Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

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Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

November 09, 2010, 10:58:54 am

Our new Valtera gate valve is in place. In addition to serving as a "safety" should either the black or gray valves fail, I understand that it can be used to flush the black tank as follows:

1. Empty black tank in the usual manner, but leave black tank valve open, but CLOSE 3rd Valtera valve.

2. Open gray valve and let about 20 or 30 gallons of gray water flow back up into black tank. Quickly close gray tank valve.

3. Open 3rd Valtera valve and gray tank valve and let tanks completely drain. Note: at this point the black valve is still open.

Some questions for those of you who do this:

Have I got the procedure correct? and

How do you make sure you don't allow too much gray water back into the black tank and create an overflow in the toilet?

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #1 – November 09, 2010, 11:09:50 am

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How do you make sure you don't allow too much gray water back into the black tank and create an overflow in the toilet?

When you open the grey tank, the two tanks will end up with an equal level of fluid in each. It cannot overflow.

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #2 – November 09, 2010, 11:11:12 am

The top of the tanks are even, so you shouldn't have a problem.

If both tanks are full, I drain the black.

Open the gray and let about a minutes worth of gray into the black, close the gray.

Drain the black, open the gray for 30 secs., close the gray.

Drain the black, open the gray for 15 sec, close the gray.

Drain the black, close the black and then drain the gray.

I have a macerator that acts like another gate valve.

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #3 – November 09, 2010, 11:11:32 am

George,
I don't use this system, but here are comments:
As the volume of grey water, even if the grey tank is full is 100 gals, I would make sure the black tank is completely empty.

I would let the black tank empty completely after the initial grey tank flush, (grey tank valve closed after initial injection of grey to the black), then close the black tank valve after the black is completely empty. Follow that with the remaining grey tank supply.

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #4 – November 09, 2010, 11:17:57 am

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When you open the grey tank, the two tanks will end up with an equal level of fluid in each. It cannot overflow.

If you are dry camping and your grey water is full but not your black tank, you can extend your time before emptying by equalizing the grey into the black tank. Therefore giving you some room in the grey tank.

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #5 – November 09, 2010, 11:31:51 am

George,

Lots of different answers and opinions, I'm sure.
The following has worked for me for many years without any tank or valve problems.
As found;
B closed
G closed
C (common) closed

To dump;
(B = Black tank outlet valve, G = Grey tank outlet valve, C = Common outlet Valve, downstream of B & G)

Open C
Open B, until Black is empty
Leave B open
Close C
Open G, for at least 30 seconds, to place a lot of grey into the black tank (soapy water inflow stirs up sediment in Black).............. FIRST BACK-FLUSH
Close G
Open B smartly to re-empty Black
Leave B open
Close C again
Open G, for at least 30 seconds, to again place a lot of grey into the black tank (soapy water inflow stirs up sediment in Black).............SECOND BACK-FLUSH
Close G
Open B smartly to re-empty Black
Leave B open
Open G
Close B slowly (grey inflow to black will sweep any residuals into black tank, away from the B valve seat)
Close G (when fully empty)
Close C

The tanks are both lower than the toilet, George. Nothing will flow uphill to the toilet. Tanks just equalize in level.

Neal

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #6 – November 09, 2010, 11:32:36 am

Mike,

Are you trying to confuse me?

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #7 – November 09, 2010, 08:08:07 pm

For those of you that haven't added the third valve, I have used the same flushing technique by lifting the sewer hose to form a loop high enough to stop waste flow between black tank enemas. Three enemas per dump have been adequate.

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #8 – November 09, 2010, 08:12:40 pm

When I signed up for the ForeForums I had no idea I would laugh this hard.

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #9 – November 09, 2010, 11:33:59 pm

Now that we have a new third valve in place I have learned just how smoothly and easily this valve works. The existing black and gray valves are much harder to open and close and we always pull with very slow and steady pressure so as not to pull the cable loose.

From time to time we add a bit of vegetable oil to the tanks and that helps a bit. Has anyone come up with an ingenious was to lube the cables. Could Lock Ease be forced inside the cable shaft with the air hose? I am not up for taking apart the utility bay to do this ... but I might give it a shot.

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #10 – November 09, 2010, 11:42:12 pm

I have used a cheap hypodermic needle to inject--from an end of the cable--WD40 mixed with graphite powder. I don't remember where I got the needle but I think it was from someplace like Harbor Freight.
The solution really frees up the cable after working the cable a few dozen times to get the lube all the way inside the length of the housing.

This is the first time I have ever had to--on this website--try to follow the reasoning on a really crappy subject.

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #11 – November 10, 2010, 02:18:56 am

Nitehawk,

Pure genius. Thank you.

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #12 – November 10, 2010, 08:24:17 am

Injecting straight CorrosionX will also lube the cable, kill any corrosion and will not gum up.

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #13 – November 10, 2010, 09:02:18 am

Consider changing your diet? Maybe more green leafy veggies, plenty of fiber?

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #14 – November 10, 2010, 10:00:19 am

My OLD 1989 Grand Villa has a hose attachment for flushing the black water tank (anybody else?)
But, after doing a dump and prior to leaving for a new destination we take all the ice out of the icemaker and pour them down the toilet along with a gallon or two of water. We then, after checking the gauge, either do a "minidump" along with another pressure flush from the hose. This seems to keep all sensors on the BW tank clean.

I realize this method won't work for everyone as the icemaker may not be able to keep up with certain persons on this website, especially when they are "down-south".

We drive to our next destination B4 doing the minidump.

