Forum Discussion

Kiz's avatar
Kiz
Explorer
Jun 28, 2020

Black Water Tank Issue

This neophyte needs help from those more experienced, and I apologize for the novel. My unit is a park model stationery RV. At the end of last season, my black tank plugged on a Friday evening when all RV places were closed, so I went on the advice of the local hardware store who sold me a drain cleaner, supposedly safe for setptic fields, and they assured me would not harm my system. Long story short, the toilet 'melted', and the black tank is not holding water. When I fill it up, it drains within about 10 minutes. There is no water in the underbelly. I had the toilet replaced when the unit was winterized, and they told me it should fix the black tank issue as well. However, I am thinking that I likely melted the black tank valve as well, and should probably have this replaced before using.... what are the thoughts of those more experienced?
  • AdventureCoach's avatar
    AdventureCoach
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2020
    Next time the tank won't drain.
    Connect the drain hose, lift the open end higher than the tank.
    Fill hose with water.
    Open the drain valve. The water in the hose will push the clog back.
    Close the drain valve.
    Carefully connect the hose to the sewer drain and empty.

    Or if gray water and black water discharges are in a "Y" configuration, open the gray valve (while black is also open) and the flow from gray should also push back the clog. Then shut gray, and black should (may) drain. Less messy as no hose connections are left open.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,191 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 19, 2025