[a/s] Drain valve

[Lee and Mary Clary <glclary@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Group, The drain valve on one of our holding tanks
is leaking. Waste water always runs out as soon as I
take off the cap to hook up the drain hose. Its kind
of messy and unsanitary. Does anybody have any
experience replacing the slide valves? Of course the
belly of the Airstream is enclosed but seems like I
read here or on another list that the easiest way to
change them is to cut a hole in the belly, change the
valves, then go to the metal shop and get a piece of
aluminum large enought to cover the hole and secure it
with sheet metal screws? Anything to be especially
carefull of if I cut the hole? I surely dont want to
cut a tank. 

Does the plastic pipe have to be cut and reglued to
replace the valves? 

I am reasonably handy with tools, but I don't like
surprises. I am not really close to an A/S dealer and
don't relish the idea of leaving the trailer on
somebody's lot for weeks while waiting for it to be
repaired. 

Comments from experience appreciated....
Thanks,
 Lee
'98 Excella


=====
-Lee K4GLC and Mary N4AXP 
Shelby, NC