Black Tank Flush Not Working: Causes and Quick Fixes

Black tank flush not working is unhygienic and worrisome, making it difficult to practice proper sanitation in your RV. However, engaging in appropriate maintenance practices is the best way to prevent this situation, as you get to spot any future issues with the tank.

Even with that, your RVtank may experience this issue, due to unavoidable circumstances. In this piece, we will discuss detailed info on the causes and quick fixes of this tank issue, among other critical info.

Why is Your RV Black Tank Flush Failing?

Your RV black tank flush is failing because it is blocked or the hose is damaged – so it is impossible to discharge its content. It’s also possible that waste has dried at the valve seat edges, causing the seizure of the drain gate valve.

The headings below will discuss the possible faults preventing your RV tank from flushing.

Clogged or Blocked Flush Nozzle

The primary suspect in a failing black water tank flushing system is the obstruction of the flush nozzle. This could arise from using too much paper or non-biodegradable toilet paper, which can cause the accumulation of solid waste, debris and other sediments.

Therefore, flushing the tank becomes near impossible or ineffective since water finds it difficult to pass through the nozzle’s openings. Though it could also just be a result of long-term use.

Inadequate Water Pressure

For effective flushing of the tank, it needs water flowing at high pressure to discharge the tank’s content. Therefore, if the water pressure at the camp or the RV park is low, it may be difficult for the water to reach enough pressure required to clean the tank. In this case, you may require a pressure regulator to ensure the water reaches the adequate pressure range.

Also, the design or leveling of the tank too may affect the water pressure. For example, older RVs usually have these large box tanks, which may not allow quick water flow at suitable pressure. Moreover, RV tanks are supposed to be slightly tilted towards the exit pipe. If otherwise, flushing and cleaning may be restrictive.

Bent or Damaged Hose

Once the hose that carries water to the tank flush system is faulty, it’d restrict water flow. And even if water struggles to flow, it may not reach the adequate pressure required for flushing waste and sewage.

Defective Check Valve

A typical tank flush working system has a check valve that prevents the backflow of wastewater. This helps avoid the mixing of sewage with the clean water supply. Though the issues with your RV tank flushing system are unlikely to arise from a faulty check valve, a malfunctioning black tank valve will allow cross-contamination. And if not addressed may prevent water flow for flushing out wastes.

Faulty Tank Sensors

Issues with the RV tank sensors may give you a false impression that the flushing system needs to be fixed. For example, if the sensor inaccurately detects a full tank, you may assume the flushing procedure is defective.

There are cases where such a gauge may read full when, in fact, the tank is empty.

Blockage of the Black Water Tank

Besides blocking flush nozzles, there is also the possibility of internal clogging or blockage of the black tank itself. As solid waste accumulates within the waste tank, it may begin to prevent adequate water distribution, preventing water from reaching suitable pressure for flushing.

This is more common in rectangular take, as this waste may sludge at the corners after a long time of use. Also, tanks not adequately flushed in the previous season will likely experience such blockage, as the waste would accumulate, dry and harden.

Presence of Airlocks or Insufficient Flush Liquid

Sometimes, airlocks or pockets of air may form within the black water tank flush system, restricting water flow. These air pockets may be within the hose preventing water flow. A common cause of airlocks in RV hoses is when water is flowing at low pressure. Adjusting the tank or hose in such a way that it promotes easy water flow should solve this issue.

Irregular Flushing and Cleaning

When you engage in poor sanitation practices, not draining the Greg water completely, you will experience issues with your RV’s black water tank. Also, inadequate maintenance practices at the start or end of the season will predispose your RV tank to problems, including flushing difficulties.

What Are the Solutions to a Black Tank Not Flushing?

The solutions to a black tank not flushing involve addressing the cause of the issue. If the water is not reaching the required pressure to effect cleaning, you may need to get a pressure regulator. The regulator functions by optimizing the flow of water, ensuring better flushing and cleaning.

