Fresh water drain valve replacement

[Winetripper]

I like to start out with a full tank of FRESH water from home - some of the sources on the road are a little suspect, including the one that completely clogged my hose-end filter, which I was very glad I used.

This means draining the tank when I return. The plastic drain valve is very tight and difficult to open. The handle wants to bend and I have to be very careful not to force it. If it breaks I'm in trouble.

Has anyone found a good reliable replacement? The Camco ones that come up on a web search look just as weak. Is there a brass alternative?

I don't want to try removing the one I have until I know what I'm going to put there, so your assistance will be valuable. Thanks!

[noreen&sal]

Probably if you search tank drain I remember someone on here replacing the plastic valve with a regular brass valve. Just remember it will be in a very vulnerable spot if its between the tires if its like most. Sal.

[Ag&Au]

Here is one thread, but I know there are a bunch more.
Ken

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f163...ent-86063.html

[sandlapper]

Before you go and replace the valve, try some food grade silicone spray on it. It's in a tough spot but a good, occasional dousing of the silicone should make a big difference.

John

[Bigventure]

I think that you will find thay AS used a soft neoprene hose between the tank and the valve. These hoses colapse and the drain does not work even when you can open it. You can take that value apart. The plug handle should push up and out. I think you will find the solution is to cut a 6x6 hole in the tank cover bottom to service the hose and replace the vavle with a boiler drain petcock. (or hosebib)

[withidl]

Originally Posted by Winetripper

I like to start out with a full tank of FRESH water from home - some of the sources on the road are a little suspect, including the one that completely clogged my hose-end filter, which I was very glad I used.

This means draining the tank when I return. The plastic drain valve is very tight and difficult to open. The handle wants to bend and I have to be very careful not to force it. If it breaks I'm in trouble.

Has anyone found a good reliable replacement? The Camco ones that come up on a web search look just as weak. Is there a brass alternative?

I don't want to try removing the one I have until I know what I'm going to put there, so your assistance will be valuable. Thanks!

I previously posted a wrench for the drain valve which may negate your need to R&R the plastic one: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f443...nch-77246.html.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by noreen&sal

Probably if you search tank drain I remember someone on here replacing the plastic valve with a regular brass valve. Just remember it will be in a very vulnerable spot if its between the tires if its like most. Sal.

Hi, CrawfordGene replaced his drain with a brass valve.

[M2HB]

When I changed my drain, I used a 3/8" brass ball valve.

[Alumaholic]

... just as Withidil suggests.
It just takes a few minutes and works like a champ.
I made mine by cutting a slot in a 3" PVC pipe nipple.
Voila! There is nothing wrong with the valve that 3 inches of leverage won't solve.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by sandlapper

Before you go and replace the valve, try some food grade silicone spray on it. It's in a tough spot but a good, occasional dousing of the silicone should make a big difference.

John

X2. I was going to make the wrench, then go replace with brass, but two applications of the silicone and it has operated smoothly for almost 2 years.

[Ag&Au]

Someone explain this to me.

I realize some people have silicone in their bodies. However I believe it is cased in something less reactive. As I understand, when the casing brakes it is a health hazard. How can there be food grade silicone.

To me the term makes about as much sense as food grade Drano, or food grade gasoline.

Ken

[r carl]

Originally Posted by w7ts

Someone explain this to me.

I realize some people have silicone in their bodies. However I believe it is cased in something less reactive. As I understand, when the casing brakes it is a health hazard. How can there be food grade silicone.

To me the term makes about as much sense as food grade Drano, or food grade gasoline.

Ken

It must have been food grade teflon that they put on those millions of crappy fry pans. At least you wont ingest silicone from your drain valve.

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by r carl

It must have been food grade teflon that they put on those millions of crappy fry pans. At least you wont ingest silicone from your drain valve.

I always crawl under the trailer to drink out of the drain valve, so I get water that hasn't been exposed to the plastic pipes.. Doesn't everyone??

Ken

[sandlapper]

I don't know the technical stuff as to why it is called food grade, I only know that compared to most silicones the food grade is not oily and has no smell. It is cleaner. I'm not ready to spray my frying pan with it but you could. I'll dig out my can and post the name a bit later.

John

[Gringo]

do people actually drink the water from the tank? We carry bottled for drinking. Not worried about the health hazards, but the plastic taste is a bummer.

[sandlapper]

We have the drinking water filter that is mounted under the sink. It does a great job making the water taste good. And after 5pm I filter mine again through some good single malt, making it taste really good.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Gringo

do people actually drink the water from the tank? We carry bottled for drinking. Not worried about the health hazards, but the plastic taste is a bummer.

Yes, and I have noted no plastic taste in the 3 RVs I have owned. Maybe we're just less sensitive.

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by Gringo

do people actually drink the water from the tank? We carry bottled for drinking. Not worried about the health hazards, but the plastic taste is a bummer.

Believe it or not there are multiple threads about that very subject.

I have drank water out of an RV tank since 1956. Never had a problem or even given it a thought. Ours doesn't taste like plastic, it tastes like water. We generally drink and cook using water filtered by the under sink water filter, but this is our first trailer that has that feature.

Ken

[SilverGate]

Originally Posted by sandlapper

Before you go and replace the valve, try some food grade silicone spray on it. It's in a tough spot but a good, occasional dousing of the silicone should make a big difference.

John

Molykote 316 Silicone Release Spray

[r carl]

Originally Posted by w7ts

I always crawl under the trailer to drink out of the drain valve, so I get water that hasn't been exposed to the plastic pipes.. Doesn't everyone??

Ken

Ummm, do I dare ask where you go to eat?