Black and Grey Water Tanks

[arifarda]

Sorry for my newbie questions. (As I live outside the US, new to RV's and have no dealer in my country.)
As far as I understand, the black tank holds sewage and bathroom used waters.
The grey tank holds galley (kitchen) faucet used waters.
Is that right?
Do I still have to turn the water heater by-pass valve to "use position" while using the fresh water tank driving down the road, and while there is no city water inlet connection ?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by arifarda

Sorry for my newbie questions. (As I live outside the US, new to RV's and have no dealer in my country.)
As far as I understand, the black tank holds sewage and bathroom used waters.
The grey tank holds galley (kitchen) faucet used waters.
Is that right?
Do I still have to turn the water heater by-pass valve to "use position" while using the fresh water tank driving down the road, and while there is no city water inlet connection ?

The black water tank is for the toilet "only".

The gray water tank, is for "all" the waste water, regardless of the source.

No need to do anything with the water heater by-pass in order to use the self contained water system..
Andy

[TG Twinkie]

The toilet waste only goes into the black water tank. All other water goes into the grey water tank.
The bypass valve is normally used to winterize. It along with valves on the in (cold) and out (hot) lines allow you to bypass the water heater when you put RV anti freeze in the plumbing system. By closing the in and out valves and opening the bypass valve you prevent the RV anti freeze from going in the water heater. Then you drain the water heater.

[73shark]

There is a provision for connecting fresh city water on the street side.

[Wazbro]

Some of the new trailers also have the bathroom sink going into the black tank.

This was a recent change to save money and prevent the problem of not enough liquid in the black tank that some people have had.

[arifarda]

Hi,

I cannot open the black water drain tank valve with the electrical switch.
Is there a way to open it manually, if yes where is it located and how could I do it?
Best regards.

[David M]

Originally Posted by arifarda

Hi,

I cannot open the black water drain tank valve with the electrical switch.
Is there a way to open it manually, if yes where is it located and how could I do it?
Best regards.

Here is what I would do in this order:
1. Make sure you're holding the electrical switch for 2-3 seconds to open the valve completely.
2. Check the 20 amp fuse (circuit 7).
3. There is a way to open the valve manually. Although I've never done this, the manual says there are override screws on each side of the valve. Use a flat screw driver or an allen wrench to turn the override screw (the manual says the direction to turn is labeled on the valve). Sorry, but I don't know where this valve is located. Maybe someone else can chime in.
David

[arifarda]

Dear David,
Thank you very much for your detailed answer. I think there is nothing wrong with the fuse, because as I press the switch the auto drain motor activates and tries to open the black water tank valve, but a very strange, unusual, ticking sound is coming from the motor . II do not hear the same sound/reaction when I press the gray water switch. (Gray water tank valve switch works properly) I layed down under the vehicle to see what's happening on the motor when I press the black tank switch, the motor unit looks as if it is getting difficulty to open the valve. It moves back and front and does not stay stable at the place where it was mounted.

[Boxster1971]

airfarda,
I assume you have Drain Master valves like the ones installed on my 2013 Interstate. The valves are located under the van you can easily find them, but you will have to get under the van. Start at the macerator pump near the hose reel assembly and follow to large 3 inch drain line to the valves. I've attached the diagram/procedure to override this electric valve from Drain Master's web site.

Good Luck,
- - Mike

[xrvr]

Plugged up? Something wedged? Anything missing in the bathroom? Comb, clippers etc. ? Jim

[arifarda]

Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi

Plugged up? Something wedged? Anything missing in the bathroom? Comb, clippers etc. ? Jim

Good point. Never thought about it. I'll look for if something has wedged. Thanks.