Then when done with gray valve, removed oil from trap and used it down the toilet for the black tank valve. Here's a video showing how how to lub your waste valves. The cable style RV gate valve is usually found on large RVs that have the black and grey tank on the passenger side. This method is kind of a long shot, especially if youre trying to unstick the black tank valve. Work the valve a few times in the water to ensure all of the residue gets cleaned out. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Mine are getting sticky, I am going to find that sprayer and foam adapter SOON. Every Saturday and Sunday morning. Either down the cable or by putting lubrication into the tank. Youll want to keep the rod well lubricated. Does the RV Airflow System Actually Work? WATCH VIDEO In some cases the 1.5-inch gray valve gets sticky over time especially if the RVer is not using his RV full time. You can reference numerous YouTube videos showing how to go about this, but the entire process should take less than an hour. Hopefully, everything was ok over the holiday. Buy an RV, sell your RV, or both? As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. I would think that those were two different characteristics to take into consideration. Your email address will not be published. I lubed once with a dry version of WD-40 which contains Teflon-style Fluoropolymers. JavaScript is disabled. Just wanted to share this tip again in case some have not tried this. Kitchen Sink, 3 Burner Range, Refrigerator, Pantry and More! Keep both the grey and black dump valve closed until one or both tanks need to be emptied. Forest River recalls some trailers for fridge fire risk, ST-type tire speed ratings One mans opinion. If you want to take it a step further, you can remove your RV black tank valve and do a thorough cleaning. This trick could get very messy, especially if you are working on the black tank valve. I havent actually tried this by putting a small amount in a jar and letting it sit, but I think that I will the next time I use some. For the gray, took the trap loose under the bathroom sink, emptied out the water, reconnected it and poured the vegetable oil down it. Proper maintenance is the best way to keep the gate valves to the RV holding tanks from getting sticky, hard to open and close, or stuck. Lubricating waste tank valves - iRV2 Forums Regardless of this potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers. One tip I did see is to drill a small hole above the handle and spray silicone into the hole while moving the handle in and out. Remove the bolts securing the valve. There may be others I don't know. Holding tank valves Fifth Wheels . The lubricant is heavier than water which means it can sink to the bottom. Rockport TX. What are your likely plans for 2023? Takes less than half a second to open and close. You can lubricate your valves over and over again on a regular basis with this method. Laying on your back it is almost impossible to reach the upper bolts to remove the valve from the line. \rCome join us for some GLAMTASTIC ADVENTURES!\r\r\r****************************************\rPLEASE SUBSCRIBE, CLICK THE BELL, \rLIKE, COMMENT \u0026 SHARE!\r****************************************\rThanks for watching! See the detail from Valterras Installation Sheet to make sure your cable is installed properly or has not loosened up from a secure area. Fulltimer Class ofLate2015, with my beautiful bride, Lori. If this valve breaks, it will be much more difficult to open your RV black tank valve, so do what you can to prevent this from happening. Whether youre a newbie or seasoned RVer, with all of the gunk and grime in your RV black tank, you might have to deal with a stuck valve at some point. When you dump a tank and the handle is pulled to the open position, simply shoot the stainless rod with a good shot of lubricant spray containing silicon or Teflon. Then dump in as much water as you can. RV drain valve lubricant is dumped into the grey and black tank. Russ. The valves are secured in place by 4 - 7/16ths inch nuts and bolts. Heres How to Fix Your Stuck RV Black Tank Valve, How to Unstick Your Stuck RV Black Tank Valve, Preventing Your Black Tank Valve From Getting Stuck Again. They act as a door that keeps the wastewater in the appropriate tank until you wish to empty it at an appropriate dump facility. Its also safe for sewers and ok to dump at RV dump stations. DO NOT USE the old standby, WD-40. Any suggestions for enclosed tanks and valves? This will then lube the valve seals. If the bolts get removed all of the ways the gate valve will fall open and the contents of the holding tank will come spilling out uncontrollably. Around the Campfire: Who advocates for RVers? I suggest using water resistant WD-40 Specialist (click to view on Amazon) on the handles, but it won't work as well on the inner gate part. 2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout. Who Owns Loki Expedition (Formerly Basecamp)? I think will go out right now and spray and work the hell out of it and see if it loosens up. I keep the cables lubed the best i can with silicone lube. Happy Wanderer Digital Caravan & Rv Aeriel ABS Polymer adhesive and fittings are also available. New cables work MUCH better than the OEMS ever did. Vegetable Oil to lubricate Black and Gray water tank valves Hope this helps. Confirm Availability. You may have to loosen a bracket holding the propane pipe but that is a snap too. Some RVers who have been flummoxed by sticky valve handles have gone a step further than the simple advice to lube it every now and then. Eco-Save Original Formula is a cleaner and odor remover that's said to be safe for all RV holding tanks. I removed them and cleaned everything with soap and water. 