Black tank flushing?
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4878
Printed Date: 10 Oct 2025 at 2:49pm
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Topic: Black tank flushing?
Posted By: Cap-n-Cray
Subject: Black tank flushing?
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2014 at 6:05pm
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How does the black water tank flush work? I have hooked up a hose to the exterior connection and turn the water on slowly but nothing comes out the black water drain. It does seem to build up pressure in the hose. I don't hear anything in the tank and the tank is open. This is new from the factory. I did trace a water line that is connected to the black water tank. It seems to go to the side connector through a bunch of foam sealant. Is there a valve somewhere? Any ideas? ------------- Cary 2014 RP-177 |
Replies:
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2014 at 8:33pm
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Our Vibe had the same problem it's at Camping World being repaired under warranty. I thought the service man said something about a valve needed to be replaced and they were waiting on the part to arrive. It too came from the factory not working.
------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-2025) 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: ToddLat
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2014 at 8:34pm
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Our pod have no valve. Hook up the water hose to the street side connector and flush away. I here water spraying really good in the black tank. Just make sure the black tank drain is open. ------------- Todd and Beth 2013 RP 176 T 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2014 at 9:18pm
If not water is entering your tank then the check valve behind your bathroom sink was likely installed backwards. Happens more often than you'd think. ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: Cap-n-Cray
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2014 at 12:45am
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Moose, not sure I follow you. While it would make since for there to be
a check valve. Why would it be behind the bathroom sink? The Black tank flush is a fairly new feature I think.   I think the nozzle inside the tank maybe a check valve too. I wonder if mine is clogged. I did not see any other fittings. The water line seems to run from the side of the trailer to the black water tank. The water line runs from the outside wall in to the floor under the kitchen slide out. The hose is spray painted black at the outside water fitting, probable indicating sewer. The hose then disappears in to the floor with other hoses. Under the trailer a hose exits close to the spot on the floor above. It connects to pipes that 90 degree to the end of the black water and in to a fitting screwed on to the tank. I guess I should call Forest River. ------------- Cary 2014 RP-177 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2014 at 5:46am
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We were planning on stopping at Camping World this morning to check on our Vibe, we will ask about our Black Tank Flush to understand it better. I will post later today what information I found out. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-2025) 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2014 at 8:23am
The black tank flushes have been on Pods since the end of 2010 production runs. The 18xg models were the first to launch with them. I'm saying it should be behind or accessible from you bathroom sink because the black tank flushes are usually directly opposite the walls of the bathrooms on Pods and that is where the access point is in the bathroom plumbing to be able to service it. And because since your toilet is in the bathroom that is the shortest route to your black tank so that is where the black system is contained. It really should be a reversed check valve, they are very often installed backwards. We have folks pulling their sinks and reversing them fairly often. The one right behind the connection is the only check valve in your black tank system. Some sort of weird clog might very well be possible too, but I'd place a bet on the valve. Picture below is your check valve and that is surrounded by the plumbing for your sink.  ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2014 at 9:51am
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I'll add my vote for a reversed or defective check valve. With the water supply hooked up and on you should easily be able to hear water spraying in the black tank. If the Pod is brand new the black tank has never been used you're probably suffering from Friday Afternoon Assembly Syndrome.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: cody91
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2014 at 10:03am
If my black tank is not full, I like to close my black tank drain and let it fill to about 3/4 before opening the valve. That seems to clear out the tank a little better.
