Black water surprise

[phoeg]

I'm a first-time owner (very new) of an RV and have a 2016 Thor Hurricane 34F. I'm doing dry runs of things and practicing in the driveway before we go anywhere. So Saturday I decide I'll run through the hookup of my sewer hose.

The tanks had been cleaned at the dealer and the valves were closed. I opened the cover, and to borrow and paraphrase from an old Bill Cosby bit: first it ran onto my gloved hands, then I said it. There was some…residue in the connector between the black and gray tanks. It did, however, necessitate cleanup with the hose and shop vac.

I wondered what the round screw-in plug below the sewer outlet was. I think I know. (See pic).

Should I remove that before hooking up so that any "leftovers" drain out? The manual said some residue may be in the connection but it doesn't mention that plug. It seems to make sense.

Have I figured this out correctly?

Thanks for your time.

Paul

[pstandiford]

Remove the plug and tilt the sewer connection down. The hose goes up through the opening where the plug is located.

[phoeg]

Ahhhh! The things one isn't always told! Makes much more sense.

Thank you!

[phoeg]

One last question: if it will coil up in there, can the sewer hose go in that compartment? That would keep all similar components together.

[RV Pirate]

Originally Posted by phoeg

One last question: if it will coil up in there, can the sewer hose go in that compartment? That would keep all similar components together.

Yes, keep all your sewer stuff in a different compartment than your water hose.

[Hooligan2]

Another consideration. I recently had to replace the blade valve to my black tank. I started to remove the end cap prior to connecting the hose and had some brown water leak out. (always remove that cap slowly) I was able to get a container under there before removing the cap. Both valves were closed but obviously the black tank valve was leaking.
I drained and flushed the tank 3+ times and removed the bladevalve. The end of the blade and the gasket were damaged by excess hard yellow glue used to put the plastic pipes together. A new blade valve (+- $10) comes with the gaskets and if you need to work in there you might as well replace the whole thing.
Had the 2 previous RV's for 12 & 16 years, 1st valve I've replaced....

Photo:
Remove the bottom plate 1st, and if you suspect a leak have a container beneath the opening when you crack the cap/cover. The small cap on the cover is a hose fitting.

[pstandiford]

Yep. I wasn't told that either. Figured it out on my own but later found this forum.

[Bob Denman]

--it happens!
Poop emoji.jpg
I suppose that it's better to have the surprise happen in the relative safety of your own property...


(I had the same thing happen with mine... but the surprise that I got wasn't nearly as surprising as yours! )

[gmc]

Originally Posted by phoeg

One last question: if it will coil up in there, can the sewer hose go in that compartment? That would keep all similar components together.

I keep all my sewer hoses (3 lengths coiled and closed), flush hose (a gray color not to be confused with white drinking water or green outside water), sewer hose accordion stand, elbow fittings, and a box of gloves all in the sewer compartment of my Hurricane...

[phoeg]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

--it happens!

(I had the same thing happen with mine... but the surprise that I got wasn't nearly as surprising as yours! )

Fortunately it was only a dribble. There wasn't much. But a dribble of that is still surprising to a newbie! [emoji1]

[phoeg]

Originally Posted by gmc

…flush hose (a gray color not to be confused with white drinking water or green outside water), .

Another dumb newbie question: I get the grey hose for flushing the sewer hose, and the white for drinking, but the green? Is that for just general use, i.e. non-sewer or drinking?

[phoeg]

Originally Posted by Hooligan2

The small cap on the cover is a hose fitting.

I haven't figured out that hose fitting. What is the purpose of that? I have a connection to flush/clean the black water tank. I've tried thinking of every use but can't do it. I give.

[Hooligan2]

The hose fitting is often used to drain grey water in places where it is acceptable to do so.

[phoeg]

Originally Posted by Hooligan2

The hose fitting is often used to drain grey water in places where it is acceptable to do so.

Ah! Thanks. So much to learn.

[gmc]

Originally Posted by phoeg

Another dumb newbie question: I get the grey hose for flushing the sewer hose, and the white for drinking, but the green? Is that for just general use, i.e. non-sewer or drinking?

Yep... just a run of the mill garden hose I bring on extended trips... washing vehicles, watering plants... normal stuff...
No need for a drinking water hose - and don't want to confuse with the flush hose... so went with garden hose green.

(and no such thing as a dumb question around here... )

[Bob Denman]

Let's face it: the "Stinky Slinky" has produced more "Candid Camera" moments; than the rest of the RV experience combined!

[ComputerChips]

One lesson I learned about dump stations I'll share with you.
Some dump stations have a heavy little flapper type of cover over the hole. It has a foot pedal you can step on to raise the cover so that you can insert or remove your slinky hose from underneath the flapper. Many dump station areas are formed in a basin so any spilled liquid will run down to the hole and drain into the hole. There is usually a little puddle at the base of the flapper. DON'T LET THE FLAPPER SLAM DOWN AND SPLASH YOURSELF!

[Bob Denman]

This may be the best scene from any move: ever made!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHgRmR024BE

[phoeg]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

This may be the best scene from any move: ever made!

D'oh!!! [emoji1]

Thanks, all for the tips. My wife said something recently that she heard if we aren't learning we aren't living. At the rate I'm learning I've added about another 50 years to my life!

[phoeg]

Originally Posted by pstandiford

Remove the plug and tilt the sewer connection down. The hose goes up through the opening where the plug is located.

I did this the other night. Unfortunately the hole in the bottom of the RV isn’t exactly in line with the drain when it’s turned 90° down. I have it nearly straight down and there’s enough room to get the connection up through the bottom.

I wondered why someone would design a setup where that side door would have to remain open all the time.