Currently at a campground in North Georgia mountains. This morning as I tried to empty the black tank I pulled the handle but the tank did not drain. I have come to the sad conclusion the the handle has pulled loose from the valve and therefore the valve is stuck in the closed position. My obvious question is can the tank be drained manually so I can replace the bad valve. Keep in my that I am in the campground. I just want to have some way to drain the tank now or else I will have to pack up and leave. It shows about 2/3 full now. I realize I can use the campground facilities but my main concern is draining the tank.

Can you reach the valve and use a pair of ViseGrips on the metal rod to open the valve?

Not without cutting into the valve housing. I have no practical way to do that here in the campground.

Also, reaching the rod won't help. The rod itself is no longer connected to the "gate" part of the valve.

Is this a cable or pull rod type of valve? If it is a rod, I'm pretty sure the rod is just threaded in. Can you see this valve? Can you see that the rod is disconnected. Can you pull the handle all the way out. The reason I ask is because nothing comes out doesn't mean the valve isn't opening. Black tanks are notorious for this. If the valve doesn't close completely the liquids leak out leaving the solids behind. Get a King Flush and put that on the end of you sewer connection. With the black valve pulled, hookup a hose and turn the water on. You will be able to tell if the valve is open or not.

Thanks for your response. This is a valve with a metal rod. If it was screwed in then the threads have failed. I tried screwing it back in to no avail. I have read that some are connected with as clip or molded in rather than threads. I am "almost" positive the valve is not opening. The valve itself is completely encased in plastic so I cannot see exactly what is going on. I think I would have noticed if it was leaking because it is parked in my back yard all the time. This is a 12 year old motorhome so my guess is the valve is worn out. It had previously been hard to open so I think this contributed to the breakage.

Black tank problem | Good Sam Community

bpounds
Nomad
Jul 18, 2016
Sounds like this guy had a similar issue: Clickable Link
bpounds
Nomad
Jul 18, 2016
Wanted to add, if you can find a direct replacement valve, buy it or better yet, buy two. Bring it home and take it apart. Then you will understand exactly how it is sealed internally, and where you can cut to minimize unwanted leakage. I think we can agree that leakage, would be unwanted, yes? :)
jkbrea
Explorer
Jul 18, 2016
I think I may replace mine "just in case" while its empty. Trailer is 10 years old and I sure don't want to deal with that.
dennislanier
Explorer
Jul 18, 2016
bpounds wrote:
Sounds like this guy had a similar issue: Clickable Link

Thanks for this link. Looks like my problem exactly, and how to fix it as well. Guess I will get to try it out soon. If so I will follow up so it might help another poor soul.
allen8106
Explorer
Jul 20, 2016
I had the exact same thing happen to me a few weeks ago in a West Yellowstone RV park. I managed to stick the rod back in the hole, find the threaded end of the valve and screwed it back into the valve. I was amazed that I could stick that rod back in the hole and find the threaded end on the valve but I did and it's stayed in place since then.

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