Drain valve for fresh water tank

[slk]

My drain valve for the fresh water tank has deteriorated. The white plastic lever broke off and now I am afraid I will crush the rest with pliers if I try to use them. Is that valve an easy fix? Does it just screw in. It is not a pet-cock type. More like a plastic lever with a quarter turn and it is either open or closed. This is on a 1996 excella 25'

Thanks
Steve

[Condoluminum]

I (actually we - with Vinnie..) just replaced frozen version on ours.. The plastic does deteriorate, and it will gradually freeze in position or handle will break off. Two screws easy to remove, but inside, probably behind a small square inspection plate with rusty screws holding it in place) is a small plastic hose connecting the cast tube on the back of the valve to the tank outlet, with a pair of PEX clamps.. There are three versions of that valve with different OD's on tube on back, but if you get matching one it may be 5/8" ID tubing about 4" long with a pair of clamps to fix it..

Sorry no pictures, but it was a hot day and drain valve was bonus repair in addition to replacing both axles and shocks... If you see a small square plate anywhere near drain valve on belly held on by 6 or 7 small screws, remove that to get better view of what you are going to need..

[slk]

Is the valve specific to Airstreams or can you get one at any camper dealer?

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by slk

My drain valve for the fresh water tank has deteriorated. The white plastic lever broke off and now I am afraid I will crush the rest with pliers if I try to use them. Is that valve an easy fix? Does it just screw in. It is not a pet-cock type. More like a plastic lever with a quarter turn and it is either open or closed. This is on a 1996 excella 25'

Thanks
Steve

Originally Posted by Condoluminum

I (actually we - with Vinnie..) just replaced frozen version on ours.. The plastic does deteriorate, and it will gradually freeze in position or handle will break off. Two screws easy to remove, but inside, probably behind a small square inspection plate with rusty screws holding it in place) is a small plastic hose connecting the cast tube on the back of the valve to the tank outlet, with a pair of PEX clamps.. There are three versions of that valve with different OD's on tube on back, but if you get matching one it may be 5/8" ID tubing about 4" long with a pair of clamps to fix it..

Sorry no pictures, but it was a hot day and drain valve was bonus repair in addition to replacing both axles and shocks... If you see a small square plate anywhere near drain valve on belly held on by 6 or 7 small screws, remove that to get better view of what you are going to need..

Originally Posted by slk

Is the valve specific to Airstreams or can you get one at any camper dealer?

Hi, the plastic valve is generic and can be purchased at RV stores, Amazon, or E-bay. Most later trailers do not have a removable plate to gain access to the hose clamps until the first time it needs to be replaced and then one is sometimes made. my trailer doesn't have one yet. I bought a replacement valve that accepts both size hoses.