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CBWELL · 05-23-2025, 07:58 AM

My black tank has not been draining completely, and last year I removed the toilet and found a hand wipe below the toilet in the tank. I just put a video scope into the tank today, and I can see another wipe, stuck in the valve, not letting the tank drain completely. Is there anything that can dissolve the wipe without harming the seals on the valve? I really don't want to cut a hole in the belly and remove the valve! Any thoughts?? Trailer was bought used and the previous owner must have put these down the toilet!

nelsonh · 05-23-2025, 08:05 AM

As someone who works in the residential plumbing trade I can tell you that wipe will never dissolve. Short of a full black tank extraction, I might first try using your camera scope in conjunction with some type of flexible "grabber" tool to see if you can snag it, either from the toilet opening or from the exterior tank opening. Alternatively, it might be possible to disassemble the black tank gate valve on the exterior to get at it? This isn't something I've attempted so can't really offer any specific guidance here.

Bill M. · 05-23-2025, 08:18 AM

Trying to grab it might work. A pressure washer from the outside may dislodge the wipe enough to flush it on out. You can get a pressure washer wand kit that has different angles from Amazon. Be gentle with the pressure washer. Maybe just try a hose nozzle first. Having the valve serviced is probably a $1000 job at most places if you can even find one that will do it.

ROBERT CROSS · 05-23-2025, 08:27 AM

If long enough, consider one of these...

Good riddance...👍

Bob
🇺🇸

hhendrix · 05-23-2025, 09:03 AM

There are several tricks on youtube. Look at these:
https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...h+toilet+paper

CBWELL · 05-23-2025, 09:41 AM

I was able to get a flexible grabber to snag a couple of pieces of the object, and believe it or not, it's rubber! Not a condom! I can see that it has been stuck in the valve groove on three sides, and it is a fairly large piece of rubber. Tried using a coat hanger, but it is too flexible, so will find a more rigid metal rod. The camera works great too see what is going on, and I think that I can get it out with a rod with a hook on the end. What a nightmare! I can't believe what people try to put down the toilet!

Tim A. · 05-23-2025, 11:14 AM

Many years ago, the tank cut-out for the toilet jammed in our black-tank drain valve. It was, of course, hard plastic. Eventually I rolled up my sleeve and reached into the drain and removed the thing. It was well stuck in place. Not a pleasant solution. It worked, though.

Tim

Bruce.S · 05-23-2025, 12:44 PM

I had a similar problem with a chunk of toilet paper, stuck in the gate valve drain mechanism. This device linked below, available on Amazon, took care of it and does a great job of flushing the tank in general.

https://valterra.com/product/flush-k...h-valve-boxed/

PatLee · 05-23-2025, 02:35 PM

I'm not sure this is the kind of advice you want but if I were you, I would find the closest Kleen Tank franchise to me and see if they could help. They come to you and work on your trailer on site. @ https://kleentank.com

CBWELL · 05-23-2025, 02:36 PM

I tried the reverse flush and it does nothing. Tried pressure washer, and it does nothing because of the corner to go around. I will have to find something to go down the toilet drain hole, turn 90 degrees and have lots of pressure to blow the rubber out of the valve. The opening is 3 inches and too small to get my hand into! The wife tried , she got her hand and arm in(with rubber gloves) but her arm is too short by 2 inches to reach the valve. Working on plan c, d, e, and f!

CBWELL · 05-23-2025, 02:38 PM

The closest Kleen Tank is hundreds of miles away! I thought about that , as I have seen them work.

CBWELL · 05-24-2025, 03:23 PM

Problem has been solved! It seems that the rubber or neoprene around the inside of the tank is actually a seal for the mount of the valve. I managed to remove the cloth wipe from the valve with a homemade aluminum flat bent to shape to fit in the opening, as well as the flexible grabber and a bent coat hook. The video scope was the best asset in finding and working to remove the towel. It took several hours, but was far easier than cutting into the belly pan and removing the valve. The price of the scope ($45) was some of the best money I have spent lately!!

greghoro · 05-24-2025, 11:02 PM

Would you provide a link to the scope you purchased? I’m in the market for one.

Greg

CBWELL · 05-25-2025, 07:15 AM

The scope is a DEPSTECH dual lens Industrial endoscope. I got it from Amazon.ca, and they had a special deal a I only paid $46 for it. Well worth the money and it seems like a real good unit. Camera quality is excellent.

Mollysdad · 05-25-2025, 11:08 AM

I'm looking forward to hear how the OP solved this dilemma.
We're all one flush away.

Wazbro · 05-25-2025, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I'm looking forward to hear how the OP solved this dilemma.
We're all one flush away.

See post 12.

SoupStream · 06-01-2025, 09:53 AM

Reverse flush…KleenTank.com

CBWELL · 06-01-2025, 11:24 AM

Reverse flush did nothing, even using a pressure washer!! Closest Kleen Tank is over 8 hours away, not just down the street!

akarakos · 06-01-2025, 11:30 AM

I have to admit, I was entertained by reading about the problem and how you eventually fixed it. I also had to chuckle when you said that you managed to get your wife to stick her arm in there.. I’m pretty sure you could make some money if you made a video of her doing that. LoL I think my wife would’ve said fat chance. .

WestieHouse · 06-01-2025, 12:46 PM

Maybe I missed something or didn’t understand the situation correctly, but it seems the easiest solution would have been to replace the black blade valve. Assuming there was waste in the tank this could be a bit unpleasant but if done carefully at an appropriate dump site it would have been easy. I suspect after all the probing and previous blockage, etc. a new valve is in order in any case.