cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

HELP !!!

Mountainrunner1
Explorer
Explorer
Leaving tomorrow for a week and a half trip and I went to drain the black water tank and nothing would come out. It was recently de-winterized and we havent really used it except for my kids to go number 1. When I look down into the tank through the toilet there appears to be some kind of solid sludge which is why it probaby wont drain. Any ideas what this could be? I could take it back to the people who de-winterized it but every time they work on it there is something else that is wrong with it.
16 REPLIES 16

nitrohorse
Explorer
Explorer
duplicate post

nitrohorse
Explorer
Explorer
Maybe a few packs of Mentos and some liters of Coke would loosen it?

dadmomh
Explorer
Explorer
I was also thinking the hot water idea rather than the cold and ice cubes. And maybe toss in some of the Calgon Water Softener used in the Geo method....can't hurt. I know the water/ice cube idea is well known, but my concern would be that the ice cubes could damage the sensors and then they wouldn't work right.....only kidding, they don't work right anyway. But I do like the hot water idea better.
Trailerless but still have the spirit

2013 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2604 - new family
2007 Rockwood ROO HTT - new family
2003 Ford F-150
4 doggies - We support Adopt/Rescue.
Sam, you were the best!
Cubbie, Foxy, Biscuit and Lily - all rescues!

uzikaduzi
Explorer
Explorer
joeprinter wrote:
I had a occurrence once where neither tank would drain, ended up being the (cutout) for the plumbing from the factory. Tech was too lazy to throw out the piece he cutout for the plumbing.


I've heard of this more than once.

JJBIRISH
Explorer
Explorer
Don’t worry about it... there is most likely nothing in it to come out if it hasn’t be used more than a few times and It isn’t leaning toward the outlet…

Just add some water before you leave, maybe some powered dishwasher soap dissolved in the water if you want, but not necessary… then dump when you get to the CG… enjoy your trip…
Love my mass produced, entry level, built by Lazy American Workers, Hornet

TWolf
Explorer
Explorer
After we get done camping, we always pour some dish soap into the black tank and let it slosh around as we tow. It seam to clean things out pretty good. Now we have the black water flush.

Have you tried sticking a hose into the tank through the toilet while at a dump station? Open your valve and flush it out that way.
May there always be a special prayer said daily for our troops and their familys. In loving memory of SPC. James R. Wolf my nephew who died Nov 6, 2003 in Iraq while serving his country.

ScottG
Nomad
Nomad
Poor 5 gallons of very hot water down the toilet just before you leave. It will break up the pile as you drive.

Dtaylor
Explorer
Explorer
handye9 wrote:
Put twenty pounds of ice cubes and 5 gallons of water down the toilet. Then take the trailer for ride. Water and ice should break up what's in the tank.


To fix you immediate problem do the ice/water. When you open the valve does it "feel" like it is opening (does it feel the same as in the past) Cable broken?? Valve opening or is it stuck??
Our Travel Blog


2018 Premier 29RKPR
2014 Ford F-150

gbopp
Explorer
Explorer
The Geo Method helps keep stuff from sticking to the walls.
It works for me. JMO

joeprinter
Explorer
Explorer
I had a occurrence once where neither tank would drain, ended up being the (cutout) for the plumbing from the factory. Tech was too lazy to throw out the piece he cutout for the plumbing.
"2012 Forest River 360 DS"
"Ford V-10"
"2013 Toyota Corolla on Tow Dolly"

blams2004
Explorer
Explorer
Could also be a stuck valve. You pull the lever and the door stays closed. Try the above first but if those remedies do not work. You may be looking at replacing the valve.
2008 Jayco JayFlight 26BH cabinet upgrade and upholstery upgrade
Tow Vehicle- 2011 Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior---Black on Black
Bone Stock and will stay that way
5.7 L 4.30 Rear End

nitrohorse
Explorer
Explorer
Mixer

Try this next...

Mountainrunner1
Explorer
Explorer
I think this is more than just toilet paper or left over residue. I can visibly see a thick sludge in the tank. I alway flush the toilet to add water to the tank before using it.

sch911
Explorer
Explorer
Good suggestions!

You need to use allot more water never leave waste in the tank. Waste should be under liquid at all times. Never leave the dump valve open at a full hook up site. Only open to dump every few days as necessary.
OEM Auto Engineer- Embedded Software Team
09 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 41SKQ Cummins ISL
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Toad