Forum Discussion

theclarkster's avatar
theclarkster
Explorer
Nov 21, 2014

gray water tank - Wolf Creek 850

Hi guys

Wondering how long it should take to drain our gray water tank (tank capacity = 19 gallons). For our black tank it takes about 2-3 minutes to drain but gray tank takes significantly longer, maybe 8-10 minutes. The gray tank usually starts off fast and it reduces to a slow trickle for a long time. We wonder if there's stuff there in the pipe blocking the flow.

I must mention that we did have issues with the gray tank valve on our first night, luckily we were still at the dealership's lot. It wouldn't close completely. The next day we had the technician stick in a long wrench and he pulled out some debris from when they construct the camper.

We are wondering if the long slow trickle is caused by blockage. Since this is our first RV we don't really know how long it should take to completely drain the gray tank. Is the slow drain normal for the gray tank?

Advice and help appreciated! Thanks
W
Truck Campers
  • theclarkster's avatar
    theclarkster
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2014
    Good point about the position of the gray water tank, Nolan. We are a little slanted on our driveway.

    Going to phone and talk to Mike at Northwood about it next week. We'll see what he says.
  • joeshmoe's avatar
    joeshmoe
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2014
    I wouldn't be overly concerned about it, clarkster. What you describe is pretty much the way mine drains. When say I "trickle" I mean a slow, low stream. I get the majority of it out, and call it done. 8-10 mins. seems too long, but again, what's the definition of stream and trickle?

    Unless you have GOOD reason to believe there's an object causing a partial blockage, I wouldn't go to too much trouble looking for something. Wouldn't be worth it anyway unless you have access to a sewer camera.

    I agree that there needs to be closer attention paid to fit and finish on these campers. The sloppiness and utter carelessness that I've discovered behind the surface is appalling and downright frustrating--especially considering how much they are now asking for them.
  • anutami's avatar
    anutami
    Explorer III
    Nov 22, 2014
    It may not be a blockage. When you are dumping is your camper slanted at an angle? Keep in mind the gray tank is more toward the front of the camper and the black tank is toward the rear so make sure you are higher in the front so the water will run out. The higher the front of you truck is the faster the water will drain.

    Nolan
  • theclarkster's avatar
    theclarkster
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2014
    The trickle I mentioned in my post for my gray tank is not tiny drips of water. I expect that from an almost empty tank. It's a slower flow than the initial whoosh and goes on for a long time.

    If it's a cut out disc blocking the flow, it might be impossible to pull out of the pipe from the outlet. argh... PITA is right!
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Nov 22, 2014
    It depends on what we are calling a trickle. It could be expected.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Nov 22, 2014
    HappyKayakers wrote:
    I would suspect a tank cutout still in the tank.


    This^^^^^

    Grey tank drains are typically 1 1/2" dia. (even though they may connect to main 3" line)

    So grey will take a bit longer just do to size of pipe BUT the flow should be basically the same until almost empty

    When tanks are installed openings are cut into tank to connect vent/drain/dump lines.
    Sometimes the cut-out discs fall inside tank and don't get removed.

    The discs can float around until draining tank..then they can be pulled down to outlet and obstruct drain.

    Stop draining....they float until next dump.

    PITA the remove.
  • theclarkster's avatar
    theclarkster
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2014
    Thanks guys. Going to try and see if we can pull anything out ourselves first. If not we may need to get it serviced.

    joeshmoe, it's unacceptable that they leave any debris at all especially in the tanks/pipes. Northwood needs to get on top of their QC.
  • joeshmoe's avatar
    joeshmoe
    Explorer
    Nov 21, 2014
    The initial "whoosh" of water shouldn't take longer than 30 seconds (if that long) for either the black or grey. If you want every last drop out (which isn't necessary), yeah, you're gonna be standing there a while. Once the water slows to almost a trickle, you're done. Close the valve and get on the road or back to camping.

    I think the grey tank outlet dia. is 3". It would take a sizable blockage to stop it. However, As you discovered, there very well could be a layer of material build-up still inside from construction, causing it drain slower when the level gets closer to empty.

    BTW, I had the same problem with the blade not fully closing on the black tank. Some debris (ABS shavings and whatnot) partially filled the groove where the blade seats, causing it to not seal.

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