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Old 09-29-2011, 10:06 AM   #1
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Sewer Flusher...How it works

How does the built in sewer flusher work. Is it a open tube, are there check valves, electronic valves or spraying devices inside the tank?
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Old 09-29-2011, 10:28 AM   #2
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In general it works poorly.

There is a vacuum breaker, and a spraying device inside the tank. The vacuum breaker is plastic and is prone to damage from freezing since most people forget to "winterize" this component. The spraying device is prone to clogging.
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Old 09-29-2011, 11:00 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jammer View Post
In general it works poorly.

There is a vacuum breaker, and a spraying device inside the tank. The vacuum breaker is plastic and is prone to damage from freezing since most people forget to "winterize" this component. The spraying device is prone to clogging.
I've winterized for 4 years now but never thought of the black tank spray valve. How does one winterize it?
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Old 09-29-2011, 11:03 AM   #4
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I use compressed air.
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Old 09-29-2011, 11:06 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by SilverCottage View Post
I've winterized for 4 years now but never thought of the black tank spray valve. How does one winterize it?
If you winterize using the factory suggested method of using air to blow the lines clear, you can just attach the air line to the tank sprayer and blow it clear. I guess you could also use a hose to pour some antifreeze through it into the tank.

Ken
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Old 09-29-2011, 11:20 AM   #6
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I've been using mine since 2007 without a hitch.
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Old 09-29-2011, 11:24 AM   #7
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My understanding of the built-in black tank sewer flusher in Lucy (our 2005 Safari) is that it consists of one or more pvc pipes (tubes) inside the black tank with numerous holes drilled in them. Fresh water is applied to these tubes from an external water inlet directly above the city water inlet on the left side of the trailer. The water from these holes rinses the black tank with clean water. It always gets out additional "crap" hiding in the black tank.

This system has worked well for us over the years. We use it every time that we dump Lucy's black tank. We also use this system after we close the black tank valve to put a couple of gallons of fresh water into the black tank to keep it wet.

Lucy has never been winterized, so I don't really know how to winterize the sewer flush. I would think that blowing compressed air through the tubes should do it.

Brian
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Old 09-29-2011, 11:27 AM   #8
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Mine worked well on the Safari 20, easy way to flush the black tank. I would hook it up whenever disconnecting from the campsite (or a the dump) and give the black tank and sewer hose a good rinse, then disconnect the sewer hose.

doug k
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Old 09-29-2011, 11:53 AM   #9
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Moosetags, Where did the labels come from? It looks nice, and certainly helpful.
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Old 09-29-2011, 12:32 PM   #10
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I use mine every time I dump and it works quite well. When I am ready to hook up, I run a short hose from the outside faucet to the flush input and turn it on full blast. By the time the truck is all hooked up, there is nothing but clear water coming out of the hose.

Proof that it works is when I step on the toilet pedal and see the clean white plastic tank bottom.

I would not willingly be without the tank flush. I think the reason that some folks do not think it works well is that they simply do not give it time to work well.
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Old 09-29-2011, 01:21 PM   #11
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The "blow out plug" should make it easy to winterize the sewer flusher. I'm ordering one.
See:
Amazon.com: Camco 36143 RV Blow Out Plug with Brass Quick Connect: Automotive

PS: If you can get this URL to load go to Amazon and search for Camco RV Blow Out Plug
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Old 09-29-2011, 03:00 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by boodalu View Post
The "blow out plug" should make it easy to winterize the sewer flusher. I'm ordering one.
See:
Amazon.com: Camco 36143 RV Blow Out Plug with Brass Quick Connect: Automotive

PS: If you can get this URL to load go to Amazon and search for Camco RV Blow Out Plug
It also make it easy to winterize the whole trailer.

I used that same one this year. I even bought it on Amazon. It worked great. It cost a lot less than the one I made two years ago by piecing together individual fittings and is easier to work with.

Ken
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Old 09-29-2011, 03:22 PM   #13
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I see. On my year AS the garden hose attaches to the outside connection and takes a turn upward into this valve. I can hear the water going through it, but is sounds restricted because there is a whine coming from it. Does anyone know what this valve's function is? IMO it is a pressure valve that lets water pass one way only, into the tank. From there the tubing goes down again and over above the water heater then down, I cannot see where it goes from there. I think I'll take this valve out and see if it can be cleaned or replaced. I was looking down the toilet when the sewer flush was in progress and there was no real water motion. There is a blockage somewhere.
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Old 09-29-2011, 04:04 PM   #14
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The valve you show is a vacuum breaker that keeps water from running back into the source. The whistle (or whine) is natural. Both of mine have made that sound when the flush is running.

There should be no reason to winterize the flush. The water should run down hill from the vacuum breaker on both sides leaving the lines empty. I have never winterized either of mine and have had no problems.
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Old 09-29-2011, 04:46 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jammer View Post
I use compressed air.
Thanks. I'll blow out the black flush line this year in addition to the city water inlet I've done every year.
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Old 09-29-2011, 05:48 PM   #16
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I live in Ontario Canada. We really get winter. I have never worried about winterizing the black tank flusher. It works really well and has never frozen. Obviously it drains every time you disconnect it.
Al
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Old 11-14-2011, 08:55 PM   #17
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Am I missing something?

I don't remember anything resembling the sewer flusher connector on the outside of my 2006 Safari?

is this only on some models?

Dana
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Old 11-14-2011, 08:58 PM   #18
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Am I missing something?

I don't remember anything resembling the sewer flusher connector on the outside of my 2006 Safari?

is this only on some models?

Dana
Standard on Classics, at least recent years. Not on my 2003 Classic, but present on my 2005 Classic.
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Old 11-14-2011, 09:00 PM   #19
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Thanks John

clears that up.

Dana
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Old 11-14-2011, 10:01 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Goal15
Am I missing something?

I don't remember anything resembling the sewer flusher connector on the outside of my 2006 Safari?

is this only on some models?

Dana
On mine there are 2 seemingly identical city water inlets in the small streetside belly compartment. The 2nd is for the BW tank flush kit. On other models one or both may be mounted on the exterior. I don't know what years or models this was offered as either an option or standard. I believe it is standard on recent Classics, maybe others. In recent years the back flow preventer valve is plastic. It is mounted above the inlet and tank sprayer and is designed such that when the supply pressure is removed, the water will freely drain out of the inlet and the spray head presumably making it freeze proof.
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