Dumping system

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Dan Listermann - 03 Oct 2006 15:21 GMT

Our brand new Sunseeker has three waste tanks - a black tank, a galley tank
and a gray water tank that drains the shower. Obviously draining the black
tank first is the way to go. I am wondering if it would be worthwhile to
add a 3" valve to the dump connection so that I can flush the black tank out
with the water from the other two tanks. Any down sides to watch for?

Dan

Reply to this Message

Jon Porter - 04 Oct 2006 02:18 GMT

> Our brand new Sunseeker has three waste tanks - a black tank, a galley
> tank and a gray water tank that drains the shower. Obviously draining the
> black tank first is the way to go. I am wondering if it would be
> worthwhile to add a 3" valve to the dump connection so that I can flush
> the black tank out with the water from the other two tanks. Any down
> sides to watch for?

If it's going to be set up the way I think it is with a combination valve,
you'll close the main valve and then open the line between the tanks? If
that's so, then I would expect the fluid levels in the tanks to equalize. It
could help to flush solids out of the black tank.

Signature

Jon
JPinOH

Reply to this Message

Jim Redelfs - 04 Oct 2006 04:41 GMT

>> if it would be worthwhile to add a 3" valve to the dump connection
>> so that I can flush the black tank out with the water from the other
>> two tanks. Any down sides to watch for?

>I would expect the fluid levels in the tanks to equalize. It
> could help to flush solids out of the black tank.

I expect that simply "equalizing" the fluid level between the tanks would
provide only minimal benefit, if any, regarding actual FLUSHING of the tank.

The likelihood of cross-contamination issues would be enough that I wouldn't
"touch it with a 10-ft pole".

I once had my two tanks "equalize". I had been draining gray water on the
ground. During a brief, evening absence, some miscreant with likely RV
knowledge open the black valve. The 5/8-inch drain hose promptly clogged and
the bathtub was the receptacle for the <ahem> waste water when the levels
equalized. Stinky and gross...

Don't mess with the plumbing. I honestly believe that they have a good setup
as it is. Good luck!

Signature

:)
JR

2000 Skamper Ultra 249 TT
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Vortec 8100 - Allison 1000

Reply to this Message

Dan Listermann - 04 Oct 2006 13:46 GMT

I don't think that cross contamination would be an issue unless the RV was
moved with the valves open. This is unlikely to happen.

Really merely flooding the floor of the black tank would be all that would
be needed to reap a benefit.

>>> if it would be worthwhile to add a 3" valve to the dump connection
>>> so that I can flush the black tank out with the water from the other
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
> setup
> as it is. Good luck!

Reply to this Message

Ralph E Lindberg - 04 Oct 2006 13:31 GMT

> Our brand new Sunseeker has three waste tanks - a black tank, a galley tank
> and a gray water tank that drains the shower. Obviously draining the black
> tank first is the way to go. I am wondering if it would be worthwhile to
> add a 3" valve to the dump connection so that I can flush the black tank out
> with the water from the other two tanks. Any down sides to watch for?

I would do this
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?skunum=7332&src=SRQB
(since I've added one to every rig we've owned)

Signature

--------------------------------------------------------
Personal e-mail is the n7bsn but at amsat.org
This posting address is a spam-trap and seldom read
RV and Camping FAQ can be found at
http://www.ralphandellen.us/rv

Reply to this Message

Dan Listermann - 04 Oct 2006 13:49 GMT

>> Our brand new Sunseeker has three waste tanks - a black tank, a galley
>> tank
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?skunum=7332&src=SRQB
> (since I've added one to every rig we've owned)

I have already purchased a "Tornado" for the black tank. We have one in our
older RV and it does marvels! The low point drains are located in the sewer
bay so I am going to plumb a hose barb to the cold water drain to power the
"Tornado."

Reply to this Message

Jon Porter - 05 Oct 2006 02:28 GMT

> I have already purchased a "Tornado" for the black tank. We have one in
> our older RV and it does marvels! The low point drains are located in the
> sewer bay so I am going to plumb a hose barb to the cold water drain to
> power the "Tornado."

I would highly recommend a backflow preventer as part of that plumbing.

Signature

Jon
JPinOH

Reply to this Message

Kevin - 05 Oct 2006 03:10 GMT

To back-flush the tanks, just use a connector on the end of your connection
between it and the dump hose that allows you to fill the tanks with water
and then release it again. "The Flush King", listed at Camping World, is one
such valve, but I've located another version at a local shop that is about
$10 cheaper. Works WONDERFULLY and it's amazing what comes out of a tank you
thought was cleaned out!

> Our brand new Sunseeker has three waste tanks - a black tank, a galley
> tank and a gray water tank that drains the shower. Obviously draining the
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Dan

Reply to this Message