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Topic ClosedBlack tank plugged - Event Date: 08 Sep 2018 - 18 Sep 2018
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1Hpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Aug 2017
Location: Baltimore, MD
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Posts: 22 		Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: Black tank plugged
    Posted: 08 Sep 2018 at 8:18pm
I watch the level in the tank as the electronic indicator always seems to get some paper on it and is never accurate. I try to put the least toxic chemicals in to deodorize and break up solids. The tank is dumped after each trip. Can't say I know how the previous owner took care of it....

Last weekend W & I took 3 grandkids with us and they helped fill tank faster than I expected. When I tried to dump it ....well, it was constipated. So much for the least toxic tablets.  Borrowed someone's elbow with back flush and that barely loosened things up.
Tried some heavy duty (no pun intended) camper black tank chemical (double dosed it). Drove home full hoping the chemical and bouncing on the road trip would help.  Tried to dump it today.....only minimal relief!  Added another dose of the potent camper chemical and will check tomorrow.

Recommendations appreciated....my 179 needs some relief...which will make me very happy too.  When it finally releases I will use the black tank flush, using it now might be a bit ugly. Can the tank be snaked carefully? I can't image being at the low end, which is probably where it is blocked, when it is broken up and releases....or maybe I can imagine.....I can't run as fast as I used to....  HELP  
H&Rpod

'16 179
Tow '15 Ford F 150 FX4
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Posts: 473 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2018 at 9:06pm
Originally posted by 1Hpod

I Borrowed someone's elbow with back flush and that barely loosened things up

I don't know what you tried that barely loosened 'stuff' up but ...

My suggestion is to get something like this - 

http://www.valterra.com/product/flush-king-reverse-rv-flush-valve-boxed/

Fear no plugs! - "Go ahead, poop, make my day"

On a 171, and probably others, the black water drain is very low. Whatever you get, make sure it fits. 

Wands are ok, but messy.

Good luck
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1Hpod View Drop Down
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Posts: 22 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2018 at 9:28pm
Seems like a great product.......just seems like I need to get the tank dumped first and then use that for general maintenance.   Unless I can use it in short careful bursts to slowly get things moving and get to an empty tank. What concerns are there about leakage back into the toilet with things being pushed back by the water???
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SC for Huskers View Drop Down
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Joined: 22 Feb 2017
Location: Goose Creek, SC
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Posts: 144 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2018 at 9:32pm
I use one very similar to this one.  So far no complaints.
https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Sewer/Valterra/F02-4110.html
Good luck
Happy Traveling,
Tom
2017 172pod
2011 F150 STX
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Posts: 473 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2018 at 11:34pm
Originally posted by SC for Huskers

I use one very similar to this one.  So far no complaints.
https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Sewer/Valterra/F02-4110.html

If I understand it, the advantage of the one that I like is that it has a valve that enables you to fill the black tank and then dump it when you are ready.
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mjlrpod View Drop Down
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Posts: 1214 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Sep 2018 at 10:10am
My advice is, fill it up with water, maybe even hot water. Fill it most of the way full and let it soak for a few days. Then insert something thru the toilet like one of those electric hand drill bucket stirrer impellers perhaps?? Or maybe just a stick, and swirl it around. The only way to get things loosened is with a good soaking. I don't know where the sensors are located so be careful about what you put in there. I also have untrustworthy sensors and i use the self made up rule. I figure 1 person outputs 5 gallons of waste per 7 days. It seems to work, I at times camp several weekends in a row without dumping and have never had an overflow. As far as once you get this fixed. I use Thetford Aqua Kem trearment. It costs a little more than the others, but it works great. No smell, no problems so far. The real secret is use plenty of water to flush.
2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195
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backin15 View Drop Down
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Posts: 65 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Sep 2018 at 10:49am
You could try dumping a bag of ice down the toilet then drive around for a while, the ice sloshing around in the tank helps to break things up. 
2015 179
2013 Xterra Pro 4X
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2628 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Sep 2018 at 11:28am
I agree that you probably have a giant wad of TP or something blocking the discharge pipe. Using the Valtera thing would allow you to blow the wad back into the tank. Then give another try. Might take several tries to get the wad backed out and broken up, but there you are.

I've found that some people use WAY more TP than they actually need...
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
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furpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Sep 2018 at 11:45am
Originally posted by GlueGuy

I've found that some people use WAY more TP than they actually need...


ESP. young females.
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1Hpod View Drop Down
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Posts: 22 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Sep 2018 at 11:53am
Like the 9, 6, and 6 1/2 yr olds with us last weekend.
Hard to blame cute grandkids....guilty or not
H&Rpod

'16 179
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