Can I permanently close off black tank?

[JustJess]

I am remodeling a 1976 Sovereign into a commercial biz and do not need either the black or gray tanks. They are both extremely difficult to remove so I am wondering if they can just be permanently sealed off? I am going to just go over them with new flooring and would like to proceed without worries.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. :-)

Jess

[GMFL]

I’m sure that would be fine based on your application.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by GMFL

I’m sure that would be fine based on your application.

. . . assuming they are very clean, and not breading grounds for something that will end up being smelly or dangerous. When did you last dump them? If you still have access to the intakes on the tops of the tanks, I would do some serious pressure washer kind of deal to flush them out real well.

Tanks!

[brick1]

There is no way to get them fully sanitized. Chances are they will become a science experiment. I would remove them.

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by brick1

There is no way to get them fully sanitized. Chances are they will become a science experiment. I would remove them.

Agree. Could stink up your business.

[OTRA15]

. . . or maybe this less expensive option . . . assuming the dump valves and discharges will be visible later . . . open both tank discharge valves, so that you can insert a hose/wand/pressure washer into the 2 tanks to keep them clean? This will be a messy operation, with questionable "water" coming out of the tanks, but it a fairly simple concept in theory.

The last thing you want are sealed tanks as breeding grounds, as others have suggested.

Good luck,

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Clean them as best you can with as much bleach as you can come up with. Soak them with water after and flush well. Then hit them with the magic "hard water deposit" remover chemicals. Once that's all done and flushed (a lot), dry them out. Drill a bunch of 1/2" holes in the bottom to help them dry / drain.

Finally- fill them (carefully / slowly) with spray foam .... Don't try to go fast. It will be a "many passes" sort of process. The half inch holes should give you enough access to get the job done.

Bob

[bibbs]

If they are clean should be no problem, screw a pipe plug in the holes before you cover them leave the drains open, until they are dry.

[Tbeck11931]

Originally Posted by bibbs

If they are clean should be no problem, screw a pipe plug in the holes before you cover them leave the drains open, until they are dry.

Finally a sensible approach!
Flush them out allow to drain and dry out seal of your inlet and outlets with pipe plugs and your good to go.