1 How do you lubricate RV holding tank valves and cables? My RVs waste tank valves are starting to stick. See Also:Best Septic Safe RV Toilet Paper Brands Reviewed. Thank you! See Also:Best Portable Power Station/Solar Generator For Camping. Thats all you have to do. Serving RVers for more than 20 years. how to lubricate rv holding tank valves and cables gauges not work so guess. First, keep the rod well lubricated. What I also do after rinsing the black tank is open and close the black valve while dumping the gray tank, the soap tends to help lube the black valve seals. Buy a tube of lubricant that contains silicon from any big box store or Amazon. oz. Learn how your comment data is processed. We have heard from a number of our customers that speculate this would be the answer to solve their problems once and for all. Siebenbrgische Spezialitten Erzeugnisse aus der Heimat nach original Rezepten. I lubed them with Lucas Red and Tacky grease. The "cable" is a solid core flex rod with a sheath several feet in length winding it's way down to the black tank gate valve. Learn how your comment data is processed. This will then lube the valve seals. Check out these RV Toilet Paper Alternatives Youll Wish You Used Sooner. They work good now. Waste tank cable lube - iRV2 Forums This is also where we share our favorite RV and camping-related gear and accessories. If you can get it open, dump your RV. When RV heat is on, cabinets and counters get hot. Here's How to Fix Your Stuck RV Black Tank Valve Your real email is required. Just wipe all dishes/ pans/skillets out completely with paper towels (first dry, then wet) before washing them. Glad to hear it worked for you. The gate valves that open the black and grey tanks start to get difficult to open and close. Save my name and email in browser cookies for the next time I comment so I won't have to enter that information again. Last year in Texas I started to squirt a lubricating/penetrating oil into each one of the cables where they pass through the dock center (if that makes sense). the freeze statrs Friday night and it is Wednesday night. By adding a Zerk fitting (grease fitting) to the dump valve assembly, they pump grease into the cavity around the steel rod. Take care of all of the different parts of your RV. The reason I asked is that I'm having problems with my black tank valve. Valterra Waste Valve Body w/ Flexible Cable for RV Black Water Tank The usual cause of what you describe is dry cables allowing corrosion to begin forming. It is not really magic, but it is cheap, eco-friendly and it helps. I'd replace all three valves and mount the switches in the wet bay or close to the termination outlets. CALL 361-729-0031 FOR MORE INFO. Its a simple concept, but a couple of things can get in the way of a simple operation. Plug the hole with a small screw. I believe in the spring I'm going to add the valterra dump gate to the outside edge of the dump tube for both the gray tank and the black tank dumps and not use the OEM valves except when it's below freezing (then I'd dump the lower valves that are below . Once you detach the valve, clean around the seals and gaskets. Wish I could find something that is good durning cold weather. Waste flows through a 3" ABS gate valve with 50:1 gear reduction developing plenty of torque for years of service. Mix it up by driving around some, then open and close the valve a few times keeping as much mixture in the tank as possible, then let it sit overnight. Some RVers who have been flummoxed by sticky valve handles have gone a step further than the simple advice to lube it every now and then. Did the drill hole only difference used a small self tapping screw very gently so not to strip it out worked like a champ thanks. In some cases the 1.5-inch gray valve gets sticky over time especially if the RVer is not using his RV full time. No anonymous comments. This can get kinked or rusted and make it hard to open and close the valve, as well. 29 plumtrees road newtown, ct; popular subdivision names; how to cite the implicit association test I am quite sure that they tell you not to use WD-40 on them. Now finger-tighten the four bolts/nuts then use a wrench and tighten them to 20-inch pounds of torque OR no more than 1 1/2 full turns. A 7/64ths inch drill bit and a #8x1/2 inch stainless steel screw works best to plug the hole.You don't have to use lithium grease, you can use any lubricant that you think is appropriate and one that will not damage the valves in your particular system, which may be different than mine. To install, remove the broken waste valve and seals from your holding tank. Make sure to do this lightly. It might even be worth purchasing a replacement kit and having it on hand. Just replaced all three pull cablesturned out to be a relatively simple jobat least that's what DH saidLOL! The thickness will allow you to tap the body with enough threads to screw in a plug or grease zerk. 714-703-8200; rvparts@rvpartscenter.com; Search. These Destinations Will Be Overrun With Tourists in 2023, The Highest Rated Campgrounds in North Carolina, Your Complete Guide to Marco Island Beaches, What People Really Think About Arrowhead RV Campground. Were asked often about the proper method to lubricate a sticky RV dump valve. They have a system for shooting lubricant down motorcycle brake and clutch cables using a spray can and a foam rubber adapter. There is a rubber seal on each side, which should be conditioned at least at the time of storage and a few times during the camping season. RV Mirrors; RV Window Parts . WATCH VIDEO Stabilizer Jack Replacement Do-It-Yourself When it is time to replace your RV stabilizer jack, follow Matt and Bart as they demonstrate how easy it is to do this yourself. Perhaps