Forum Discussion

Mr__Coach's avatar
Mr__Coach
Explorer
Apr 25, 2013

Raptor Black waste tank not draining

OK, so I just bought this raptor in AZ. Pulled it up here to the cold north, and yes it's been a horrible april up here.. So, now I found out the black water tank is not draining.. I have all the valves open, I have 3 valves and they are all open and have been since I purchased it. I've poured water down the sink and toilet. Water comes out of the sewer drain when putting the water down the sink but nothing comes out of the black tank.. Today I poured 10 gallons of hot water down the toilet hoping that maybe it would melt any ice build up that may be down there from our cold weather.. Nothing happened, even tried running a snake up the sewer pipe but I think it took a different path instead of going through the black water tank, I put about 20' through before I decided to pull it out. So now what can I do? Try to back flush it?, can't seem to get the valves shut either, they are all stuck in the open position. I don't know if these valves are the ones with the cables to them or not, can't see anything underneath with the insulation and enclosure under it. Anyone have any thoughts what might be happening? What else can I do to flush this system out?????
Toy Haulers
  • 2112's avatar
    2112
    Explorer II
    Apr 26, 2013
    Sorry for the highjack but:
    ...along with some valve conditioner. Also some toilet valve treatment in the toilet every time...

    What do you use for valve conditioner and treatment? I pour a little Tide liquid laundry detergent with a gal of water in mine. I'm curious what would be better.
  • T-bones's avatar
    T-bones
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2013
    Was the cap left off as well and Have you tried running a toilet snake up there? I know in our cold winters the little critters will climb up in there if left open.
  • BoonHauler's avatar
    BoonHauler
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2013
    Was it working when you bought it? Have you ever dumped it before? Could this have been a problem from the previous owner?
  • 64thunderbolt's avatar
    64thunderbolt
    Explorer II
    Apr 26, 2013
    next winter just antifreeze them with enough water to cover the valves. NEVER let them sit dry for that long. You'll be replacing them a lot. Sorry you are going through this. I pur 4/5 gal in blk/gry after every dump & clean along with some valve conditioner. Also some toilet valve treatment in the toilet every time. I learned that the cost of the chems was better than replacing.
  • Mr__Coach's avatar
    Mr__Coach
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2013
    TopSlink wrote:
    Dump a couple of gallons of RV antifreeze in the tank and let it set.
    You have a cleanout intake for your sewer system where your fresh water intake is it says sewer intake hook a hose to it before leaving and flush thouroughly. Also was the valve hard to open, we have had issues on both raptors with the gate valve have to replace it now and trust me I keep it clean just needs a repair kit I'm sure


    Yes, the valve does not close all the way and it's very hard to push and pull. I've flushed a lot of RV anti-freeze down the toilet already. But it's plugged solid. I don't know what to do anymore, I'm very discouraged right now. Also pulling the bottom cover off is a big big big pain. I've managed to get some of it off, and also used a knife to help me along.. Not sure how I'm going to get it put back up in place once this job is finished. I do now have access to the tank and valves, I think I'm going to have to replace all 3 valves..That sucks..
  • TopSlink's avatar
    TopSlink
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2013
    Dump a couple of gallons of RV antifreeze in the tank and let it set.
    You have a cleanout intake for your sewer system where your fresh water intake is it says sewer intake hook a hose to it before leaving and flush thouroughly. Also was the valve hard to open, we have had issues on both raptors with the gate valve have to replace it now and trust me I keep it clean just needs a repair kit I'm sure
  • skipnchar's avatar
    skipnchar
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2013
    Leaving the black tank OPEN (thus dry) is probably the worst thing you can do. There are always remaining solids which become "stones" when allowed to dry out. Keeping a few gallons of water in the black tank year round is the BEST way of keeping the system working properly.

    Might consider getting a honey wagon to use their power flushing system to try and free up the tank.

    Good luck / Skip

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