Fresh water drain

[AirEPotter]

Have a 2011 International. Am looking for the fresh water tank drain valve. The manual is no help. Thanks in advance.

[Wayward]

On my 25' it is on the port/road side between the two wheels. I just reach up and feel around under the tanks. There is a multi-turn brass petcock with two small handles. There is also a plastic quarter-turn valve which seems to be the "low point" drain for the water lines.

[2airishuman]

unless the 11s have something new the FTDV looks like this...

http://cdn.airforums.com/forums/atta...2&d=1284067157

it can be very hard to get a finger behind to turn the first time.

but a little food grade silicone lube solves that issue.
________

there are also brass/steel "low point drain valves" on the fresh water (pex) lines...

but they are usually a bit further forward from the tank and farther under the belly...

cheers
2air'

[AirEPotter]

Originally Posted by Wayward

On my 25' it is on the port/road side between the two wheels. I just reach up and feel around under the tanks. There is a multi-turn brass petcock with two small handles. There is also a plastic quarter-turn valve which seems to be the "low point" drain for the water lines.

I find two brass valves but was under the impression (perhaps mistaken) this was the low point drain. I also see a white plastic valve. No idea what it is.
Thanks in advance.

[jeff4506]

The white plastic valve is likely your fresh water drain. It is on my trailer and it looks like the picture above.

[AirEPotter]

Originally Posted by jeff4506

The white plastic valve is likely your fresh water drain. It is on my trailer and it looks like the picture above.

This confirms it! Thank you.

[pmclemore]

Caution on the white plastic valve (yes it is the fresh water drain). It becomes brittle and the first thing you know, the little handle is broken. Very inconvenient to fix and damned inconvenient if it breaks in the open position and you are dry-camping.

So - always be gentle when you turn it.

Pat

[AirEPotter]

Originally Posted by pmclemore

Caution on the white plastic valve (yes it is the fresh water drain). It becomes brittle and the first thing you know, the little handle is broken. Very inconvenient to fix and damned inconvenient if it breaks in the open position and you are dry-camping.

So - always be gentle when you turn it.

Pat

Duly noted. Thanks

[dznf0g]

Has anybody found a non-petroleum penetrant lube which can be used to lubricate the o-rings in the valve which is safe for drinking water?

[2airishuman]

yes, as mentioned earlier food grade silicone in spray form works well.

for the industrious there is a food grade silicone grease that can be used...

IF the valve is dissembled 1st (this is what is ON the internals initially)

the links have been posted to specific products but just guggle the key terms...

the valve is nylon and pretty darn tuff, i've seen them withstand wrenches applied to turn...

the key is NOT fully turning it L or R.

the openings are lined up in a very narrow range, about 30-45 degrees at the middle position.

going past EITHER limit fully blocks the 2 holes.

cheers
2air'

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

yes, as mentioned earlier food grade silicone in spray form works well.

for the industrious there is a food grade silicone grease that can be used...

IF the valve is dissembled 1st (this is what is ON the internals initially)

the links have been posted to specific products but just guggle the key terms...

the valve is nylon and pretty darn tuff, i've seen them withstand wrenches applied to turn...

the key is NOT fully turning it L or R.

the openings are lined up in a very narrow range, about 30-45 degrees at the middle position.

going past EITHER limit fully blocks the 2 holes.

cheers
2air'

Sorry, missed that line. Is that spray pretty common wherever small kitchen appliances are sold, or is it a commercial product?

[nomad3622]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

yes, as mentioned earlier food grade silicone in spray form works well.

for the industrious there is a food grade silicone grease that can be used...

IF the valve is dissembled 1st (this is what is ON the internals initially)

the links have been posted to specific products but just guggle the key terms...

the valve is nylon and pretty darn tuff, i've seen them withstand wrenches applied to turn...

the key is NOT fully turning it L or R.

the openings are lined up in a very narrow range, about 30-45 degrees at the middle position.

going past EITHER limit fully blocks the 2 holes.

cheers
2air'

2Air is right! I wish I had read this yesterday afternoon!
Peter