Spent last night in a Cracker Barrel parking lot. First time for everything. This morning we used the water in the fresh water tank to flush the toilet. As soon as we did that the toilet continued to run water. We couldn't stop except by shutting off the water pump. Up until this point we hadn't used the fresh water tank for several years. could something from the fresh water tank have lodged in the water shut off valve in the toilet? How do we get to that valve to have a look? Or, what do you all think is our next step?

klr650goldwing wrote:Spent last night in a Cracker Barrel parking lot. First time for everything. This morning we used the water in the fresh water tank to flush the toilet. As soon as we did that the toilet continued to run water. We couldn't stop except by shutting off the water pump. Up until this point we hadn't used the fresh water tank for several years. could something from the fresh water tank have lodged in the water shut off valve in the toilet? How do we get to that valve to have a look? Or, what do you all think is our next step?Yes, you have debris in the valve. The instructions for removing that valve is on the website of your brand and model. In the future, sanitize and flush the entire fresh water system regularly.

Very small spec of crud can cause the valve to leak. I had it happen but now have two GE whole house filters. There could be pieces of plastic from the original holes drilled in the tank or while plumbing it to sand or specs of stuff that has dried on the inside of tank and flaked off.I noticed small slugs of black crud when draining my tank one time. It was probably from well water in my travels and letting it sit just a little too long one time while visiting someone.I removed the bottom panel and could see a dark witness marks around the inside of the tank. I then removed the tank and used a bunch of nuts and bolts inside and rolled the tank back and forth and all around to scrub the inside. It was a real pita but it worked. I now consider any tank other than new as needing a close inspection before I'd use it. In fact after seeing how easily that happened to me I think there are probably a lot of tanks out there that people would be surprised to see inside of. It can't be just me.I always add bleach as I fill my tank. I sometimes smell it at the faucet which is fine but we only drink water that has gone through our Berkey traveler table top filter.

Many RVs have these that let rain, road dirt, wash water and God knows what else into the fresh water tank. I think they should not be approved for drinking water. That vent you see goes straight to the tank.

Lynnmor--That is not a vent, that is so that you can fill your fresh water tank with a water hose hooked to a potable water source. On my TT and on my old MH that is the only way to get water into that tank. I don't know anyone that puts rainwater or any other non-potable water in their FRESH WATER TANK.

BarabooBob wrote:Lynnmor--That is not a vent, that is so that you can fill your fresh water tank with a water hose hooked to a potable water source. On my TT and on my old MH that is the only way to get water into that tank. I don't know anyone that puts rainwater or any other non-potable water in their FRESH WATER TANK.That little screen at the bottom of the fitting is a vent. Mine has a door on it and a plug for the vent, and it does lead right into the tank. Seems to me the one in the pic should be installed somewhere where it's not exposed to the outside - like behind a door. It's not likely to let much junk in, but I wouldn't like the idea of having an exposed, 1/2" hole leading into my fresh water tank.

Toilet valve | Good Sam Community

allen8106
Explorer
Mar 05, 2019
BarabooBob wrote:
Lynnmor--That is not a vent, that is so that you can fill your fresh water tank with a water hose hooked to a potable water source. On my TT and on my old MH that is the only way to get water into that tank. I don't know anyone that puts rainwater or any other non-potable water in their FRESH WATER TANK.

Yes, that's a fresh water tank filler but it also has a built in vent at about 8:00.
MFL
Nomad II
Mar 05, 2019
That's great, easy fix! You didn't mention if you have a filter system built in. Mine has a whole house filter, in a canister, which helps keep the system free of particles, as well as help for taste and smell. Any incoming water has to go through the filter, whether from the tank, or city supply. If you don't have one, you should consider installing one.

Jerry
klr650goldwing
Explorer
Mar 04, 2019
Well, this is unbelievable. Before I had a chance to replace the valve, the toilet fixed itself. Whatever was lodged in the valve apparently moved and now it works like it originally did. Thanks again for all the help.
Range_Maggot_Bo
Explorer
Mar 04, 2019
klr650goldwing wrote:
Thanks guys. We stopped at a Camping World and picked up a new valve for the toilet. I'll install it tomorrow. Wish me luck.

I know you probably needed it right away, but next time get 2. And order off the internet. 2 for less than the price of 1 at Camping World. And be sure to check out YouTube for how to replace it. I could have done it without, but after watching, it took about 10 minutes.
hotpepperkid
Explorer
Mar 02, 2019
klr650goldwing wrote:
Thanks guys. We stopped at a Camping World and picked up a new valve for the toilet. I'll install it tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Its a simple thing to do, dont pantic.
klr650goldwing
Explorer
Mar 02, 2019
Thanks guys. We stopped at a Camping World and picked up a new valve for the toilet. I'll install it tomorrow. Wish me luck.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Mar 01, 2019
turbojimmy wrote:

That little screen at the bottom of the fitting is a vent. Seems to me the one in the pic should be installed somewhere where it's not exposed to the outside - like behind a door. It's not likely to let much junk in, but I wouldn't like the idea of having an exposed, 1/2" hole leading into my fresh water tank.

The vast majority of trailers have those gravity ports on the side with no protection. Yes, that is a 1/2" hose going right into the tank. Trailers stored outside will get a little to a lot of unclean water in the tank depending on wind and the amount of rain. The rest of the time only dust and small insects go in. I suggest that those that don't understand take a walk around a large dealership or show and gain some knowledge.
turbojimmy
Explorer
Mar 01, 2019
BarabooBob wrote:
Lynnmor--That is not a vent, that is so that you can fill your fresh water tank with a water hose hooked to a potable water source. On my TT and on my old MH that is the only way to get water into that tank. I don't know anyone that puts rainwater or any other non-potable water in their FRESH WATER TANK.

That little screen at the bottom of the fitting is a vent. Mine has a door on it and a plug for the vent, and it does lead right into the tank. Seems to me the one in the pic should be installed somewhere where it's not exposed to the outside - like behind a door. It's not likely to let much junk in, but I wouldn't like the idea of having an exposed, 1/2" hole leading into my fresh water tank.
BarabooBob
Explorer III
Mar 01, 2019
Lynnmor--That is not a vent, that is so that you can fill your fresh water tank with a water hose hooked to a potable water source. On my TT and on my old MH that is the only way to get water into that tank. I don't know anyone that puts rainwater or any other non-potable water in their FRESH WATER TANK.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Mar 01, 2019
Many RVs have these that let rain, road dirt, wash water and God knows what else into the fresh water tank. I think they should not be approved for drinking water. That vent you see goes straight to the tank.