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Black and Gray Tank issue.

Davidlee64
Explorer
Explorer
I have been living in my 36' fiver about 1 1/2 years. I have never put any solids or TP in the toilet. Gray is only for normal usage, dishes, showers, etc. I empty the tanks no more than a week. All has been well. We poured a slab and the fiver has been relocated to the slab.
I went to empty the tanks, like normal, and nothing came out of either tank. Gray valve is a bit difficult to operate, but this is not new. Black valve works like normal. It has been about a week since the move, and only normal use, but still unable to empty. I would like to empty them for piece of mind to say the least.
I have used the flush attachment to add water, and that comes out no issue. What additive would be advised to try and get this to work normally? I am not a happy camper not knowing how much is in the tanks.
13 REPLIES 13

RJsfishin
Explorer
Explorer
Is this getting funny ?
Logical thinking tells me if liquid only, goes in the tank, and liquid drains out, the tanks are indeed empty !!

I sure hope you are not even looking at the indicators, much less believeing them !!
Rich

'01 31' Rexall Vision, Generac 5.5k, 1000 watt Honda, PD 9245 conv, 300 watts Solar, 150 watt inv, 2 Cos 6v batts, ammeters, led voltmeters all over the place, KD/sat, 2 Oly Cat heaters w/ ox, and towing a 2012 Liberty, Lowe bass boat, or a Kawi Mule.

jjrbus
Explorer
Explorer
I added zerk fitting to my valves and put a bit of grease in them from time to time.

Davidlee64
Explorer
Explorer
I have a device that allows a hose to hook to the 3" drain line. I can control which tank the water goes into by the individual tank valves. Water goes in, but I have yet to figure out where it is actually going. The sensor lights are showing 3/4 for black, and 3/4 or hovering at 4/4 for the grey. I noticed after all the fooling around, when I flush the toilet, it sounds like the tank is empty. Now for the last couple flushes, it sounds like some water is accumulating. I am going to add about 5 gallons of water into the toilet and see if I get a noticeable output. My next step is going to be to open the grey line at the valve and attempt to replace the valve. It is getting difficult to operate. If it leaks good after opening, I will try to drain the tank then replace the valve.

Davidlee64
Explorer
Explorer
2edgesword wrote:
If you're not putting any solids in the tank (I consider taking a dump adding solids) what are you putting in there?

I urinate in the toilet then add about 3 cups of plain water. As I said previously, I do not put anything else in the toilet. I have a custom anatomy which can come in handy at times, lol.

valhalla360
Nomad III
Nomad III
If you put water in the tank and immediately drain...and you hear water flow out, the valves are working.

One possibility, do you have a leak? We had a cracked drain fitting on a prior trailer and the water would all leak out before we went to drain. Only figured it out when I went to drain as tammy finished dishes and I saw it leaking. It was just a drip but over a few hours, it could empty the tank.

No a chemical addative is unlikely to do anything since you haven't put in any solids (not that it's likely to help even if there were solids).
Tammy & Mike
Ford F250 V10
2021 Gray Wolf
Gemini Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and RV

doxiemom11
Explorer II
Explorer II
We've used our toilet/black tank as you would your toilet at home for over 8 years full-time. That includes using toilet paper. The only thing we do is make sure to use enough water when we flush so that there is never a build up of the solids (paper and the other) We have never had a problem. Are you putting something other than just water in the tank - are you using enough water when you flush to keep it from solidifying and just liquid draining off when you dump? Keep it all floating so it flows out?

2edgesword
Explorer
Explorer
If you're not putting any solids in the tank (I consider taking a dump adding solids) what are you putting in there?

Davidlee64
Explorer
Explorer
the bear II wrote:
My first thought is you have frozen stuff in the tanks. It's been cold lately so it's possible you may have a giant ice cube in both tanks. The water from the flush would run out as long as the discharge wasn't blocked.

It has been a bit chilly here, but I haven't seen much freeze at 50ยฐ.

SoundGuy
Explorer
Explorer
Davidlee64 wrote:
What additive would be advised to try and get this to work normally?


Walex Commando is designed specifically to deal with this issue, has always worked well for me.
2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
2014 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS
2003 Fleetwood Yuma * 2008 K-Z Spree 240BH-LX
2007 TrailCruiser C21RBH * 2000 Fleetwood Santa Fe
1998 Jayco 10UD * 1969 Coleman CT380

Lwiddis
Explorer II
Explorer II
Not that cold in Glendale, AZ.
Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, WindyNation 300 watt solar-Lossigy 200 AH Lithium battery. Prefer boondocking, USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state camps. Bicyclist. 14 yr. Army -11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad

the_bear_II
Explorer
Explorer
My first thought is you have frozen stuff in the tanks. It's been cold lately so it's possible you may have a giant ice cube in both tanks. The water from the flush would run out as long as the discharge wasn't blocked.

2012Coleman
Explorer II
Explorer II
Turn off water, open the toilet bowl valve and shine a light down into the tank - unless you have a bend in the pipe. Is there water in there? what do the sensors say?
Experience without good judgment is worthless; good judgment without experience is still good judgment!

2018 RAM 3500 Big Horn CTD
2018 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS

Ex-Tech
Explorer
Explorer
If you have never put solids into the toilet and are using the flush feature and that water comes out as you say, I would have to think the tanks are empty.:?