Forum Discussion

Durb's avatar
Durb
Explorer
Nov 13, 2018

Drain Master electric waste valves

Unfortunately, my ten year old trailer came equipped with electric drain valves and switch gear. They were nice when they worked which was about half the time. I became expert at crawling underneath and activating them with a hex key. Both stopped working recently so I took jumper wires and bypassed the switches, worked fine. I replaced the OEM switches with momentary 20 amp DPDT switches from Amazon and the valves now operate fast every time. Also installed new indicator lights. I don't think the OEM micro switches were up to the job long term.
  • Durb's avatar
    Durb
    Explorer
    Nov 15, 2018
    Housted wrote:
    Durb,
    Which switches did you use....
    Amazon has several!!!

    Thanks,
    Housted


    This is the description from "My Orders" page:

    Gardner Bender GSW-123 Electrical Toggle Switch, DPDT, Mom ON-OFF-Mom-ON, 20 A/125V AC, Screw Terminal
  • Housted's avatar
    Housted
    Explorer III
    Nov 15, 2018
    Durb,
    Which switches did you use....
    Amazon has several!!!

    Thanks,
    Housted
  • Durb's avatar
    Durb
    Explorer
    Nov 15, 2018
    Housted wrote:
    Several of us have added a 3 D battery assist to up the voltage to the Drainmaster valves.
    Really helps the valves if they have not been used for a while. very simple to do.

    Housted


    I saw a thread on the 4.5v D-cell power boost on this forum and considered it, even researched battery holders on Amazon. I decided to go with the switches as Amazon had them for $2.70 each as some kind of add on item. The LED "open" indicators were a little spendy. The project was around 40 bucks including wire terminals and a mounting box, less than half the price of new factory switches.
  • ernie1's avatar
    ernie1
    Explorer
    Nov 14, 2018
    I added Drain Master valves to my rv a couple years ago and have found them to be working perfectly and with plenty of power. This version has the metal gears. Are the earlier versions more problem prone? I try to keep the valve blade area cleaned and lubed as often as I can.
  • Housted's avatar
    Housted
    Explorer III
    Nov 14, 2018
    Several of us have added a 3 D battery assist to up the voltage to the Drainmaster valves.
    Really helps the valves if they have not been used for a while. very simple to do.

    Housted
  • Campinfan's avatar
    Campinfan
    Explorer III
    Nov 14, 2018
    Glad you found a good solution. Not having dump valves that worked would be a headache causing issue.

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