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Topic: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks? (Read 1298 times) previous topic - next topic

Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

I removed my tanks to do a "lite bulkhead" repair (only the black/gray bay, and a little in fresh bay).

While I had the waste pipe plumbing out, I serviced the bladex valves by replacing the cores. Much smoother operation!

I am ready to reinstall the waste pipes into the black and gray tanks. I note they have some gray colored putty (plumbers putty?) around where the interface with the tank was previously. There was also a large hose clamp around each tank/pipe interface. I have no idea if this is factory or not. It appears this assembly has been previously removed, but I can't be sure.

There is an o-ring recessed in the end of each ABS pipe too.

I have some ABS glue on hand, but wanted to check before deploying it. Something doesn't seem right with that approach.

Thanks all!
1994 Grand Villa U300 40' Build: 4396
6V92TA Detroit 350HP
Allison 4 Speed w/jake

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #1 –
The plumbers putty would not be on my approved list. It is usually contained and is just for the seal. Could it of been silicone seal? RTV. A picture would clear up a lot of questions. Will it be subject to movement or removal in the future?
Scott
Scott and Kim Davidson
If you're going to be dumb, you got to be tough.
DEGOIWKY
Don't ever get old, it will kill you
June 30, 2020
2001 U320 3610 Barn find
Build 5834

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #3 –
I replaced the black tank on our 300. I bought new connecting seals because I had to destroy the originals to get the tanks out. When I reinstalled, I did not use any sealer. The seals fit nice and tight.
jor

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #4 –
Thanks all - see the picture below.

The gray stuff is kind of gummy like butyl rubber now that you mention it Doug.

Jor - my top vents and inlets went back in without damage. Did you reattach the waste pipes at the base without sealer as well?
1994 Grand Villa U300 40' Build: 4396
6V92TA Detroit 350HP
Allison 4 Speed w/jake

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Chip7 –

There is an o-ring recessed in the end of each ABS pipe too.

I have some ABS glue on hand, but wanted to check before deploying it. Something doesn't seem right with that approach.

Thanks all!

Anything permanent is a bad idea, and I deal with the "soft stuff" by not thinking about it and cleaning it off the pipes.  You should be able to clean it all up, install new o-rings, slip it in place with a push and a shove, and tighten the clamps to hold everything tight.  Test with clean water before you button it all up.  I don't see any sense adding sealant to something that shouldn't leak with good o-rings.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #6 –
On our U-240 when we had it apart  I used RectorSeal No. 5 - RectorSeal even though it is pipe dope it worked just fine.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #7 –
Quote
Jor - my top vents and inlets went back in without damage. Did you reattach the waste pipes at the base without sealer as well?
That's what I get for not reading  your post carefully. For the bottom pipes I just used the stuff that was already on them. I think it is butyl. Gummy buy not real sticky. I also used a hose clamp.
jor

For everyone's viewing pleasure, check out photo #3.
jor

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Old Toolmaker –
Anything permanent is a bad idea, and I deal with the "soft stuff" by not thinking about it and cleaning it off the pipes.  You should be able to clean it all up, install new o-rings, slip it in place with a push and a shove, and tighten the clamps to hold everything tight.  Test with clean water before you button it all up.  I don't see any sense adding sealant to something that shouldn't leak with good o-rings.

Most likely came from the factory with sealant added, too much flex to rely on solely on a small o-ring, use it and forget about it...
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #9 –
jor
What the heck is that?
Frank & Connie Williams
1999 U320 '36
Build: 5466
MC: 18335

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #10 –
Quote
What the heck is that?

Glad you asked! It's the flush valve on the toilet. I had the black tank out and felt compelled to take that photo.
jor

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #11 –
We can tell your mind is in the toilet. :))  >:D
Jan & Richard Witt
1999 U-320  36ft WTFE
Build Number: 5478 Motorcade: 16599
2008 Roadtrek Adventurous RS Sprinter
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Jan: NO5U, Richard:KA5RIW
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Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #12 –
Thanks everyone!

I cleaned everything up and put a thin bead of butyl rubber between the faces of the waste pipe and the face of the tank. I think it was likely superfluous though. The combo of the o-ring and hose clamp seemed to really give a good mechanical seal.

I told my son tonight that we are now referring to it as a "dry bay" so we don't have any repeat water damage 😂

I leak checked with 1/3 full black and gray tanks (fresh water of course!), and all is well. Now to put the rest of the wet, err, dry bay together with the new seelevel system.
1994 Grand Villa U300 40' Build: 4396
6V92TA Detroit 350HP
Allison 4 Speed w/jake