Black tank not draining!

Thanks for the ideas. Will keep on trying

Whether it is self made concoctions or store bought black tank chemicals, neither works without sufficient water. If you have time fill it with water and let it sit, if in a hurry add sufficient water and get to busting a poo mountain. Although I have explained to my DW, 3 DDs, and 1 DS about using more water for solids, it is ultimately up to me to add water as I am the one that gets to perform the dumping ritual, mostly unassisted. No biggie really, just add a few gallons back into blank tank via onboard tank flush rinser after final rinse, we never leave black tank dry.

After you get things moving a little bit, use your flush to put about 1/4 tank of water in and drive around making plenty of turns. The water sloshing around can help break thing up.

IB853347201 wrote:
After you resolve your issue and get the tank flowing again, make sure you keep the black water valve closed, and allow the tank to get at least 3/4's full before you drain. Using an application of Happy Camper will go along way to eliminating odors and keeping things fluid. Anyone who tells you that some sort of black tank treatment isnt needed is just plain wrong.
Been MHing 25 years plus, black tank odor and issue free!

First part is correct...don't leave the tank open. You want the solids to be floating so they flow out and you certainly don't want them drying out on the floor of the tank.

The second part is wrong. Plenty of water is the solution...been RVing for 50+ years, black tank odor and issue free! Never used snake oil in the tank.

If you have a pull down rod for your shade , use it for a clean out snake. Turn off your water outside so you can use your on board water and open the float valve. Poke the rod down and wiggle it around. Works great and you can get the clog out. Then as suggested, lots of water with each flush will keep problems away. If you are going to use the method of putting water in and driving around sloshing water to break things up, put ice cubes in the tank to help the process. Not just ice but cubes to do the best job.

Happy travels, Arnold

I've heard of ice cubes in the black tank will help break up the poo mtn, as you are traveling down the road.

Can't hurt...

Good Luck.

Skip

Ice cubes don't really work. The best thing is plenty of water and a black tank flush system.

Ice cubes in black tank

For breaking up the "mountain", an inexpensive plumber's snake should work well. It's flexible and the rotating action should break things up.

I used a piece of old garden hose when it happened to me four years ago, but next time I'll try a plumber's snake.

1. You state clear water comes out when black flushing.
2. I assume you also mean that when you installed the blue tab NO BLUE WATER came out
3. What you have is simple. It is NOT a poop pyramid. If so, the toilet water flush would mix and you would get dirty water not clear
4. The flush nozzle is either down from the top of the tank on the Passenger side or at the 3/4 to full mark on the SIDE of the tank on the passenger side. That means IF it is obviously working(clear water out the exit fitting) then if a Poop Pyramid, would hit some of the pyramid and would be dirty water not clear.
5. The simple solution is you must have a 3 inch ABS tube from the bottom of the toilet floor flange to the top of the tank. This tube is probably NOT straight but has 1 or 2 angles to it and this has caused debris to clog up that down tube. NOT all the way, but probably 90% or more. This is one of the times(about the ONLY TIME) you can use a standard handheld toilet snake and insert down that 4 to 18 inches to break the debris loose. BEFORE you start, pour about a gallon of boiling water thru the toilet to help soften up the debris. Doug

PS, IF you do have a Poop Pyramid, this tool will also help break up the pyramid

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Cobra-3-8-in-x-3-ft-Music-Wire-Toilet-Auger/1001845024?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-plb-_-ggl-_-LIA_PLB_208_Plumbing-Repair-_-1001845024-_-local-_-0-_-0&ds_rl=1286981&gclid=CjwKCAjwve2TBhByEiwAaktM1LnBFBY8apJ5ZQ363Duf5I536wZ1pF0bAv5l042r2YJ4nfhVKEfoGRoCxzcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

WOW!!!

Way2roll....What a great video!!

This guy had to be an Aggie engineer from Texas A&M. Only one I'd know to go to such lengths.

I wonder if the results would have been different if using square ice cubes rather than rounded ones?

Good input....Thanks

Skip