Low point drain broken

[Airstream 65]

On my 2009 27FB, one of the valves for my low point drains is broken. I thought just the handle had fallen off, but on closer inspection, looks like the whole valve needs to be replaced.

Anyone have any ideas how to replace this?

I tried to turn the end part off, but there isn’t enough clearance between the belly pan and the valve to turn it all the way around.

I thought maybe the whole assembly could be removed from the trailer, but I don’t know how they are attached and the two valves are mounted so close together that the broken one contacts the good one after about 1/8 of a turn.

Picture below.

Thanks!

[Airstream 65]

To clarify my post above, I tried removing the piece with the red arrow but the handle housing wouldn’t allow a turn. And the area with the green arrow, I’m not sure how that’s attached further up, and I don’t think the other valve would allow a turn anyway.

[CRH]

Cut or grind the protruding part off with a Dermel or angle grinder.

[Airstream 65]

That’s an idea for sure, but then I’m faced with the same problem trying to install a new valve on there once I have the old one off.

[CRH]

I would make an extension for the new valve.

[richard5933]

There appears to be an inspection cover a few inches away. Remove that cover and see what's inside. Odds are there is something there which you can put a wrench on to hold steady while you pull off the outer elbow. Or, possibly a hose clamp which is holding things together and then let the whole works drop down.

Looking behind the cover would be my step #1.

[Wayne&Sam]

If you grind off the protrusion as CHR said, you could then install a short, flexible extension that you can bend to install the new valve.

[Airstream 65]

Ok, all good suggestions. I’ll try and post some pictures once I figure out what to do in case someone else runs into the same issue.

Thanks

[TLBIJOU]

That's threaded brass I'm pretty sure. I know what I would do! Same thing Airstream would do, cut about a 1 foot round or square hole to gain access to the pipes, the assess the pipes and from the looks of it I would replace everything that's exposed. When I've renowned it's I've put the valve above the belly metal with access to the valve through the floor with a proper cover to prevent rodents and insects from entering your abode!

[GCinSC2]

Might find an ahah if you pull cover off at pump from inside directly over valves. No guarantee but worth looking from inside.

[Airstream 65]

Just pulled the inspection cover off, nothing there of any use, unfortunately too far away from the drain lines

[Airstream 65]

Removed a panel in a shallow cupboard below my fridge and looks like I found where they go.

[Airstream 65]

Originally Posted by TLBIJOU

That's threaded brass I'm pretty sure. I know what I would do! Same thing Airstream would do, cut about a 1 foot round or square hole to gain access to the pipes, the assess the pipes and from the looks of it I would replace everything that's exposed. When I've renowned it's I've put the valve above the belly metal with access to the valve through the floor with a proper cover to prevent rodents and insects from entering your abode!

That sounds like a great plan. I’ll just have to watch where I’m cutting, but I think it’s doable. Thanks for the suggestion.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Airstream 65

That sounds like a great plan. I’ll just have to watch where I’m cutting, but I think it’s doable. Thanks for the suggestion.

Hi

Looking at where they go, why not simply cut the clamp on the white plastic pipe and replace the whole assembly? No need to cut holes in anything.

Bob

[Airstream 65]

I thought about that, but the problem is I can’t figure out how the pipes go through the skin. Also, it’s a really tight space when I go in under the fridge. Can’t even fit my hand down the hole to try and see if the pipe is loose or not when I try to come at it from the top. And no chance of reaching what looks like a brass nut at the bottom of the hole there.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Airstream 65

I thought about that, but the problem is I can’t figure out how the pipes go through the skin. Also, it’s a really tight space when I go in under the fridge. Can’t even fit my hand down the hole to try and see if the pipe is loose or not when I try to come at it from the top. And no chance of reaching what looks like a brass nut at the bottom of the hole there.

Hi

My guess is that the brass nut simply holds the bushing that the pipe goes through in place.

Quick way to check: Have somebody watch from under the trailer and have somebody else push down on the "tee" that is at the top there. If the valves move when the tee is pushed ... it's just a bushing.

Might pulling the fridge out be part of this? That's quite possible .....

Bob

[guskmg]

If your plumbing is like mine, the line dropping down to the fitting is connected to a twist turn hand fitting. Just undo it and the fitting will probably just drop out. Those fitting really work well. I have never had one leak. When reassembling the hand fitting it will not hurt to use a little plumber's great on the mating surfaces just in case.
guskmg

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by guskmg

If your plumbing is like mine, the line dropping down to the fitting is connected to a twist turn hand fitting. Just undo it and the fitting will probably just drop out. Those fitting really work well. I have never had one leak. When reassembling the hand fitting it will not hurt to use a little plumber's great on the mating surfaces just in case.
guskmg

Hi

If that's the case then they both pop off with about 90 degrees of rotation. That would answer the "how do I remove these" question .... take one off and then the other one is free to rotate.

Bob