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ghigginson's avatar
ghigginson
Explorer
Jan 04, 2017

Plumbing advice

Hi.

I recently purchased a 1994 Dreamer, by Alpenlite, that has seen better days.

I have been able to use the kitchen sink whilst attached to running water, but have found that the bathroom sink backs up into the shower. Doing an inspection with a fellow handyman that included a superficial overview and later a pipe camera, it appears that both run into the grey tank independently, ruling out a plug-up in a shared pipe as I'd usually assume to be the case.

Local services have waiting lists into the spring, and the best free advice I could get was, "You have a plug. You're just gonna have to find it." Well, obviously, but my detective skills are stumped. Hoping to get some advice on where to look and what to do.

Thanks!
GH
  • Apologize for the late response; the help was most appreciated. A third release was found high up under the skirting. Rookie problem solved.
  • I think it was our 98Alpenlite that had another drain valve underneath.
  • check the vent line, it needs air to drain properly.
    Make sure the unit is level side to side as well as front to back.
    If my TC is low on the passenger side the water blocks the vent line and the sinks back up into the shower pan. Get it level side to side and no problems exist. I can see the P trap and associated shower drain piping and I think somebody at the Bigfoot factory didn't get the angle right on the drain and vent lines.
    Something else for me to repair when it warms up here.
  • My guess is you have two grey tanks. One for the kitchen and one for the bath that serves your bathroom sink and shower. You need to empty the second tank.
  • The only way this make sense is if the vent pipe is totally plugged, and air cannot escape from the gray tank when you run the sink. So the tank pressurizes enough to push the backup into the shower. (I'm assuming you have dumped the gray tank.)

    Normally this only happens when the gray tank is full. It backs up in the tub because the tub is the lowest point.
  • You sure the grey tank is empty?

    If it is, I'd probably start with a plumbers helper (plunger). Alternate between the two drains while someone holds a stopper in the other.