Dump valve access?

[Tyson024]

Hey everyone,

I hope somebody here can give me a little guidance. My dad and I restored a 31ft 1989 Excella from winter 2016 to spring 2017. Dad was retiring in April 2017, but sadly lung cancer took him just three weeks after retirement. The only things left were tires, brakes, and bearings.

Today I put 4 new tires on using solid cement blocks to drive one axel on while I switched out the other two tires. Unfortunately one block sunk into the dirt and the other end jammed itself into the waste water dump valve area. When I looked, the grey water was free flowing onto the ground. So here's the question... What is the best way to expose everything so I can see what I've broken? Maybe someone here can give me an easier way than dropping the belly pan.

[Bill M.]

The way Airstream accesses the valves is to cut an access hole in the pan. Not easy bud easier than pulling the whole pan. The pan is very heavy steel sheet. You cab cut it either with a grinder or with a nibbler. I used a Harbor freight bubbler. When drilling for a starter hole be sure to use a stop block that limits to 1/2inch depth. Start with about a 16 inch square about 1 inch from the vavlvr handles see what you need. Find Al and Missus post for a good picture. You will throw away the cutout and close with Al sheet.
What you are going to find is 2 dump valves connected to. Wye and a broken pipe from there. I would go ahead and replace the valves and pipe and put on. Valterra fitting, the valves are available from Outdoors mart and I used the pvc fttings from Lowe's. The new valves sure are nice. You might be able to just cot the broken pipe and attach a piece. You could start there and work your way back into it as you have to. I

[Tyson024]

Wow. Thank you so much, Bill. Hopefully this speeds things up for me. I'll follow up with details later.

[Tyson024]

Ok, quick update. One access hole and a wasp nest later it looks like I only crushed the pipe that is smashed in the pics above. I think the metal rod was just jammed in the open position.

So my next question is this:. What is the cover I've seen used on the end of the waste pipe that has a smaller cap that can be twisted off? It looks like a good backup to have in case of leaks.

[Tyson024]

Nevermind on the cap. I found it online at walmart.

So what is the white fitting I'll need on the end of the pipe so I can attach the hose? Who typically sells such an item?

[woodfox45]

Out of doors mart will have what you need they are in North Carolina outofdoorsmart.com
or maybe a camper dealer in your area.

[Tyson024]

Thank you, but what is it that I need? I have a couple long flex hoses in the rear bumper that have the lugs on each end. Sorry, I know nothing about campers. This was my dads camper.

[Tyson024]

http://odmrv.com/catalog/index.php?m...roducts_id=406

Is this the white connector that I smashed?

[woodfox45]

Originally Posted by Tyson024

http://odmrv.com/catalog/index.php?m...roducts_id=406

Is this the white connector that I smashed?

Yes you will also need to replace the black pipe ,you can get that at Home depot or Lowes or any plumbing supply you will also need PVC pipe glue .Hope this helps

[TG Twinkie]

You will need to determine whether the hose connections are for Thedford or Valterra fittings.
Chances are it is Thedford because it is a white connector. Valterra fittings are black.
Most units use Valterra fittings today.

[TG Twinkie]

It's THETFORD not Thedford.

[TG Twinkie]

Did you get it fixed?