Forum Discussion

Rock-head's avatar
Rock-head
Explorer
Feb 17, 2014

Holding tank ?'s for the experts

I am looking for some help from the kind folks here. I know this forum is a wealth of information on all things RV. I have a 26' Nash with standard black and grey tanks. It seems that the black tank has developed a leak when over half full. I know, yuck. I need to access the tank to find out exactly what kind of problem I have. The tanks both have a kind of shell covering them. Through the sides of the shell are penetrations for the drain pipe and the valve handle. There does not appear to be a way to drop the shell without cutting or dis-assembling the entire drain system. My questions for now: Is it OK to cut this shell to remove it and possibly patch it later. Does it serve any purpose other than protecting the tanks? The shells are manufactured with small drain holes in them, this how I know I have a leak so they are not for containment. The 3" black drain penetrates the shell and is well sealed around the edges with what appears to be a caulk. Why would the manufacturer go to such trouble to seal the opening if the tank is not for containment? I want to try this repair myself, but I also want to avoid any costly or permanent damage. Thanks in advance for your knowlege
  • Rock-head's avatar
    Rock-head
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2014
    It is not the toilet flange. There is only a leak when the tank is over half full and it is a steady drip until the tank is dumped. Anyone else have any help for me? My feeling is that the valve flange has developed a leak
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2014
    Have you checked the toilet flange seal or the flange and pipe to the tank? Given that the tank has a shell around it, the tank material, itself, would be the last thing I would think about for failure.
  • SprinklerMan's avatar
    SprinklerMan
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2014
    You now have a reason to buy a realy cool tool . They have a little camera at home depot to look in walls and down pipes , I think its about 200 dollars .
  • CavemanCharlie's avatar
    CavemanCharlie
    Explorer III
    Feb 17, 2014
    I don't have one but, Nash Campers are 4 season units. That is why they have the shell sealed up with caulk to keep the cold out so they don't freeze. That company has a good reputation. If you call and ask them they might give you a heads up on how to disassemble the thing.
  • harley4275's avatar
    harley4275
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2014
    the shell is probably a casing around the tank with styrofoan insulation between both . not sure how to access it but google 'how a nash trailer is built' might show you .
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Feb 17, 2014
    If your talking about the stuff that looks like plastic cardboard then it's fine to cut it. But, usually you can remove a few self tapping screws and just bend down the side you need access to. Your may be different though.

    Good luck,
    Scott

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