I have a little bit of leakage. Who makes the BEST gate valves? The one that needs replacement at the moment is the black water one (3"?).

I don't know if there is a good, better, or best valve. Mine leaked when new and it took the dealer 3 tries to fix it. Buy a new valve and let us know.

Valterra is likely what's on there an it's likely what you should replace it with. I just did my black tank valve and all the cleaning in the world would not have fixed it. However, I later found that they sell just the seals and replacing the seals alone would also have fixed the problem. If you can see the name on the side of the valve, see if you can get new seals. It's a very easy job unless you forgot to empty that black tank and tilt the RV the opposite direction! :E

There are only a couple of mfr and they are pretty much the same.Many times the problem is as simple as the gasket getting out of alignment - the fix however requires you to disassemble the gate valve and many will just replace the entire gate valve as they aren't that expensive.

You are right, for the price of the valve I would just replace it. I only want to do that job once.:R

Gate Valve Replacement | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

westend
Explorer
Nov 05, 2016
j-d wrote:

EDIT - Here's a black 1-1/2" flange by Valterra on Amazon, surely there are 3" ones as well.

Thanks j-d. That's just what I needed to know. I understand that most folks can just replace the gate and seals but I need a drain plumbing makeover.

Currently, my 3" drain valve is a steel gate with lever handle. The gate won't open fully as the handle hits the trailer bottom. It was probably a previous owner that was tired of servicing the typical valves.

I have complex plans ahead with my tanks and plumbing, installation of a second tank, containment and heating pads, etc. It's a dirty job but someone has to do it. ;)
hypoxia
Explorer
Nov 05, 2016
Good advice you are getting. You do NOT want to change the flange unless it is cracked.
lj2654
Explorer
Nov 05, 2016
dont overtighten the screws when replacing them.....very snug yes but stop there...I know because, well I just know!
j-d
Explorer II
Nov 05, 2016
OP - This is what you'll get in a valve kit:

This kit is CAMCO. I pictured it because the Valterra pic didn't show the small parts as well. Those are the two common brands. At least Valterra offers some with metal handles.

Westend - Do you need more than that? I know that sometimes pool and spa plumbing uses gate valves. Flanges might be available through the pool supply. Probably white, though.

EDIT - Here's a black 1-1/2" flange by Valterra on Amazon, surely there are 3" ones as well.
lanerd
Explorer II
Nov 05, 2016
On line - Amazon, Camping World, etrailer..... any rv store/parts house... even marine stores/parts house.

No cutting... no glue. Take a close look and you'll see the four small bolts/nuts that holds it together.

Ron
westend
Explorer
Nov 05, 2016
Does anyone know where to buy the gate and flanges, included? I want to do a removal of the valve and need the whole thing.
j-d
Explorer II
Nov 04, 2016
irollman wrote:
OK, so does "replacing", which I'm inclined to do, involve cutting off the old one, leaving enough of a "flange" to glue the new one on?

NO NO NO NO

The flanges are a one-time install. The valve is sandwiched between those flanges and sealed with a square cross section O-Ring on each side. Little bolts hold the sandwich together. New valve comes with new bolts/nuts and the O-Rings.
BarneyS
Explorer III
Nov 04, 2016
Moved to Tech Issues forum from DIY.
Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
Nov 04, 2016
They should be bolt on connections.
irollman
Explorer
Nov 04, 2016
OK, so does "replacing", which I'm inclined to do, involve cutting off the old one, leaving enough of a "flange" to glue the new one on?