you had a great day planned with your spouse, but it gets ruined because you broke your black tank valve in frustration that morning trying to dump your tanks. By continuing to use our site, you consent to accepting cookies. An Easy Guide to RV Holding Tanks - RV.com Pull the T handle all the way out, spray the metal rod, slide it in, pull it out again, spray the metal rod, slide it in, etc., etc. If your valve is getting stuck, you might need to replace it down the road anyway. I wonder if I should continue using it? . It works well but its not my favorite method for regular maintenance because it involves drilling a hole in the gate valve housing. Now "work" the valve open and closed a few times. You have 24 hours to edit a comment. TRIONIC offers an extensive line of Marine and RV water and holding tanks to meet most size and durability requirements. I do lube the pull handles. We also stayed almost exclusively in Forest Service / National Park / Corp of Engineers parks and never put any solids in our black water tank. -- Edited by Lucky Mike on Monday 17th of June 2013 03:50:42 PM, My Service dog and life partner " Nikki"Klee Kia Miniature Husky.(she Runs the ship!!). I do think it is a good idea to occasionally dump some recommended conditioner down both the black and gray water tanks to lubricate and condition the rubber seal that the spade valve slides in and out of. What You Should Know About RV Waste Valves - Camp Addict Like adding water and treatment to the black tank. Every Saturday and Sunday morning. It seems that a shot of lube directly to the valve rod is about the only practical solution, at least from our experience. Please do your due diligence when deciding which lubricant to use. If the upstream side of the valve is glued to the pipe, Id disassemble the valve then determine if its feasible to replace with most of a new valve. Use Dow 111 synthetic greaseor any non-petroleum grease and lubricate the SS shaft if your valves are the manual pull type. Add Thetford RV Drain Valve Lubricant Anyways, Drill an Access Hole in the Stuck Gate Valve, Conclusion About Fixing Sticky RV Grey and Black Tank Valves, Valterra Electric RV Gate Valves (click to view on Amazon), What To Do When An RV Waste Tank (Black/Grey) Wont Drain, WD-40 Specialist (click to view on Amazon). You can also inspect the seals during this process to make sure they are still in good condition. This website utilizes some advertising services. . How much veg oil do you pour in? Apply a thin coating of grease to the seals and install them on the flanges. This will not show on your comment but is for us to contact you if necessary. How to Install Cable Operated RV Dump Valve? 7 Steps An initial plus first or last name is the minimum, we're all friends here. We sold our home in April 2018 to downsize into a Grand Design 344GK-R 38ft Fifth Wheel. And no i probably wouldnt make a good mother. ) Sorry for the late reply. Your real email is required. I don't know where I'm going but I'm on my way. The RVers are usually referring to the black 3-inch gate valve on their black holding tank. Russ and Tia De Maris are authors of RV Boondocking Basics, a how-to guide for RVing off the grid. Visit www.icanrv.com for more information. Many trailers will have the handle on one side and a cable running across to the tank. The RVers are usually referring to the black 3-inch gate valve on their black holding tank. We have started a new forum link for Ask Dave. Theres no guarantee any of these things will work, but they are worth trying if you need to get those drain valves open to dump your RV. Next, remove the valves from the flanges that hold them in place in the piping. Any ideas on lubricating the cables and valves that might last a while? I drilled small hole in end of valve by handle. how to lubricate rv holding tank valves and cables Lubricating dump valves? - Keystone RV Forums Im afraid Id be very tempted to simply buy a new valve and lubricate it during installation. Make sure your tanks are empty and clean. Keep your tanks flushed out with clear water as often as possible. The RVers are usually referring to the black 3-inch gate valve on their black holding tank. See Also:What To Do When An RV Waste Tank (Black/Grey) Wont Drain. Make sure not to tighten the bolts too much, or you risk cracking the flanges. The Black Water Holding Tank Valve On Our RV Is Stuck Closed Another area that you will want to inspect is the actual lever rod and cable if you have a remote location for the handle. Refill the tank, then run the water again, until the smell of bleach is gone. Current Projects. Required fields are marked *. Use this lubricant at the start, middle, and end of the camping season to maintain the gate valves so they open and close easily all season long. The odds of this working are greater in the grey tank but it could still work in the black tank as well. First, go to your sewage line where you dump the gray or black tank. How Much Does a Thousand Trails Membership Cost? This cleans and lubricates not only the seals but the plumbing as well. Even though its meant to be used on empty RV holding tanks theres a chance RV drain valve lubricant will work anyways. I thought the same about the cables being run better, but after having to take down the coroplast, I see that they are actually run very well. Have any more questions about fixing RV black and grey tank valves that are hard to open and close? I had forgotten what a difference this makes, valves work better than new! Click or drag a file to this area to upload. Home Fix For Hard To Open & Close RV Black Or Grey Tank Valves. Thats what campground bathrooms are for. It is recommended to occasionally lubricate the rod with a dry lube such as 3-in-1 spray or CRC.