Thetford field repair [message #89164] |
Fri, 18 June 2010 22:46 |
Luvn737s
Messages: 1106 Registered: June 2007
Karma: 2
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My son whom I dearly love accidently tossed a Clorox wipe down the toilet and it has lodged itself firmly. This is my first experience with a clog (I do everything I can to avoid it). I've tried backwashing and reaching up from the drain out let with a piece of wire to see if I can grab it. What do you recommend short of dismantling the entire system which the KOA would probably frown on. Can I get the toilet off and try to reach down from the top? Is there a snake avaialable at walMart or something?
I knew laughing at Robin Williams was going to get me someday
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
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Re: [GMCnet] Thetford field repair [message #89166 is a reply to message #89164] |
Fri, 18 June 2010 22:53 |
jimk
Messages: 6734 Registered: July 2006 Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Randy,
Do you hae a masserator on the tank?
On Fri, Jun 18, 2010 at 8:46 PM, Randy <Acrosport2@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> My son whom I dearly love accidently tossed a Clorox wipe down the toilet
> and it has lodged itself firmly. This is my first experience with a clog (I
> do everything I can to avoid it). I've tried backwashing and reaching up
> from the drain out let with a piece of wire to see if I can grab it. What do
> you recommend short of dismantling the entire system which the KOA would
> probably frown on. Can I get the toilet off and try to reach down from the
> top? Is there a snake avaialable at walMart or something?
>
> I knew laughing at Robin Williams was going to get me someday :d
> --
> Randy
> 1973 26' Painted Desert
> Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
> _______________________________________________
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Re: Thetford field repair [message #89167 is a reply to message #89164] |
Fri, 18 June 2010 22:55 |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380 Registered: February 2007 Location: Chicago, IL
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I never have had to solve this problem, but the toilet is fairly easy to remove (held down by two bolts like a home commode + a water connection), and you may be able to solve the clog from that angle. Is it clogged in the toilet unit itself or in the black water tank? If it's in the toilet, you would have an easier time working on it outside of the bathroom module and then reinstall it.
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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Re: [GMCnet] Thetford field repair [message #89170 is a reply to message #89167] |
Fri, 18 June 2010 23:01 |
jimk
Messages: 6734 Registered: July 2006 Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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I did not get a clear picture. Call me here (800)752-7502
On Fri, Jun 18, 2010 at 8:55 PM, George Rudawsky <GeorgeRud@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> I never have had to solve this problem, but the toilet is fairly easy to
> remove (held down by two bolts like a home commode + a water connection),
> and you may be able to solve the clog from that angle. Is it clogged in the
> toilet unit itself or in the black water tank? If it's in the toilet, you
> would have an easier time working on it outside of the bathroom module and
> then reinstall it.
> --
> George Rudawsky
> Chicago, IL
> 75 Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Re: Thetford field repair [message #89172 is a reply to message #89164] |
Fri, 18 June 2010 23:15 |
Luvn737s
Messages: 1106 Registered: June 2007
Karma: 2
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The blockage is at the outlet of the blackwater tank. I don't have a mascerator (but I am seeing their value much more clearly now).
Other than that, it seems to be running ----. (I better not say that until I'm closer to home).
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
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Re: Thetford field repair [message #89180 is a reply to message #89172] |
Sat, 19 June 2010 01:11 |
gbarrow2
Messages: 765 Registered: February 2004 Location: Lake Almanor, Ca./ Red Bl...
Karma: 3
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Randy,
Even with a maserator, you don't want the cotton wipes in the tank. They don't get chewed up by the blade; they wrap around it, and lock it up tripping the circuit breaker. Then you have to remove the maserator from the line (that is now full of sewage) and unwind the wipe from the maserator blade. Not a plesant task!
Gene Barrow
Lake Almanor, Ca.
1976 Palm Beach
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Re: Thetford field repair [message #89181 is a reply to message #89180] |
Sat, 19 June 2010 03:23 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576 Registered: February 2004 Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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gbarrow wrote on Fri, 18 June 2010 23:11 | ... Even with a maserator, you don't want the cotton wipes in the tank. They don't get chewed up by the blade; they wrap around it, and lock it up tripping the circuit breaker. Then you have to remove the maserator from the line (that is now full of sewage) and unwind the wipe from the maserator blade. Not a plesant task!
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I do not yet have a maserator, but I do know many who follow the #1 of basic maserator rules:
"If you didn't already eat it, it shouldn't go down the toilet!"
Luvn737s,
Back flush the regular black tank gate to shift the wipe.. it should come out. They make adapters to make this a bit cleaner operation.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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Re: Thetford field repair [message #89196 is a reply to message #89164] |
Sat, 19 June 2010 07:54 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547 Registered: March 2007 Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Luvn737s wrote on Fri, 18 June 2010 23:46 | My son whom I dearly love accidently tossed a Clorox wipe down the toilet and it has lodged itself firmly. This is my first experience with a clog (I do everything I can to avoid it). I've tried backwashing and reaching up from the drain out let with a piece of wire to see if I can grab it. What do you recommend short of dismantling the entire system which the KOA would probably frown on. Can I get the toilet off and try to reach down from the top? Is there a snake avaialable at walMart or something?
