Black tank problem

BluegrassBill wrote:
Get a slightly larger rod and thread the end. Drill out the hole that rod slides through and thread larger rod into gate valve. Hopefully it will hold for at least one pull. Or get some Super Glue and glue threaded end into gate valve, Worth a try.

. I don't think mine is threaded or this might work. However another problem is the rod will not slide all the way out. It must have some kind of clip or ridge machined into it to prevent it from coming out. I don't have any tools here and even so I would not try this in a crowded campground with a potential sewage spill. I was just hoping there was a simple way to get it loose but apparently not. Thanks for trying.

If you can get back to the valve itself, shove a plastic anchor in it and you thread your rod and handle into it.

garyemunson wrote:
I feel for you. This can be a really nasty repair. The glue idea has merit but I would suggest a strong epoxy like JB weld. The slide valves are not expensive but if you cannot get it to open, you will have a tank full of sewage going everywhere when the valve is taken off. My suggestion is to cut away the part of the valve that the shutter blade retracts into when the valve is open. This MAY allow you to get ahold of it and open the shutter just enough to drain the liquid from the tank. You'll get some leakage but it will be a WHOLE LOT better than having to deal with 50 gallons of sewage. If there is an RV dump that you can get the valve (and motorhome) parked directly over, it's a little more practical to just remove the valve (putting up some splash guards and wear protective gloves,gear). Keep in mind if you can just partially open the broken valve, you can get the liquid drained out and with luck the solids will stay in place long enough to install a new valve assembly after which you can fill the tank back up with water to flush it properly. The learning moment here is "it had previously been hard to open". The first time you notice that with a sewer valve, CHANGE IT OUT!

. I think this will be my first option when I get it home. I can use a dremel to cut into the housing to see if I can then grab the blade valve with vise grips etc. I just hate to drive thru the mountains with 200-300 pounds of "poopy" water but looks like I don't have much choice. Thanks for the suggestions.

If you have access to the other side of the valve from the handle, maybe you can drill a smallish hole opposite the rod and push the gate from behind with a dowel or another metal rod or similar.

While I haven't heard of it being done, it seems to me that one ought to be able to pump out (most of) the contents of the black tank by putting a hose down the toilet, similar to how septic tanks are pumped out. If you were really brave and/or foolhardy, a shop vac would probably do that trick...but I wouldn't want to do so with my shop vac! Having an intermediate container to collect the sewage might be practical (maybe a 5 gallon bucket with a lid, with the hoses connected to the lid). It would not be pleasant work, of course, but beats the alternative.

Face it....One way or another you will wear it, happened to me. :(

This will not end well, be prepared before you start tearing the valve apart. The bright side is they are easy to replace once you dispose of the tank contents

DrewE wrote:
If you have access to the other side of the valve from the handle, maybe you can drill a smallish hole opposite the rod and push the gate from behind with a dowel or another metal rod or similar.

While I haven't heard of it being done, it seems to me that one ought to be able to pump out (most of) the contents of the black tank by putting a hose down the toilet, similar to how septic tanks are pumped out. If you were really brave and/or foolhardy, a shop vac would probably do that trick...but I wouldn't want to do so with my shop vac! Having an intermediate container to collect the sewage might be practical (maybe a 5 gallon bucket with a lid, with the hoses connected to the lid). It would not be pleasant work, of course, but beats the alternative.

. Now if you will just lend me your shop vac I will return it and you can use the contents to fertilize your garden!!!!

would you mind posting some photos...

having fixed many, Im sure there is an option for you to get the gate opened and at least dump the bulk of the load...

more often than not, this is a messy job...

I would just quit using it and take care of it when you get home. No problem driving with a 2/3 full black tank. I know I shouldn't say this but pee in the shower drain if its in middle of the night and save number two for the facilities. :)

Call a local portable toilet company and see if they can do a pump out from your toilet... at least get the bulk the the tank emptied before trying to open things up.