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #15 – November 11, 2010, 12:46:21 pm

I have not seen these cables, but I do worry about them. How difficult is it to replace one if the cable breaks? Are these valves available at most RV supply stores?
Does anyone know if a cable luber like those used to lube bike cables would work? (photo)

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #16 – November 11, 2010, 01:22:34 pm

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I have not seen these cables, but I do worry about them. How difficult is it to replace one if the cable breaks?

Remove the Valve
1 Empty and thoroughly flush the black tank. Drain the gray tank to flush away any remaining black material. Close the valve.

2 Place a container underneath the valve to catch drips. Suitable containers include an old coffee can or aluminum baking tray.

3 The valve slides in between two flanges. It is held on with four nuts, bolts and washers.
Hold the bolt still with one wrench and turn the nut until all are removed--or vice-versa.

4 Gently pry apart the two flanges and work the valve out. If there is resistance, push on the sewer pipes so that they move away from one another.
The valve may drop out, or you may need to twist it gently.

5 The valve has two rubber gaskets, one for each flange. Check to see that they came out with the valve. If not, pull them off the valve.
There may be some dripping at this stage.
When you remove the old valve, you'll see the adapters. It's okay to use the same adapter fittings, but be sure to use new seals.
Lightly coat each seal with a lubricant (I recommend Dow Corning's 111 seal grease) and place them on the lip of each adapter fitting.

Replace the Valve
1 Clean both flanges and apply a light coating of grease to the pipe and the new valve. Place the new gaskets on the new valve.

2 Gently slide the new valve between the flanges. Start the bolts and turn the valve gently to ensure it is seated firmly. Gently tighten, but do not over tighten, the bolts and nuts.

3 Wipe off any remaining mess and discard the rags. Your new valve is ready to use.

# Some valves may have a remote control cable that should be disconnected from the valve before the valve is removed.
# If you tighten the bolts too much, this will compress the valve and the slide inside may not move freely.
http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/replacing_the_rv_holding_tank_valve.html

Quote

Are these valves available at most RV supply stores?

Yes. Camping World carries them as well as most RV supply.
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/product/slide-valve-with-gate-seals/1713

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-toilets-tanks/20097.htm

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #17 – November 11, 2010, 03:05:10 pm

Thank you Barry. I have copied and saved this information.
Do you purchase just the regular slide valve and then attach the cable mechanism to it some how or do you get a cable actuated valve?

Do both tanks have a 3" drain? They look the same size to me in your photo.

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #18 – November 11, 2010, 03:19:29 pm

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Do you purchase just the regular slide valve

Yes

Quote

Then attach the cable mechanism to it some how?

Yes, Look at the arrows on the photo. The cable screws into the valve and it is secured by 2 screws.

Quote

Do both tanks have a 3" drain? They look the same size to me in your photo.

I believe so.

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #19 – November 11, 2010, 03:39:35 pm

Darn, I missed those arrows the first time...

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #20 – November 11, 2010, 03:49:47 pm

Quote

Darn, I missed those arrows the first time...

I added them & re uploaded it to be more descriptive

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #21 – November 11, 2010, 07:41:51 pm

I had a hell of a time trying to get to the little bolts to service the valves,,,,,then I saw the two clamps to attach the pipe assembly to the tanks,,,,I loosened these clamps and removed the whole assembly got it out in the open and had a easy time servicing the valves,,,,really easier than it looks....

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #22 – November 29, 2010, 04:12:12 pm

If you are thinking about adding a third sewer valve, I encourage you to do so ASAP. We had our installed at Xtreme earlier this month and our timing could not have been better.
The cable on the gray tank pulled loose from the valve last week. Fortunately, it happened with the valve open.

Had the valve been closed when the cable pulled loose we would be in a real bind. But with this extra valve near the end of the discharge pipe, we can choose when and where to replace both valves.

I have decided that this task is within my pay grade. I am also thinking that while I am craning my neck and wrenching by back inside the utility bay that I might as well install a real back flush connection.

Does anyone have any suggestions for either or both of these tasks?

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #23 – November 29, 2010, 04:44:28 pm

George, before you dump again just make sure the volume of liquid in the gray tank is greater than the volume in the black tank or you could get black sewage in the gray tank. That's usually not a good thing to happen.

I also recently installed the third valve and I agree it was a great idea. It does provide extra safety and a cleaner dumping process but the biggest benefit is back flushing from the Gray tank as described above. I have a tank flush on the black tank but it never flushed the tank as thoroughly as the back flush method using the third valve.

I trust Foretravel has added the third valve as a standard item, if not every coach should have one.

Re: Using newly added Valtera gate valve on sewer line

Reply #24 – November 29, 2010, 05:19:21 pm

Quote from: George Stoltz – November 29, 2010, 04:12:12 pm

I have decided that this task is within my pay grade. I am also thinking that while I am craning my neck and wrenching by back inside the utility bay that I might as well install a real back flush connection.
Does anyone have any suggestions for either or both of these tasks?

1. Drill 1" hole on side or end of waste holding tank, no more than 2" from the top near center.

2. Insert No-Fuss Flush@ in hole in "top" position as stamped on flusher and drill 1/8" lead holes in tank.

3. Apply clear silicone sealer (do not substitute) completely covering inside of flange (about 3/16" thick).
Fasten with #8 - 1/2" stainless steel screws supplied. Let silicone cure, following manufacturers' instructions on tube, before testing.

4. Install vacuum breaker-check valve a minimum of 6" above the highest flood level rim of any fixture connected to the waste holding tank
Both valves are directional.

DO NOT connect any other back flow preventers (other than enclosed) to this system.
Do not use a water inlet with check valve.

5. Test Flusher system for leaks with a minimum pressure of 40 PSI.

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