Black Water Tank Rinse Problems

[Michael McCabe]

Has anyone had problems with their black water rinse system on a 2005 3400RL? During the first few years of use I could hear a significant water flow when using the rinse. Recently it seems their is a blockage, with very little water flow noise. I suspect a stuck back-flow valve, but where is it, and what's the easiest way to access/repair? Thanx

[Exnavydiver]

Mike, if you look into the pantry cabinet to the right of the fridge you should see an access panel against the back. If it isn't there then you may have to make one. One way to see the check valve is to partially close the pocket door and shine a flashlight behind the door. You should be able to see the valve against the wall about midway up the back of the shower wall. You can then get measurements to cut the access panel... Dave

[Michael McCabe]

Thanx Dave! I was about to start removing belly pans. It will be mid-week before I get out to the trailer again, but I'll let you know the outcome.

[dsprik]

I can attest to what Dave said - that the valve is definitely there. I had to cut a new access hole to get to it. My valve cracked and started leaking badly. The reason it cracked is because the in and out hoses were clamped so as to put a huge bind on the plastic cross piece. After bouncing up and down the highways for 2 yrs, it finally cracked and when I used my backflush system. I heard water spraying out inside the walls of the pantry - not a good thing. Keystone sent me a new valve and I installed it myself.

Not sure your visual inspection will reveal why your flow is diminished. However, I would definitely unclamp one of those hoses to relieve the pressure on that cross piece. One hose clamped to the wall stud is more than enough to hold the assembly in place.

My back flush system has quieted right down also after setting up in our park here in FL. I have attributed that to the whopping 32# of water press we have here...

[Mrs. CountryGuy]

Something else that happened to us, is that the flush system sprayer was clogged up. We had the check valve go kapoot too, but, this was different. Al filled the tank and let it soak a bit, a number of hours, as I recall, whatever was blocking the sprayer, or crusted it up, well, it soaked off. Had no trouble after that.

[illapah]

Is the valve generic or something special? I have to replace ours too. Don't want to but another project for spring.

[dsprik]

Illapah, the valve is not generic. I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure you will have to get that through your dealership or directly from Keystone. Montana/Keystone sent one free to me, but I'm not sure if they are too much in the "free stuff" mode in these current economic times...