[A/S] Re: Black Tank Valve

["j54mark" <jmrdse@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I had, and may be still dealing with the same problem.  Only mine 
leaked worse than that.

The problem is a build up of, well, unless it is trapped toilet paper 
there is no polite word to describe what has built up in your 
blackwater tank.  This stuff dries to a coating that is almost powder 
like when your tank is empty, or if wet remains a slimy scum that 
coats the inside.  It then gets trapped in the channel the 
valve slides in, and each time you open and close it it just gets 
packed in tighter and makes it harder and harder to close.

I would try to really, really clean out your tank.  Rinse really, 
really well, then disinfect (bleach).  Open the valve, and stick a 
high pressure hose up there as far as you can, ideally with the 
outlet pointed into the valve body.  Blast away.  This is unlikely to 
solve the problem, but hey, it might and it all needs a complete 
cleaning anyway.

If your's is like my '85 Sovereign the valve is not easily 
accessible.  Any competent RV shop (that narrows the list 
considerably, doesn't it?) should be able to deal with this.  Athough 
it could just be cleaned out, if your valve is of a certain age you 
may as well have them replace it as they are inexpensive and the 
labor will be just the same either way.

BUT!!! If you do not deal with the stuff in the tank, it will all be 
for naught as you will just pack the new valve full once again (he 
said, with a voice charged with the bitterness of experience).  This 
is what I have been dealing with.  I have rinsed, and cleaned, and 
rinsed and cleaned and if the last round did not work I am going to 
pull the tank out.  I suspect mine has been largely ignored since new 
in '85.

Mark