Black Water Drain Leaks - Yuck!

Where on the valve is it leaking?

Bruce

It's leaking right at the discharge - don't know what that valve is called. It's the round valve that opens when you drain it.

If it's a standard 3" waste valve, the whole valve can be replaced. The gasket is part of the valve. It's not a fun job, but is rather easy to do depending on how easy it is to access the bolts.

Thanks! I didn't even think about replacing it, but for less than $10, that sure looks like the best way to go - I'll check tomorrow in the daylight to make sure mine is the same size. Thanks again,
Lucy

When you do this, raise the side of the RV you're working on and the contents of the tank will flow in the direction opposite of you. Easy to do with your leveling stuff or some additional boards you have laying around.
This will also give to a little more working room.
Be sure to set the emergency brake plus block the wheels on the opposite side to keep the RV from moving.

Have fun.

Gloves are nice to wear. Keeps your hands away from the worst of it.

Ed

My Xplorer has a recirculating toilet with 2 waste valves; one on the toilet and then the outside one by the discharge. My leak was from the one on the toilet & that was a pain to replace for the 3rd time. They need to be kept lubed or they will eventually fail.

Don't lube the seals with a petroleum based lubricant like vaseline. It'll make the seals swell and cause the slide for the valve to be hard to pull. Use silicone grease available at Home Depot or Lowe's. Do not use plumber's grease.

Lucy: Have Fun! At least the stuff in the tank is yours... That why I could never be a plumber.. eek

Thanks all - just ordered the new valve today. By the way, if I flush the black tank with fresh water before installing the new valve, won't I avoid a "messy" job?

No More Leaks! The new valve was easy to install - thanks for all the advice. DH bought silicone grease from NAPA to use instead of vaseline - is this OK?

Also, I seem to remember reading somewhere that I should put something down the toilet occasionally to keep the valves lubricated - anyone know about this?