Black tank won't empty!

[Donna D.]

All I know, if there's any liquid in the tank in my trailer, if the valve is open even a tiny sliver, liquid starts trickling out. At least that way, I'd know the valve is opening... some.

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Evidently there must be a lot of fun devising a solution for a problem that you don't know if you have because it's seems to be a popular pastime.



By golly Donna, you're absolutely right, except for the two person part. Since I've never stuck my face up close to the cap end of the waste valve I didn't think you could actually see round the bend to see if the valve is open. That's why I suggested using a flexible wire to see if the valve was open or not.

But, since my valve is brand new and unused I tested it out. You're right, if you get up close and personal you can see enough of the slide to tell if it's open or not. Not bad to do on a new valve but on a used one.... maybe shoving a wire in might be preferable to some folks.

Ron

All you need is a mirror with an extendable handle and a flashlight to see around the bend in the sewer pipe. Far easier and more sanitary than sticking your hand up the pipe or your face for that matter .

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

maybe shoving a wire in might be preferable to some folks.

Ron

I'm with you on that, Ron!

[Ron in BC]

Yup, bottom line is if you think that there's a problem with the valve opening, establish that before wasting a lot of energy solving problems you might not have.

But, really, snakes, flashlights and mirrors are so yesterday. Everyone nowadays has a phone with a camera. Just put it down close and the flash will light up the interior and tell you in seconds if the slides open.

Ron

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Everyone nowadays has a phone with a camera. Just put it down close and the flash will light up the interior and tell you in seconds if the slides open.

Ron

I can buy a cheapy flashlight for a buck. No way in 'el am I putting my $800 phone close to "sewage" to get a some light. It's not waterproof so I can wash it off if needed!

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

I can buy a cheapy flashlight for a buck. No way in 'el am I putting my $800 phone close to "sewage" to get a some light. It's not waterproof so I can wash it off if needed!

The "light" is the flash taking a photo that you can look at without putting your face anywhere near the outlet. The camera doesn't have to be all that close either. If there's stuff dripping out then it's a new ballgame.

Ron

[JPSpins]

This thread has been an instructive and entertaining read this morning, much better than the regular morning intake of news as I listen to the snow plows in the street.
Gets me wondering about what awaits in a couple of months, ups the excitement factor.
I hope the fellow in Florida is a happier camper.

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

The "light" is the flash taking a photo that you can look at without putting your face anywhere near the outlet. The camera doesn't have to be all that close either. If there's stuff dripping out then it's a new ballgame.

Ron

Originally Posted by JPSpins

This thread has been an instructive and entertaining read this morning, much better than the regular morning intake of news as I listen to the snow plows in the street.
Gets me wondering about what awaits in a couple of months, ups the excitement factor.
I hope the fellow in Florida is a happier camper.

Jean-Pierre, I feel your "pain." I can still remember the sound of snow plows in the street and the sting of sub-freezing temperatures (not to mention the seemingly endless chore of snow removal) from my pre-1985 existence in New Hampshire. Cheer up, winter can't last too much longer!

[JPSpins]

!
I think I'd rather be blowing the snow out of the driveway than sticking flashlights up my Escape's dark zone!

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by JPSpins

!
I think I'd rather be blowing the snow out of the driveway than sticking flashlights up my Escape's dark zone!

Hi: JPSpins... You can fool your Escapes digestive tract... but "You can't fool Mother Nature"!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by JPSpins

This thread has been an instructive and entertaining read this morning, much better than the regular morning intake of news as I listen to the snow plows in the street.
Gets me wondering about what awaits in a couple of months, ups the excitement factor.
I hope the fellow in Florida is a happier camper.

NO snow or snow plows but we do have -2 below zero F this morning. Spring is in the air , the sun is higher in the sky and our lake is starting to loose its' ice cover.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

NO snow or snow plows but we do have -2 below zero F this morning. Spring is in the air , the sun is higher in the sky and our lake is starting to loose its' ice cover.

Hi: steve dunham... That is the result of "Ice fishing" to extinction!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Iowa Dave]

I blew the snow off the driveway about the same time this thread started and
I've been clean for two days. We had about 5 inches but the longer sun's rays
melted quite a bit on Moday afternoon. About 0 degrees F last night but 55 by Sunday.
Dave

[JPSpins]

It will go away eventually...so they say.

[JPSpins]

What?! Pictures on the Escape forum without an Escape present? Yikes! Must find another thread.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by JPSpins

What?! Pictures on the Escape forum without an Escape present? Yikes! Must find another thread.

Hi: JPSpins... It's out behind the shed. That way there's no room for Dave there.
Now back to the black tank dilemma. "Shine the light, oh, oh, oh, shine the light". Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[riverplace]

Wow. This thread sure meanders through the land of waste! I am happy to report that there is no problem with the sewer valve, although if I ever do have one, I will know what to check for and what not to do! After initial panic, and time to think, I did check that the valve was opening. I have concluded that I under estimated how full the tank was (7.5 gal. only) and that the monitor is faulty. Because we were camping 4 nights, we only used Escape toilet during evening and night and stopped flushing TP this year (habit one learns in Mexico where septics can't handle). Someone mentioned tanks don't empty well if not very full, and I think she's correct. I also am realizing how inaccurate the monitor is for grey and black tanks. So, I do appreciate all the advice, the quick response to my pleas for guidance and especially the video! Was that really Robin Williams? Also, I am not a "fellow", but a 63 year old woman who likes to repair things herself.....

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by riverplace

Was that really Robin Williams?

Yes, from the 2006 movie RV. Truly a classic.

[gbaglo]

The monitor will be inaccurate if TP gets hung up on a sensor. Most TP is safe for septic. Read the label and it will likely say. Start with at least a gallon of water in the black tank. Use Odorlos which deodorizes and breaks down solids and TP.

[CoolCampingKid]

Originally Posted by riverplace

Wow. This thread sure meanders through the land of waste! I am happy to report that there is no problem with the sewer valve, although if I ever do have one, I will know what to check for and what not to do! After initial panic, and time to think, I did check that the valve was opening. I have concluded that I under estimated how full the tank was (7.5 gal. only) and that the monitor is faulty. Because we were camping 4 nights, we only used Escape toilet during evening and night and stopped flushing TP this year (habit one learns in Mexico where septics can't handle). Someone mentioned tanks don't empty well if not very full, and I think she's correct. I also am realizing how inaccurate the monitor is for grey and black tanks. So, I do appreciate all the advice, the quick response to my pleas for guidance and especially the video! Was that really Robin Williams? Also, I am not a "fellow", but a 63 year old woman who likes to repair things herself.....

Well, Riverplace, thank you for the entertaining thread you started! BTW there are a few devices you can use to spray the black tank out with some pretty fancy but I usually use a hose at the dump station to spray it out through the toilet opening. Can't always trust sensors... but hosing out the tank some when dumping seems to help. Also I was taught to dump the black first because the gray water will.clean out the dump tube. It is a crappy job but it beats not camping in style! Bill