waste water holding tank(s) inspection
2004 HitchHiker II LS (34.5 RLTG) Three tanks; Solid (black) toilet waste, Body (grey) shower & bathroom sink waste, and Liquid (grey) kitchen sinks waste. Problem is kitchen sinks (Liquid ta...
Forum Discussion
My original post 10-02-15 regarding "Holding tank(s) inspection.
NuWa Hitch Hike II LS (34.5 RLDG)
I've exposed all three tanks.
The view pretty much shows that the most likely fault is blockage at the dump valve. Likely cause is that it is not fully open.
I've made a good sketch of the lay out.
How do I get it in here to benefit others?
Quick look shows that the kitchen sink waste tank serves only the kitchen sink.
Here's the thing, to isolate the sink backup problem requires finding out if it's the plumbing from the sink to the the tank or the outflow plumbing from the tank. One thing for sure, a snake down thru the sink to the tank cannot clear the outflow. PERIOD. The snake will just spin around aimlessly in the tank. NO WAY could find its way out the outflow. no way. So, if the plumber doesn't clear the blockage at this point? Bummer.
Better to check the dump valve before you call the plumber. Cycle it several times. One of those mechanics stethoscopes should let you hear the water . . . If you hear the water, that's good.
if you don't bummer. The valve is only accessible on this unit by
cutting a hole in the under belly material (assumes you know where the valve is and how much to open up) or lower the whole sheet.
I cannot check the valve 'cause the handle and cable are dislocated and not functional. In my case I hope I can simply restore function of the valve and not have to replace it.
I bought a small snake ($12) to assure myself that the plumbing from the sink to the tank was not obstructed. The tank did not drain. (left it over night.)
To check the plumbing out of the tank requires draining the tank:D
INTO WHAT? So I bought a bulk-head (plumbing dept - hardware store) to install a spigot in the side of a 5-gal plastic bucket. Neat thing this! Run 50 feet garden hose sewer drain access.
Used a battery powered drill (6-volt) to make a 1/4" hole in the ctr of the tank. 1/4" turned out to be just write to match in-flow and out-flow of the bucket and 50ft of hose and a 1-foot head) so as not to overflow the bucket in the work area under the coach!!! (not good that).
Tomorrow I cut the 2" out-flow off the tank to inspect. It has a 3"stub-out to a 90deg bend. To enable re-coupling the bend to the stub requires leaving pipe on the bend and on the stub. Nothing to spare there.
I'm assuming the blockage will be at the dump valve.
So now I'm looking for info on the design of the valve.
Can't see any identifying marks or brand names on the thing.
Anyone experienced?
NuWa Hitch Hike II LS (34.5 RLDG)
I've exposed all three tanks.
The view pretty much shows that the most likely fault is blockage at the dump valve. Likely cause is that it is not fully open.
I've made a good sketch of the lay out.
How do I get it in here to benefit others?
Quick look shows that the kitchen sink waste tank serves only the kitchen sink.
Here's the thing, to isolate the sink backup problem requires finding out if it's the plumbing from the sink to the the tank or the outflow plumbing from the tank. One thing for sure, a snake down thru the sink to the tank cannot clear the outflow. PERIOD. The snake will just spin around aimlessly in the tank. NO WAY could find its way out the outflow. no way. So, if the plumber doesn't clear the blockage at this point? Bummer.
Better to check the dump valve before you call the plumber. Cycle it several times. One of those mechanics stethoscopes should let you hear the water . . . If you hear the water, that's good.
if you don't bummer. The valve is only accessible on this unit by
cutting a hole in the under belly material (assumes you know where the valve is and how much to open up) or lower the whole sheet.
I cannot check the valve 'cause the handle and cable are dislocated and not functional. In my case I hope I can simply restore function of the valve and not have to replace it.
I bought a small snake ($12) to assure myself that the plumbing from the sink to the tank was not obstructed. The tank did not drain. (left it over night.)
To check the plumbing out of the tank requires draining the tank:D
INTO WHAT? So I bought a bulk-head (plumbing dept - hardware store) to install a spigot in the side of a 5-gal plastic bucket. Neat thing this! Run 50 feet garden hose sewer drain access.
Used a battery powered drill (6-volt) to make a 1/4" hole in the ctr of the tank. 1/4" turned out to be just write to match in-flow and out-flow of the bucket and 50ft of hose and a 1-foot head) so as not to overflow the bucket in the work area under the coach!!! (not good that).
Tomorrow I cut the 2" out-flow off the tank to inspect. It has a 3"stub-out to a 90deg bend. To enable re-coupling the bend to the stub requires leaving pipe on the bend and on the stub. Nothing to spare there.
I'm assuming the blockage will be at the dump valve.
So now I'm looking for info on the design of the valve.
Can't see any identifying marks or brand names on the thing.
Anyone experienced?
