Blackwater valve

[Halibutman214]

I just brought my new Passport home Friday. When I did a walk around just before leaving the dealership I noticed the blackwater valve was open and closed it. I just noticed this morning that the handle fell off and the valve was wide open. Does this valve require some sort of twist or something to keep it closed?

[JimInMich]

Not on any of the trailers I have owned. A simple push in, closed them.

[SteveC7010]

If it was closed when you brought it home, and now it is open and the handle is on the ground, that suggests to me that it was opened and not gently by someone.

I've never had one open by itself in nearly 40 years of owning RV's.

[Halibutman214]

Originally Posted by SteveC7010

If it was closed when you brought it home, and now it is open and the handle is on the ground, that suggests to me that it was opened and not gently by someone.

I've never had one open by itself in nearly 40 years of owning RV's.

I haven't either and that is why I ask the question. Unless someone opened it at a stoplight it somehow came open. My wife followed me home from the dealership and she said she didn't see anyone run out and open it . I've made it a habit that just before I take off I do a complete walk around and that's when I noticed it was open. Had I not shut it I would have assumed it was left open at the dealer. There is little doubt that it came open in the 60+ mile trip. I'm now wondering if something could have hooked on it, pulled the valve open and tore the handle off althought there is no evidence of that happening.

[chuck&gail]

Another possibility. When we bought our new TT one of the handles fell off on the way home. Replaced under warranty. Other handle was there, but so loose it also would have fallen off soon. So, if dealer left valve open, and handles were loose from the factory like mine, I could see it happening. Is other handle tight?

[f6bits]

I’ve not looked at the mechanics of my valves. Why wouldn’t a valve stay shut?

[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by sdayman

I’ve not looked at the mechanics of my valves. Why wouldn’t a valve stay shut?

Those valves are a simple gate that slides in a track. There's no bevel or anything that could be pressed upon to open the gate from the inside. The only way it can open is for the handle or cable to be pulled.

I suppose it might be possible for a poorly installed cable to move about creating enough force to open the valve but I've never heard of that.

Since the handle was completely detached and lying on the ground, I still lean to the "someone or something pulled on the handle" school of thought.

[Halibutman214]

Originally Posted by SteveC7010

Those valves are a simple gate that slides in a track. There's no bevel or anything that could be pressed upon to open the gate from the inside. The only way it can open is for the handle or cable to be pulled.

I suppose it might be possible for a poorly installed cable to move about creating enough force to open the valve but I've never heard of that.

Since the handle was completely detached and lying on the ground, I still lean to the "someone or something pulled on the handle" school of thought.

Let me clarify... the valve came open and I lost the handle somewhere between the dealership and home. I only wish the handle were lying on the ground. I'll probably never know what happened but you all have answered my question. This valve closes just like all of the other RV's I've had. I just wish the holding tank would have been full. I probably would have noticed it when it happened and am SURE my wife (who likes to follow too close) would have noticed .

[hankaye]

Halibutman214, Howdy;

Those 'T' handles are notorious for comming loose. I "borrow" some of my lady friends clear nail polish. I paint some on the threads spin the 'T' handle on tight
..... they stay put !

When you open or close the valve you should 'feel' a slight resistance. That is the rubber seals (one on each side of the blade). If you don't feel any resistance you might want to take the valve apart (be SURE the tank is empty first!!!), to see if the seals are there and seated properly. I'm thinking that they (seals), are called 'V' rings and if so then the 'V' should face away from the sliding blade. use some liquid fabric softner to lube them when you put it back togather.

Only some suggestions, your mileage may vary...

hankaye

[Halibutman214]

I'll try the nail polish idea. Sounds like a good one.

[Festus2]

Unlike hankaye, I don't have a lot of lady friends from whom to borrow nail polish so I am stuck with using Loktite instead. Works fine and keeps my wife happy knowing that I am not using her nail polish.
(sorry Hank...just couldn't let that one go by.......)

[hankaye]

Festu 2, Howdy;

Actually, I use the Sally Hanson Hard as Nails that I use for coating the heads of some
of the fly I tye and a lot cheaper than 'Loc-tight' ... lady in Utah is probably still lookin for it...

hankaye