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Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2014 at 12:18pm
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We went to Camping World this morning and they are replacing the check valve. We experienced the same thing that Cary described when hooking up the hose to the Black Tank Flush. Cary it's sounds like perhaps you may have the same problem a defective check valve. David
------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-2025) 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2014 at 12:34pm
Always a good idea, to ensure the solids are flushed out. Otherwise they will collect over time just inside the tank at the flush pipe, dry out, and then you have a really crappy problem. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Cap-n-Cray
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2014 at 10:42pm
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Moose, you are correct. I found the valve under the bathroom sink. Looks like I need to remove the sink skirt to access the valve. I usually like to do my own work, but it is a new trailer. Maybe let a dealer repair it. ------------- Cary 2014 RP-177 |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2014 at 8:55am
Awesome, glad you found it. If it's convenient for you to have your dealer do it I would. I let mine do several warranty things that I could have done myself just because of it being new as well! Please let us know for sure if it does just indeed be installed backwards, a silly mistake at factory for sure but one that is annoying when it's your trailer that it happens to. ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: Mike B
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2014 at 10:25pm
| I too have this problem, brand new never used and after the first outing tried to use the flush valve and it only built up pressure. I also found the valve as Moose said and I will reverse it tomorrow. I also like to do my own work. You learn a lot from digging in and doing it. Thanks for your help. |
Posted By: Mike B
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2014 at 10:04pm
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Mine was backwards also, I had to find the way the water came in to the valve first, and yes it was hooked up wrong. Not to bad to do yourself, just a lot of white sticky stuff. Thank you for the picture and the help.
Note: there is an arrow on the valve that shows the water flow. |
Posted By: R & R-Pod
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2014 at 1:31pm
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Another valve in backwards. Located under bathroom sink in our 178. 15 minutes to reverse & test, works great now! ------------- Tom&Judy 2014 178 R&R-Pod 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee |
Posted By: MoggerPod
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2014 at 2:50pm
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This seems to be quite common, my 2014 177 had the check valve installed backwards ------------- Brad & Laura B. Durango, CO 2014 RP177HRE |
Posted By: janice
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2014 at 8:40pm
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My black tank flush worked fine a few times; now the pressure builds with no water going in to rinse the tank. What would be the most likely cause? Since it worked for a while, the problem wouldn't be the check valve. |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2014 at 9:32pm
The hose is possibly kinked. Happened with mine. ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: Bulldogpod
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2014 at 9:33pm
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Janice, I am so glad you posted this. This exact thing happened to us. 3 trips in the pod. First 2, we had no trouble at all, 3rd trip could not flush the tank. |
Posted By: janice
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2014 at 2:35pm
| Thank you. Same access under sink? I have a 177. |
Posted By: Scoul
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2014 at 11:49pm
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Same thing for me on a 2014 182g. Easy fix at least. ------------- "Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm." Publilius Syrus 2015 GMC 1500 2014 182g 2009 Harley FXSTB |
Posted By: Grayotter
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2014 at 10:38am
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This may seem like a dumb question, but different places I've dumped have no supply hose connection on the clean out side. So if I go to an available hose connection somewhere else and clean out the blackwater tank with the blackwater valve open am I going to run blackwater on the ground while cleaning out the tank? ------------- Love2 1der |
Posted By: MysticLily180
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2016 at 4:10pm
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What is the point for black tank flushing? and How often do you need to do it? ------------- Mystic Lily |
Posted By: MysticLily180
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2016 at 4:12pm
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------------- Mystic Lily |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2016 at 5:23pm
The purpose of the black tack flusher is to clean out the black tank. You don't have to do it every time, but certainly after each trip and before long term storage. Just dumping the tank can leave solids behind. If left to dry these can build up clogs. Flushing the tank prevents this and also cleans the probes for the tank monitor. If you have the time it never hurts to flush the tank at least once after you dump it. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: MysticLily180
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2016 at 5:29pm
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Thanks, CharlieM This was really helpful  ------------- Mystic Lily |
Posted By: GLBCamper
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2016 at 5:38pm
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I've heard that, except for winter storage, you should keep at least a little water and treatment in the tank. How much water is enough. I don't want to tow more than necessary but I also don't want the tank to dry out (I live in a very dry area.) I use Happy Campers tank treatment. ------------- Old: 2014 177 HRE 2015 Tacoma V6 4x4 Double Cab New: 2016 EVO ATS 200rd 2016 F150 4x4 Sport |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2016 at 5:47pm
You should keep some water in the tank, but it doesn't take much. One toilet bowl full is plenty. That keeps the dump valve seal and the lower parts of the tank wet. If you're driving it takes even less due to the sloshing. Make sure you have just enough water in the bowl itself to cover the blade seal, but not enough to slosh out on the floor while traveling. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2016 at 1:06pm
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Also be sure the black tank is at least 2/3 full before emptying it, to ensure the solids are removed. Before the addition of the black tank flush sprayers, this was the only way to clean out the tank. At the end of the season I fill it all the way and dump it, twice.
