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Becky B. · 06-23-2007, 04:55 PM

I can't believe this just happened. Yesterday, I purchased a 1986 31' Sovereign. I got home late last night after picking it up in Michigan. Today my husband & I were checking over all the systems. I was standing in the side bath & holding open the flusher on the toilet to fill the tank up (to see if the guages worked). While standing there, I checked out the cabinet to my left. Out dropped the PO's toothbrush & it made a straight shot down the toilet!!! It disappeared into oblivion. We thought maybe it would flush out when we emptied it, but Noooooooo! Then I took a rodder type thingy & put it up the dump valve end to see if I could shove it up into the tank (if it was down) where I could see it and possibly grab it out (eew). No luck there either. The tube takes a curve. Does anyone have any brilliant ideas? I tried sticking my arm down there, but it's too short to do anything. Also, I took a stick & tried to feel for it. I'm telling you...I gagged three times & ran out the door of the trailer (thank goodness no actual puke). Tears & everything! No smells, I'm just a gagger when it comes to other people's johns (it's not really mine yet, since I haven't used it!) Anyhow....If anybody has any brilliant suggestions on how to fish out the toothbrush that I can't even see, please let me know. Thanks!

**Janet H** · 06-23-2007, 04:58 PM

Tooth brushes float. Why not fill up the tank (mostly) with water and go on another fishing expedition?

Can you get some one to take pictures while you fish... pretty please? (just kidding)

ArtStream · 06-23-2007, 05:03 PM

Becky,
I wouldn't use it again, just go buy a new toothbrush.

Michael

overlander63 · 06-23-2007, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Artstream

Becky,
I wouldn't use it again, just go buy a new toothbrush.

Michael

I agree. They aren't that expensive, plus it was included in the price of the trailer when you purchased it. If the PO really wants it back, invite them over for the fishing expedition

.
Seriously, Janet's advice is good, fill the black tank aout 2/3 to 3/4 full, and bend a coat hanger. If you finally get to see it, and can't fish it out, you can get a small fexible parts retrieval pincher to reach in and grab the brush.
Now, if the brush will not fit around the bend in the elbow, you could just leave it in there.

ArtStream · 06-23-2007, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlander63

I agree. They aren't that expensive, plus it was included in the price of the trailer when you purchased it. If the PO really wants it back, invite them over for the fishing expedition

.

Terry, U got karma headed your way!

Oh, and Becky while you're in there with the toothbrush give them sensors a quick brushing!

Michael

Safari-Rick · 06-23-2007, 05:35 PM

As I read this post I fell off my chair laughing!!!! And yelled at my wife to come as read it. We both couldn't stop laughing!.

Seriously though, my wife ran out screaming last summer when I was remodeling the main bathroom and changing out the toilet. She took one look at the "exhaust pipe" and ran out gaging! LOL.

BTW, toothbrushes arn't the only thing that floats!

Skater · 06-23-2007, 05:41 PM

I'm sorry, I know this doesn't help, but I'm cracking up over this thread.

FWIW, I think the suggestions given so far are good ones, except that I think you really do need to get it out, as disgusting as it might be. The problem I can see is that it'll cause a restriction when you go to dump sometimes, so you won't get a full dump and maybe even a waste buildup, which is never good.

ArtStream · 06-23-2007, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skater

The problem I can see is that it'll cause a restriction when you go to dump sometimes, so you won't get a full dump and maybe even a waste buildup, which is never good.

Nah, changed my mind, I'm not even gonna touch this one Skater. (pun intended)

Michael

overlander63 · 06-23-2007, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Artstream

Nah, changed my mind, I'm not even gonna touch this one Skater. (pun intended)

Michael

Me neither, that's why I suggested leaving it in there...

Becky, at least you know people are reading your posts.

sd90mac · 06-23-2007, 06:15 PM

Becky,

Run, do not pass go and do not collect 200.00. Take the coach somewhere and let them fish it out. Stop messing around and let a professional do it.
I personaly would not do it. I'd replace the black tank before sticking my body parts in a "sewer pipe"!!! Yechhhh.

Marie

2airishuman · 06-23-2007, 06:19 PM

i say leave it in there.

it is unlikely to ever cause a blockage although it could hang up on the shut off valve.

you should see the debris left in these tanks at the factory!

just tell the next buyer the black tank was upgraded...

to the self cleaning random action internal scrub brush model.

was there a gum massager included on that brush?

very funny michael,

cheers
2air'

Becky B. · 06-23-2007, 06:28 PM

I'm glad I've entertained all of you for the day. I was so worked up about having to dig around in there that I didn't see anything floating. I just thought I saw a dried jake floating up when I lost it (it actually was the bottom of the tank that's brown, but it was an optical illusion - the water was clear by that time) Anyhow, I think it was one of those cheapie plastic kind - I just got a 1/2 second glance at it as it zipped by - & hope it floats. I guess I'll go back out there & try filling & fishing. I love to fish, but usually for things I can eat! No comments, please!

klattu · 06-23-2007, 06:37 PM

Just relable it the brilliant 'White Water' tank

2airishuman · 06-23-2007, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beckybillrae

I guess I'll go back out there & try filling & fishing....

don't worry about it...

it's not like your child swallowed it.

really it poises very little risk to the system,

while some of the items you are 'fishing' with WILL cause damage.

IF you really really think it needs 2b out.

let it swim out like everything else.

the flush king is tailor made for this issue.

Flush King - Camping World

fills from below, it's clear so you can watch what comes out (please take video)

and the tank will fill much faster via the hose.

cheers
2air'

Silvertwinkie · 06-23-2007, 07:18 PM

It'll most likely work it's way out. I wouldn't loose too much sleep over it.

overlander63 · 06-23-2007, 07:21 PM

I guess now you know who the "potty mouths" around here are...

Silvertwinkie · 06-23-2007, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlander63

I guess now you know who the "potty mouths" around here are...

LOL!

Becky B. · 06-23-2007, 07:29 PM

It's a sinker. Must be high in protein....I mean plastic. I have the flush king & will wait with anticipation every time I empty my dump tank. It probably will get hung up on the curve in the king if it makes it through the turn in the pipe. What a happy, gaggy day that will be for me!

Silvertwinkie · 06-23-2007, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beckybillrae

It's a sinker. Must be high in protein....I mean plastic. I have the flush king & will wait with anticipation every time I empty my dump tank. It probably will get hung up on the curve in the king if it makes it through the turn in the pipe. What a happy, gaggy day that will be for me!

Something to look forward to. Nice lookin' trailer, if it's the same one in your avitar.