black tank valve leak? 2022 thor Compass

[FrSkip]

On recent trip when opening main tank drain cap (valves closed), sewage om small catch compartment. Verified valve lever in..cleaned out compartment. Next day same. After full sump drain of both tanks then flushed black tank thoroughly, so wondering:
1. is problem black tank not sealing'
2. is problem valve lever not completely closing,
3. how to check which?


This is our 1st RV, and I am mechanically challenged, so any help will be appreciated.

[16ACE27]

What's a "small catch compartment"?

[The Gritz Carlton]

He's probably referring to the space between the gate valve and the outer cup/cover. Sounds like a gate valve leaking or someone opened the gate valve with the cover in place. Could be the gate valve seal has gotten brittle.

[FrSkip]

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

He's probably referring to the space between the gate valve and the outer cup/cover. Sounds like a gate valve leaking or someone opened the gate valve with the cover in place. Could be the gate valve seal has gotten brittle.

The compartment is small and accessed by a fold-down door. Inside is a main cover; opening this normally creates no discharge. Either the push-in valve for the black or grey tank must be engaged to start a discharge.

I have no way of knowing if the slow leak is in the valve rod not closing the valve, or if the valve is defective. Was hoping someone might have some thoughts on likelihood of which. Discharge recently seen is from the black tank w/o question.

This is a one-year old RV.
Thanks for trying to help.

[The Gritz Carlton]

Not sure what you're describing. Can you post a picture of the compartment/door? Normally, pushing "in" the handle closes it...pulling "out" the handle opens it. If it got pulled out a bit with the "safety cap" on the discharge pipe, waste can fill that gap between the valve and cap. Is this what you're talking about?

[FrSkip]

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

Not sure what you're describing. Can you post a picture of the compartment/door? Normally, pushing "in" the handle closes it...pulling "out" the handle opens it. If it got pulled out a bit with the "safety cap" on the discharge pipe, waste can fill that gap between the valve and cap. Is this what you're talking about?

Lever was full 'in', and after next day cleanup was careful to check. The amount which leaked into that space was not enough to substantially fill the compartment, but enough to stink if sleeping right above it! Next day again had similar amount. I have used the system enough to know how to operate, which is why I have been thinking either handle is not closing tank valve even when fully pushed in, or tank valve seal is leaking. Was hoping someone would have a guess as to which was more likely. We have no RV dealers/mechanics nearby.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by FrSkip

Lever was full 'in', and after next day cleanup was careful to check. The amount which leaked into that space was not enough to substantially fill the compartment, but enough to stink if sleeping right above it! Next day again had similar amount. I have used the system enough to know how to operate, which is why I have been thinking either handle is not closing tank valve even when fully pushed in, or tank valve seal is leaking. Was hoping someone would have a guess as to which was more likely. We have no RV dealers/mechanics nearby.

Valve seal leaking is a common issue. Rebuild kits are readily available.

[MJC62]

New gate valve is $15 to $20 and takes maybe 15 minutes to change out.

[paulwadley]

Remember if you are replacing the gate valve or the seal, the tank must be completely empty. Once the gate valve is removed, anything inside the tank will pour out.


Paul

[The Gritz Carlton]

Originally Posted by paulwadley

Remember if you are replacing the gate valve or the seal, the tank must be completely empty. Once the gate valve is removed, anything inside the tank will pour out.


Paul

And...you won't have to look for it...it will find you quickly!

[FrSkip]

Originally Posted by MJC62

New gate valve is $15 to $20 and takes maybe 15 minutes to change out.

any idea on source, or must be from Thor dealer? Would like to do myself as nearest dealer approx. 200 miles away.
Thanks

[Trophy1200]

Walmart, camping supplies store, amazon, home depot, etc.

[Mousemate]

Check the valve manufacture on the side of the valve ....Bristol or Valterra or etc.....so you get the right seals.....

[Roxanne C]

I had that happen on my 2022 ACE, model 29.5. Turns out that when manufactured, the factory did not glue the pipe into the tank and it was so loose that sewage was leaking out. I simply glued it into the tank. No more leaking.

[Hooligan2]

Had the gray tank valve leak. A small piece of plastic had lodged in the valve groove. It did chip the valve blade and the unit had to be replaced. If you have access it's not difficult. (big if) This may not be your model but is similar.