Waste water tank plug (1 Viewer)

[Martin Wells]

I've got a Rapido 7090F on a 59 plate and a Ducato chassis. I'm trying to clean out the waste water tank (I don't think it's ever been done in all the habitation services I've had). I've successfully removed the protective cover but the plug itself won't budge. I've attached a picture of the trap. It's 14cms in diameter. I tried to fashion a tool to give me extra purchase by putting screws into the back of a wooden hand brush, but the brush broke. Is there a specific tool I need for the job?

 

[EX51SSS]

I've got a Rapido 7090F on a 59 plate and a Ducato chassis. I'm trying to clean out the waste water tank (I don't think it's ever been done in all the habitation services I've had). I've successfully removed the protective cover but the plug itself won't budge. I've attached a picture of the trap. It's 14cms in diameter. I tried to fashion a tool to give me extra purchase by putting screws into the back of a wooden hand brush, but the brush broke. Is there a specific tool I need for the job?

Tbf, I've never known a waste water tank to be touched or even looked at during a habitation check. Never seen it on the standard hab forms.

 

[Martin Wells]

Thanks for that. You're right and we haven't got a massive problem with odour or anything. I just feel as if I should give it a bit of a clear out as we're in a hot part of Spain at the moment and I've got a bit of time on my hands while my wife sits and sews!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[The Wyman's]

I wonder if the problem is that the waste water has calcified the thread of the plug (from the inside) so effectively gluing the lid shut.

Options may be to introduce cleaning fluid or similar and allow to work on the blockage but that may take multiple applications. You could try a stronger tool maybe some wood that slots over the handle and give you very large leverage. A possible final option is to purchase a replacement plug and cut the old one out.

Hope that helps.

 

[EX51SSS]

Thanks for that. You're right and we haven't got a massive problem with odour or anything. I just feel as if I should give it a bit of a clear out as we're in a hot part of Spain at the moment and I've got a bit of time on my hands while my wife sits and sews!

Occasionally we get an (obnoxious) odour after emptying. After lots of threads on here, we put cheap Coca-Cola (Aldi 17p) down after emptying then drive and it sloshes around and cleans it and odour gone.

 

[Martin Wells]

Yes, we tried that but it had no effect. We got some Dettol and put that down one of the sinks which seemed to work better and we don't have such bad smells any more. But I still feel the tank needs a good manual clearout every now and again.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[pappajohn]

2 or 3 bottles of cheap cola down a plughole....the cheaper the better, Aldi, lidl etc.....and go for a long drive on bendy roads to slosh the cola around, fill the tank with water then empty the tank.
Never felt the need but others swear by it.

Chances are you'll break the plastic blade out of the bung before the bung moves.

 

[ChrisL]

You might try one of these
http://www.screwfix.com/p/basin-wre...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CLOjvbOai9UCFUepUQodjlgCQg

 

[Lenny HB]

That plug does not look big enough for an inpection hatch are you sure there isn't a bigger one hidding behind a panel that needs removing to get at it?

I've never had any luck using coke or orange, I find the Thetford waste tank cleaner works well and bio washing liquid works but not quite as well.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[pappajohn]

That plug does not look big enough for an inpection hatch

14cm....almost 6"......standard size.

 

[tonyidle]

If you don't put grease down the sink the tank will be spotless - but smelly. Use a full bottle of Domestos bleach, fill the tank, and leave until next time you want to use the van. In future only close the drain when needed - leave it open whenever the tank is empty.

 

[Lenny HB]

14cm....almost 6"......standard size.

Missed the 14cm text, it looked small in the photo.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Lenny HB]

If you don't put grease down the sink the tank will be spotless - but smelly. Use a full bottle of Domestos bleach, fill the tank, and leave until next time you want to use the van. In future only close the drain when needed - leave it open whenever the tank is empty.

A bit risky unless you know what the seals are made from, bleach can attack some plastic/rubber compounds.

 

[MitchandJenny]

Biological washing liquid, down all the plug holes , drive around for a day or two, no odour and a clean tank.
We also use it in the loo cassette and it is spotless.
It DEFINATELY works.
Mitch.