Other solutions to black water tank flushing issues include the following:

Cleaning the Spray Nozzle

As mentioned earlier, water struggles to pass through if the flush nozzle is clogged. Consequently, no flushing. If you notice this issue, get a specialized nozzle cleaner, a tiny wire brush, or a paper clip. First, disconnect the hose from the valve, then insert the cleaner into the nozzle opening to rid it of any debris, RV toilet paper, or sediment obstructing water flow.

After clearing the debris, reconnect the nozzle, then check to see if there’s free water flow. Also, ensure to point the nozzle in the right direction for effective flushing and remember to always routinely clean the flush nozzle to prevent future clogging.

Inspect and Replaced Kinked Hose

When you notice your tank is not flushing, you should inspect that the sewer hose is correctly connected to the black tank and is in optimum condition. If you notice it is disconnected, reconnect immediately. However, if you find out it is damaged or kinked, it is best to replace it with a new one for a more lasting solution. This ensures an easy and quick water supply to the waste water tank.

However, if you notice it’s just a leak, you may use a suitable sealant or typical plumbing adhesives to seal the opening. But note that this is just a temporary fix; the most appropriate is to replace the faulty hose.

Inspect and Replace Check Valve

If you notice the nozzle and hose are in good condition, the next step is to inspect the check valve. The valve is usually on the side of the black water holding tank, but if you find it difficult to locate, consult your RV’s user manual.

Once you’ve located it, ensure it is not stuck in a closed position, which may obstruct water flow. So if you notice it’s closed, use a screwdriver to open it. Leave it open for a while to allow unrestricted water flow for a few minutes. Afterward, toggle the switch between the open-close position a few times to ensure it’s in good condition, which may fix the issue.

However, if the valve is faulty, it may close again, or prevent backflow. In this case, you need to replace it with a new one.

Recalibrate Tank Sensors

As mentioned, defective sensors may also prevent your tank from flushing. If the sensors give false readings, you should recalibrate and clean them. To do this, consult your RV’s owner’s manual and closely follow the instructions to clean and calibrate the sensors.

Remove Air Pockets

To rid your hose and the entire flushing system of air pockets and airlocks, fill the flush hose with water before connecting it to the inlet of the black tank. Doing this help promote a steady and free flow of water, ridding the hose of airlocks.

Beyond all the solutions we have discussed, regular cleaning practices are the most effective means for ensuring that waste water holding tanks are in optimum condition. Routine cleaning will help you rid it of sediments and dry wastes and allows you to spot any defect before it aggravates quickly. Ensure to use specified tank cleaning liquids and adhere to the manufacturer’s specifications for effective maintenance practices.

FAQs

How To Clean Your RV Black Tank?

To clean your RV black tank, you must first locate it, then find the valve at the side. If you find locating the tank or the valve difficult, consult your RV owner’s manual. Open the valve using a screwdriver if closed, then turn on the water for a few minutes.

This helps to unclog any dry wastes or sediments. As water runs, snake the hose through the inlet and then at the outlet side. If you notice any obstruction when snaking the hose, use a plunger to rid them. Now, turn off the water flow after completely draining the tank, followed by flushing with clean water to remove any other debris.

You can use a brush if it’s difficult to clean this time. Afterward,  close the tank with the lid and turn the water back on.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed how you should manage your black tank to keep it in optimum condition.

That said, let’s quickly go over all we have discussed thus far.

• Your black tank won’t flush if the flush nozzle is clogged. Therefore, ensure to clean the nozzle routinely.
• Other possible causes of a faulty RV flushing system include insufficient water pressure, a kinked hose, faulty check valves and internal blockage of the tank.
• Practicing good maintenance and hygiene is the most effective way to avoid waste water tank issues. For example, regular unclogging of your hose help avoid sewage backup and flooding your RV.
• As you practice proper sanitation and hygiene, ensure routine inspection of the tank’s components, especially the spray nozzle, check valves, hose and sensor. Always ascertain that they are in good condition, and make repairs or replacements as at when due.
• Cleaning the RV tank involves emptying its content, flushing it with clean water, and removing any debris, sediment, or dry waste with a brush.

Again, routine sanitary practices are crucial for maintaining proper hygiene in your RV tanks.