease and garbage down the kitchen sink in your camper? Bacon grease, animal fat, beef grease, gravy, and such will clog a drain for sure. Potato peels are a disaster for drain, as are other clipping from vegetables.

Always wipe your dishes with paper towel and dispose in the trash before washing in the sink. Always absorb any grease in pots and pans with paper towel and discard in the trash before washing. These are enemies for your drains. The same is true in your stick & brick house too.

If you need cheap paper towels, go to Lowes or Home Depot and pick up a box of paper shop towels. They are inexpensive, and absorb much better than any kitchen paper towel I've ever used. We use paper shop towels for everything now. The blue in the roll or the white in a box are both great! Sanitary? They are as sanitary as any "Bounty" you'll buy.