Forum Discussion

Jfet's avatar
Jfet
Explorer
Jan 20, 2014

A few questions about water/holding tank systems

I am at the point where I need to connect our 37 gallon fresh water tank and 37 gallon gray water tank to the pump, inlets, outlets, water heater, etc. This is for our flatbed camper build. We do not have a black water tank. We are using a cassette toilet instead.

I have looked around for gate valves because I guess that is pretty standard for gray water tanks. I found a 1-1/2 inch pvc model with fittings on amazon http://www.amazon.com/Valterra-6101-Gate-Valve-White/dp/B000PR3FDW/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1390251064&sr=1-1&keywords=Valterra+1-1%2F2%22+hub

They also have a black model that does not include fittings. This one may be ABS. It is actually called a waste valve, but looks pretty identical to the white pvc model. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dautomotive&field-keywords=Valterra%20T1001vpm


Has anyone ever tried using a ball valve instead? I guess people use gate valves because of flow rate and ability to pass crud, but the gray water might not require this?

Thanks for any tips.
Truck Campers

7 Replies

  • Gripnriprod's avatar
    Gripnriprod
    Explorer
    Jan 21, 2014
    A full port ball valve should work well. They're usually more expensive and take up more space. The "gate" valves are easier to replace so I'd go with those.
  • whizbang's avatar
    whizbang
    Explorer II
    Jan 21, 2014
    I like the idea of using flexible tubing on the fresh water system. Make sure you can get to all the junctions later to check them. Don't anchor the pipe so you can pull new lengths later if you have to.

    On the gray lines, I'd go with ABS. Once the solvent sets, it's basically bullet proof.
  • naturist's avatar
    naturist
    Nomad
    Jan 21, 2014
    I think the black one is ABS, and I believe I'd use all ABS pipe to glue to it instead of PVC.
  • Jfet's avatar
    Jfet
    Explorer
    Jan 21, 2014
    Ok thanks guys I will go with the black 1-1/2 inch gate valve.

    I was thinking of using flexible hose between all of the connections holding tank to gate valve, water pump to fresh water tank, water pump to fixtures, etc. instead of using rigid pvc. Does this sound reasonable? My thinking is the flexible hose would be less likely to cause cracks at connections over the years due to vibration.
  • AnEv942's avatar
    AnEv942
    Nomad
    Jan 20, 2014
    Are you plumbing waste lines with pvc? Other wise same valve-different material. I would use the abs valtera knife valves, you do need the hubs. Mostly, assuming room, ease of replacement (remove the 4 bolts, knife valve slides out from between hubs, slip in new one, no plumbing). Standard size (replacement), avaliable everywhere, cheap.
    http://www.valterra.com/RV/rv-main.htm-
    Fresh water tank our drain is small ball valve-on grey seems it might be short lived?
  • old_guy's avatar
    old_guy
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2014
    ball sewer valve, sorry but I've never seen one. I like the above post would stay with the gate valve if for no other reason is the replacement factor or repairs
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Jan 20, 2014
    I haven't. If you go with the standard, you will be able to find a replacement if ever needed on the road.

    It might work, but there may be a reason other than the standard for why RVs use gate valves.

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