Dump valve replacement

[Mike Lewis]

My dump valves have become sticky and hard to use. Additionally, the black tank valve has started leaking a small amount (ugh). I guess I need to replace them. Is one brand/type better than another, or are they all the same? Anything else I need to know? Thanks.

 

[BobG-ESC]

Maybe try cleaning the valve seats and wipe them down with some silicone paste. If the valve seats are not damaged, this might rehabilitate them.



You can buy a much smaller amount than in the link below at an auto parts, plumbing, electric or marine store.

https://www.amazon.com/3M-08946-Clear-Silicone-Paste/dp/B005RNEH5O?th=1&psc=1

 

[lonewolfjb]

Maybe try cleaning the valve seats and wipe them down with some silicone paste. If the valve seats are not damaged, this might rehabilitate them.



You can buy a much smaller amount than in the link below at an auto parts, plumbing, electric or marine store.

https://www.amazon.com/3M-08946-Clear-Silicone-Paste/dp/B005RNEH5O?th=1&psc=1

I have also used plumbers' grease and it works great on gaskets and O rings.

 

[davidmurphy02]

When my trailer was new the black valve leaked a little. When we got home I was able to (after emptying the tank) stick an angled spray nozzle up into the dump opening and spray around the corner at the black valve with the valve handle fully open. That cleared up whatever debris was clogging the blade valve seal and it's been fine ever since. I would try that first, and perhaps some spray lubricant on the handle rods and see if that helped. Last year I had to replace the black valve due to road hazard damage, and given how much fun that was if I was going to pull both valves to clean/refurbish the seals I'd probably just replace the valves, they are not expensive. I bought a Bristol valve since that is what Escape used, although I don't think there's really much difference between any of the major brands.

 

[BobG-ESC]

I have also used plumbers' grease and it works great on gaskets and O rings.

Plumbers grease is basically the same as what 3M calls silicone paste but has a little different consistency. Different trades call it different names but it all is silica of some consistency suitable for their trade. Any of them will work great for lubricating the seal and rod.

Although it is common to call plumbers grease a grease, I have always had a problem calling non petroleum lubricants "grease" I prefer to call these other products lubricants or paste, depending.

The problem with petroleum lubricants (grease to me) is they can cause deterioration of rubber seals and plastic, depending on the what the seal or plastic is made of. Silicone paste prolongs the life of rubber things like seals.

 

[Ian G]

My dump valves have become sticky and hard to use. Additionally, the black tank valve has started leaking a small amount (ugh). I guess I need to replace them. Is one brand/type better than another, or are they all the same? Anything else I need to know? Thanks.

A good friend of mine owns an RV repair shop and when my black tank dump valve broke I asked him the same question. He said the ONLY REPLACEMENT to use is the Valterra valves. That is what I used and they were a direct replacement.

 

[Tom&Joan]

Bad replacement valve?

I ordered and received both dump valves, Valterra brand. The 1 1/2" is fine, but the 3" has a gap both sides of the blade when the valve is closed. There is no way it can seal. the gap is about 1/16th of an inch. Interestingly, the old one (Lasalle Bristol) has the same gap. What the heck???

 

[hugh]

I just replaced mine a couple of weeks ago. The gap on the sides of the blade is normal, and by design. When the valve is mounted, the rubber seals cover the gap.

 

[Tom&Joan]

Hugh, Thanks for quantifying that. Makes me wonder why the 1 1/2" is different.
Tom

 

[Bcescapist]

Reading this post because we broke the black tank valve today. We’re in a fairly remote spot but luckily we’re able to find a replacement Valterra brand. It was super difficult to remove the old valve and now we can’t get the new one in! Scared of breaking the pipe we’re yarding on it so hard. There’s no way we can get the rubber seals in. We do have the foam insulation underneath our 2023 21C. Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Rockhead]

A couple of pictures will help us find a solution

 

[TZBrown]

Chip out the insulation on the grey dump pipe. Cut the pipe to allow enough movement to get the dump valve and seals installed. reinstall the grey pipe using a fernco rubber clamp on fitting.

 

[Ron in BC]

I agree, one similar to these. Has the advantage of making the valve easily removable in the future for service.

Ron

 

[Bcescapist]

Thanks TZ & Ron. I was going to disconnect both grey & black valves to get the extra room, but cutting the pipe & using the Fernco rubber clamp is a super idea.
Thanks.
There's an old Reece video demonstrating how to swap out the black tank outlet section using rubber clamps to fit the new PVC section together. Guess they had a problem with the sealant back in the day.
Thanks again,
Scott & Kathleen

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

every once in awhile, I spray a little Triflow into my dump valves after dumping the tanks, then they work smooth as can be.

 

[iamunique127]

When I get chips in my underbody spray foam or when I have cut it away to work on the suspension I easily replace/repair it with canned spray foam. If it is a large area you may need to build it up in layers.
After the spray foam sets you can paint it or use rocker guard which is harder than paint.

 

[Bcescapist]

The moral of the story is not to pull on the drain valves when they are frozen