A Hidden Leaker Waiting To Happen

[gr8daggett]

On my second shake down cruise for my 337RLS I was finally able to test the Black Tank Flush.

Had this problem with my last travel trailer so I was ready.
Replaced the access panel in the linen closet, behind the shower fittings with plexi-glass.


As always I had DW watch while I turned on the water to the black tank flush (with pressure regulator attached) so there is no excuses for high pressure.


Sure enough, the CHEAP black plastic Vacuum Breaker normally hidden behind the panel in the closet started leaking right away!!!!
If I had not know about this I would have had a basement and underbelly full of water.

Sure hope my real brass Watts Anti-siphon Vacuum Breaker will fit in that space.
I know the manufacture has to keep the price down but ... Really ?????
Hide a sure leaker behind a panel in the closet?
If you have a mystery leak ... check that Black Tank Flush Vacuum Breaker.

[minnow101]

Can you provide the model # of the Watts ? Thanks

[gr8daggett]

I used a Watts LF288A 1/2" Anti-Siphon Vacuum Breaker plus you will need a couple 1/2" brass nipples (Male threads on both ends).
Assemble the threaded nipples to the vacuum breaker with pipe tape and put tape on the other ends.
Detach the plastic junk and attach the Watts.


This pic is with an added check valve you don't really need.

Here is the Watts unit ready to install (when it stops raining this week)

[minnow101]

Thanks very much. Will be making the change as well.

[Ciaran1]

Mike, if you use the threaded male nipples like in your picture, what type of clamp are you using to secure the hose ends to the Vac Breaker? Appears to me the existing clamps will need to be cut off, then another clamp of some sort added. I checked mine yesterday, no evidence of any leaks yet, but boy that is one cramped area and a bear to work in. Steve

[gr8daggett]

Steve,
As you can see from this pic, the black tank flush on my unit is just plumbed with the clear old trailer type hose. Not PEX.


All I had to do was unscrew the two connectors from the plastic unit and then screw them back on to the brass fittings.


I hung up the assembly with zip ties and glued some padding behind it so it does not beat on the shower.

It really does not stick out any farther than the shower connections.
I put the plexi-glass panel back on for now.
As soon as I feel good about it not leaking I will put the wood panel back on and it will all disappear.

Mike

Here is a good place to get the Watts unit online (Amazon is way too expensive)
http://www.supplyhouse.com/Watts-079...aker-Lead-Free

[Ciaran1]

Mike, great pics, now I got it. Thanks for the reply and a great idea.

[JCR GD]

Do ALL GD black tank flushers have this ??

[gr8daggett]

All Black Tank Flushers have to have some kind of anti-siphon device in the line to keep the black water from coming back out.

In my last Keystone Trailer it was plastic junk under the bathroom sink. Failure meant water all over the bathroom and more.

In the 337 it seems to be behind the shower. Failure means filling the basement and under belly.

Other models ???? who knows where they may put this vacuum breaker.
According to the rules it must be somewhere 6" above your toilet.



Mike

[JCR GD]

Guess I better find the little bugger so I can keep an eye on it. Thanks