Clearing drain line from black holding tank?

[Ms. Kristy]

How can I clear the drain line from the black holding tank without getting sewer all over me?

 

[bucks2]

The only way I know of is to use your checkbook or credit card. Large sums of cash are too bulky for this job. Every other way I know runs the risk of being personally contaminated.

They do make really nice Tyvek suits with enclosed booties and hoods which would be my attire if I were to push a wire/tape/stick/rod/pole or other device up the pipe to break up the clog. And if that were my choice, I'm not sure where I'd find a place where the sewage could dump on the ground without a problem.

Ken

 

[RVfixer1]

Well, would be good to know more info...like is the black tank full?  There are back flush valves that can clear a plug but you need some room in the tank.  You hook the valve to the RV dump, connect the sewer line and a water hose, close the flush valve gate and open the RV dump valve... turn the water on.  If the tank is near full it would be a good thing to have someone inside watching that it doesn't back up into the toilet.  You can run some water in to push the plug back then open the gate and see if it dumps.  A few tries usually clears the plug.

Another trick I have used to clear a plug is fill the gray tank.  Now, with the sewer hose connected to the sewer and to the RV dump valve, hold the sewer hose up as high as you can and with the black dump valve open...open the gray dump valve.  The gray water will put a back pressure on the plug.  Now drop the sewer line and the gray water running out crates a suction on the plug.  Might take a few tries.  If the plug doesn't clear right away lift the line again before all the gray water runs out and drop it again.  I have used that successfully a few times to help others clear a plug.

I watched...from a distance, one time while a guy with a plug closed his dump valve.  He disconnected the sewer hose, put a bucket under the dump valve, opened the dump valve just a LITTLE and got a straightened out coat hanger passed the gate valve.  His tank was close to the valve.  He poked around until "stuff" started leaking into the bucket.  Then he pulled the hanger wire out, hooked the sewer line up and opened the valve.  It worked... but I don't think I will try that!!

To help pervent plugs dump a few toilets full of water into the empty tank before you start using it.  Use regular single ply septic safe TP...you don't have to use the more expensive RV TP.  Use plenty of water with each flush.  Keep the black tank dump valve closed until the tank is near full.  If it is time to leave and the tank isn't above 3/4 full add water until it is.

Good luck!  Let us know how you make out and check back here, there will likely be more ideas posted.

 

[Larry & Rita]

There are so many variables that need to be answered before we can advise you as how to clear your problem.
Is this a new clog or an old clog that has hardened ?
Where do you think the clog is in the line ?
Do you think you can remove the drain hose, without it becoming a mess for you and on you ?
My kids used to use to little water and too much TP, I went to Camping world and bought a "Flush King" It has a clear tube so you can monitor the flow, with a connector for another hose (Don't use your main water hose)and a gate valve .
If I see a blockage, I can close the valve and turn on the water which creates a back flush and blows the clog out, back in the tank, usualy this breaks up the clog so it will flow.
The Flush King also allows water to be back flushed into the tank for a couple of minutes to rinse the tank.
It's like my credit card I won't leave home without it.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/flush-king/20522