[A/S] Re: draining the freshwater tank

["nickcrowhurst" <NickandSandra@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Phyllis, five points that may assist:-

1.I made my own tool by purchasing a bolt about 2 inches long with a 
head size to fit into the socket in the tank. I bought two nuts to 
fit the bolt, and fitted the nuts just onto the end of the bolt. I 
then used 
two wrenches to tighten the nuts against each other as hard as I 
could. You can then use 
one wrench on either of the nuts to undo the plug by inserting the 
head of the bolt into the socket. This is a standard technique 
for "shadetree mechanics".

2.Drain valves under the sink in my trailer will only drain the water 
lines, not the tank.

3. On my trailer, in addition to the plug you describe, there is a 
bolt in the curbside of the tank, visible behind the front wheel. 
This is easier to access, but won't get the last bit of water out. 
You may have one of these.

4. I always travel with the tanks either completely full or 
completely empty. Partly filled tanks exhibit "surface water effect". 
This has sunk many ships, including the "Herald of Free Enterprise". 
I previously warned about this at 
http://www.tompatterson.com/AirstreamList/MHonArc/2002_04/msg00431.html


5. The tank does not need to be drained to fit a new pump, as the 
pump sucks the water up out of the tank, if  your trailer is like 
mine.

I hope this helps. Nick.