I knew laughing at Robin Williams was going to get me someday
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Randy,
The Clorox whips we had had around were not much more substantial that shop grade paper towels. If that is what you are dealing with, that should not be all that tough.
Is your problem that this rag is stuck and the dump valve won't close and lock?
IF that is the case:
Before you do anything else, fill the black tank as full as you dare, then pull the valve and see if the flood will clear it. This may work even if it has temporarily jammed the dump valve. The rag may carry away as a single piece.
If you remove the pot, you will have 4" of 3" pipe before you get into the tank, that may not be much help.
Is this system (more or less) stock??
If it is, there are two 90* bends just after the dump valve. (After in the sense of nominal flow.) A cheap snake will only get to one side of the tank opening.
And, No, if you had a macerator, right now you would being trying to drain the holding tank some other way so you could remove the macerator and pick the rag out of the chopper blades. That is not a good day.
Again, if your problem is that the dump valve will not close and lock, try stroking the valve with as much water as you can run through it. In spite of what the advertisement used to say (I worked for the company - remember?), these valves do have some fouling issues.
The backflush trick is a good next try, but that will require additional hardware (may not be available a Wally's because our flanges are Thetford not Valtera.
Good Luck Guy
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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Re: Thetford field repair [message #89222 is a reply to message #89164] |
Sat, 19 June 2010 11:35 |
Luvn737s
Messages: 1106 Registered: June 2007
Karma: 2
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No macerator and the valves close OK, but when you go to dump nothing comes out. I have a backwash adapter, but no luck. The wipes are designed to marinate in some fluid without breaking down, so I'm up against a worthy advesary.
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
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Re: Thetford field repair [message #89226 is a reply to message #89164] |
Sat, 19 June 2010 13:15 |
kingd
Messages: 592 Registered: June 2004
Karma: 2
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I would expect that if there really is liquid in the black tank, that a single (as in 1) puny every day Clorox wipe could not clog an RV black tank outlet. I think you have something more than just 1 Clorox wipe creating a problem. What happens if you try to push a length of hose into the black tank through the valve and them turn on the water to that hose. Make sure you use a hose that is never used for potable water.
DAVE KING
with a SOB with a single tank that when the valve is open, one can see into the tank(if you dare LOL !!!)
DAVE KING
lurker, wannabe
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Re: Thetford field repair [message #89267 is a reply to message #89164] |
Sat, 19 June 2010 20:44 |
kingd
Messages: 592 Registered: June 2004
Karma: 2
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Re my previous post, upon further review(as they say in the NHL and the NFL), make sure you are wearing rubber boots, gloves, etc, if you try what I previously suggested, also you may want to try to locate the coach and dump valve over a Sanitary sewer.
If the clog clears, whatever is in the tank will come out with a rush.
DAVE KING
DAVE KING
lurker, wannabe
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Re: Thetford field repair [message #89755 is a reply to message #89164] |
Thu, 24 June 2010 18:14 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690 Registered: January 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Randy did say he had some limited connections. I'll give him a call and ask if he got it resolved.
Doesn't sound to me like a clorox wipe will do that, unless there is a very formidable brown thing holding it in place. I vote for the rod pulling out of the gate valve. It will seem that it works Ok, but you never know. Are they threaded into the gate?
I have Valterra valves on my coach now. Not sure if they are any more robust, but they are threaded, and I could tell if the rod came loose.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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Re: [GMCnet] Thetford field repair [message #89758 is a reply to message #89755] |
Thu, 24 June 2010 18:35 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046 Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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The extension handle on my 73 connects to the valve via a cotter pin.
When it is disconnected the extension drops nearly to the ground and
should be very visible. Perhaps the valve gate has broken loose?
Dennis Sexton
73 GMC
Tn
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 24, 2010, at 6:14 PM, Chris Choffat <cchoffataz@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> Randy did say he had some limited connections. I'll give him a call
> and ask if he got it resolved.
>
> Doesn't sound to me like a clorox wipe will do that, unless there is
> a very formidable brown thing holding it in place. I vote for the
> rod pulling out of the gate valve. It will seem that it works Ok,
> but you never know. Are they threaded into the gate?
>
> I have Valterra valves on my coach now. Not sure if they are any
> more robust, but they are threaded, and I could tell if the rod came
> loose.
> --
> -Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
> 77 Ex-Kingsley 455, Power Drive, 3:21 FD, Quadra bag. The
> Engineer's Motorhome
> Scottsdale, AZ
>
> Photosite: Chrisc "It has Begun"
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Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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