75 Argosy-HELP tank won't open

[Jenna0301]

We are pretty new to this. Restoring to start living in full time. Suppose to move in Sunday. Just tried to open gray tank and some water came out but not much. Black tank just won't open. Not sure what to do!

[mandolindave]

It could be that the black tank is dried up. You could try adding a few gallons of warm water and some Ridex ( an enzyme septic tank treatment ) Give it a few days to do it's magic. Then gently try to loosen the valve gate, bit by bit, back and forth

[mandolindave]

Are going to spend the winter in the trailer in Washington????

Find and Read the forum section on the topic. Electric heat might be the easiest. You will need a foam skirt to form a basement, heat it with a few incandescent bulbs. Heating your water( in and out ) with those heat wires.

You may find that you need a dehumidifier

[Jenna0301]

There is water in the toilet so the tank is full. Not sure how to add anything else....

Yes we are in Washington! We will be using electric heat!
We DID discover the need for a dehumidifier. That is on the way!

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Jenna0301

There is water in the toilet so the tank is full. Not sure how to add anything else....

Yes we are in Washington! We will be using electric heat!
We DID discover the need for a dehumidifier. That is on the way!

Jenna.

Electric heat will not protect the water system.

Heat must be circulated around some of the copper tubing and holding tanks, during freezing weather. That will not happen when using electric heating for the living area.

You can however, use electric heating, but the furnace must also be used frequently when the outside temperature is below freezing. If not, piping and the holding tanks and water tank will freeze up.

The cost to correct damage caused by freezing can run into thousands of dollars. Ask anyone who has been there and done that.

Andy

[Texastex]

Camping in winter location I use electrical heat tape home my water line and wrap with pipe . Insulation. Do Not leave your sewer open , Dump normally when necessary as though you were camping. I use 3 ceramic heaters one in the bath area another one in the bedroom area and a larger one for the living area. Making sure that all the are not the same circuit

[ijustlee]

If you can see/reach the outside of the valve blade make sure it is clean and smooth (no buildup from gray water sitting against it) and well lubricated and then pull harder. Also try and siphon out water from above through toilet and then add enzymes and let sit. If all fails obtain Jabsco macerator pump and suck out from toilet and then unbolt valve halves and clean well. Unpleasant problem to fix! Good luck! Leland

[terrencecolp]

When my black tank valve was stuck open I just loosened the two bolts that hold the valve together a little bit, just to give it a little more free play. I then squirted WD 40 on and in and around everything on the valve. I let that soak in. Then I very carefully started working the valve handle in and out. At first it barely moved at all, but gradually by tapping on it and pulling on it the valve freed itself.