I believe many chemical treatments say to add several gallons of water so we add 2-3 toilet bowls worth. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: MysticLily180
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2016 at 1:49pm
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Yes, the guys at Camping World told me the same thing about 2/3 - 3/4 full (and it confirms that in the owners manual as well:) This may be a dumb question, but when you say you fill it all the way... do you mean pouring water in via the toilet bowl, or via the black tank flush portal? ------------- Mystic Lily |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2016 at 8:25pm
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Whichever is faster and/or easier. No such thing as a dumb question here! ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: MysticLily180
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2016 at 1:27am
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thanks, Techntrek!
------------- Mystic Lily |
Posted By: johnbryanpeters
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2016 at 11:58am
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Just tried to flush the tank on my 2013 (2014?) RP-171; it had seemed to work before, this time pressure built up and the valve sprayed water. It seems I will have to cut a hole in the wall either in the sleeping area or behind the toilet to get at the valve. Grrr... Notes: 1) The valve is both a check valve and a vacuum break. Its primary purpose is to prevent sewage from making its way back into the hose you're using to flush the tank. 2) As I spend more time using and maintaining this trailer, the evidence of sloppy workmanship is astounding.
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Posted By: johnbryanpeters
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2016 at 1:54pm
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Diagnosis of flush issue: Had to cut into bedroom wall under 125 VAC electrical outlet (!) to access valve. It was a B&B model 571 vacuum breaker, made of plastic, which had failed. Research on web tells me that these fail frequently.
Suggestions for replacement are Watts LF288A or Cash Acme V-101, reference http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f7/b-and-b-model-571-vacuum-breaker-flood-26776.html. I have ordered the V-101, and plan to relocate it when I install it. |
Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2016 at 5:19pm
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My vacuum breaker/check valve was leaking on my 177. It turned out to be a loose fitting so I just tightened it by hand and the leak stopped. I just pulled the wall back enough to get to the valve. The corner molding and 1/8" paneling are held in place with staples. It is very easy to remove the paneling. The other thing I found was the sprayer mounted in the back water tank was clogged up and so there was a lot of back pressure which contributed to the leak. The back water flush valve is held in place with 3 screws. I took it out and unscrewed the fitting from the hose and that's when I saw all the buildup inside it. Took a small brush to clean out the gunk. The small holes that water squirts out of had burrs and had never been cleaned up. I used a sharp exacto knife and a welding torch tip cleaner to remove the burrs. Everything is working as it should ------------- JandL 2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
Posted By: Happy Tripping
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2016 at 6:14pm
Pardon the question from a non-plumber - How do you intend to join the new metal valve to the current non-metal tubing?
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Posted By: johnbryanpeters
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2016 at 6:23pm
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Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2016 at 9:57pm
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johnbryanpeters referenced in his post
Suggestions for replacement are Watts LF288A or Cash Acme V-101 Keep in mind that these are Vacuum Breakers only they do have a built in check valve. A check would have to added to make them the same as the B&B model 571 vacuum breaker/check valve. ------------- JandL 2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2016 at 11:52am
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I got this PDF from “tiffinRVnetwork” and it is a very good explanation of how the vacuum breaker/check valve works in the black water flush system.
uploads/2642/Black_tank_flush.pdf - Black_tank_flush.pdf ------------- JandL 2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
Posted By: johnbryanpeters
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2016 at 12:57pm
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Wow. The B&B instructions state that leakage is "normal"; http://www.bandbmolders.com/files/The_Flusher2_Install_.pdf - http://www. |