Clogged Blank Tank

[TYR]

After explaining how to use the facilities in our Monty, the day before our two (adult, mind you) visitors left after a week-long stay . . . .

Our black tank is clogged.

Nothing comes out when the valve is opened all the way.

We cannot get the valve shut completely.

We suspect if there was something lodged in the grooves of the valve door, at least stuff would discharge when the valve was opened all the way.

Yes, we have tried flushing the tank with our built-in flush system and backflushing with the external attachment.

So. We are wondering about these two options:

a. Can we use a regular plumber's helper/plunger to try to dislodge the blockage?

b. We have a macerator system we could hook up. Wonder if this might help suck out the contents instead of relying on the gravity system.

Other than that . . . would a honey wagon do any good?

We are static working and it would be a hassle, not to mention possibly a mess, to get to a dealer, so that is our last option.

Cheers,
Betty

[DonandJudy_12]

If you don't want to have a service call, I would add as much water as possible to the black tank and tow the unit around for a bit to mix the contents sufficiently to achieve a proper dump- If that doesn't work, you can continue on to a repair facility- JMHO- Don

[randye]

Hi we run an RV park for the last year, between the one in Beaver Dam AZ and now Lynnwood Wa. I have had a few trailers with the same problems. It's a mess any way you deal with it. I would look into a potty wagon that has the adapters for the trailer dump connections they have plenty of power to suck some things loose and it a far cleaner attempt than any others. I hope this helps.

[Krusher]

Might try a product similar to this:

http://tweetys.com/flush-king-holding-tank-rinser.aspx

Works very well to black flush your holding tank and free up most clogs. Similar products can be found at some Wal-Marts

[TYR]

Thanks to everyone for your responses. Krusher, we have one of those and already tried it with no result.

After speaking with the service dept. of a local Montana service dealer, the only real way to remedy this is apparently with a snake / roto-rooter, as my husband suspected.

We already have replacement of our awning scheduled with a mobile service for next week. I spoke with the owner and he can take care of our tank clog problem, too.

No more overnight company for us!!

Cheers!

[Phil P]

Hi

I have had that problem with boats and aircraft. It is just messy to unplug. A rubber apron, rubber glove that goes up above your elbows, eye protection and water hose seems to work best.

We cut the side out of a 55 gallon drum we only cut about 24 inches wide out of the side between the top and bottom so you can lay it down under the out let. Then remove the cap and open the dump valve turn the hose on and shove it in until it clears the stoppage.

When you have a good flow pull the hose out to clear the dump valve and close it.

If you cut the drum so the big bung is down when it is on its side and you do this at a dump station you should be able to drain the drum in to the dump station with out to much spillage.

Phil P