General Grey water disposal

[Joolz65]

Hiya.

I've not long had my Fiat Ducato 14 JTD MWB. The control panel indicates the grey water tank needs to be emptied. However I turn the tap and nothing comes out. My friend took the off but its dry inside. Any suggestions as to why this is happening would be great fully received.

 

[theoneandonly]

Bunged up with gunge
Take tap off rod it

 

[Communicator]

You have not stated whether waste water has been drained into the tank from the kitchen sink, and or wash basin.
If water has been drained into the tank, then proceed as in post #2 above.

If the tank is believed to be empty, then this is a common problem. The waste tank typically has two electrodes near the top. When the waste tank is full the grey water makes a lower reistance path between the electrodes. This is detected by electronics in the control panel, and the warning initiated.

If the tank is left empty for some time, a bacterial film grows on the tank walls and simulates the effect of high waste water level. I find that after the tank has been partially filled, and the vehicle has been driven then the sloshing of the contents clears the contamination from the electrodes and the flashing alrm stops. I have seen an alternative solution of pouring a bottle of cheap coke down the sink, and the going for a drive. Why waste money on coke and fuel? Grey water often smells worse than the contents of the toilet cassette, so responsible disposal is necessary.

If on site I normally empty the waste water daily using a dedicated container, rather than using service points which were virtually unknown 30+ years ago. I note that your waste tap seems rather low, and unsurported. You may wish to take note of the attached modification to my PVC.

 

[Joolz65]

Bunged up with gunge
Take tap off rod it

Thanks I'll give it a try.

 

[Joolz65]

You have not stated whether waste water has been drained into the tank from the kitchen sink, and or wash basin.
If water has been drained into the tank, then proceed as in post #2 above.

If the tank is believed to be empty, then this is a common problem. The waste tank typically has two electrodes near the top. When the waste tank is full the grey water makes a lower reistance path between the electrodes. This is detected by electronics in the control panel, and the warning initiated.

If the tank is left empty for some time, a bacterial film grows on the tank walls and simulates the effect of high waste water level. I find that after the tank has been partially filled, and the vehicle has been driven then the sloshing of the contents clears the contamination from the electrodes and the flashing alrm stops. I have seen an alternative solution of pouring a bottle of cheap coke down the sink, and the going for a drive. Why waste money on coke and fuel? Grey water often smells worse than the contents of the toilet cassette, so responsible disposal is necessary.

If on site I normally empty the waste water daily using a dedicated container, rather than using service points which were virtually unknown 30+ years ago. I note that your waste tap seems rather low, and unsurported. You may wish to take note of the attached modification to my PVC.

Thanks if plan A doesn't work I'll try the coke thing or baking soda and hot water has also been suggested by a friend.

 

[Ednic]

At the end of a trip I empty the grey tank at a disposal site. I then pour cheap cola down the sinks and shower drain and drive home. When home I drain this into a container and pour down the toilet.
Tank and pipes are always clean and no smell.

 

[chris3234]

Many sites over no facilitys for motorhomes to dispoase of great water as they generally require something you can drive over rather then a caravan that drain to a portable container

 

[Ednic]

Entirely possible I suppose.
All the ones I've stayed on have had a drive over facility. Having said that, you can still use a Waste master or similar with a motorhome.

 

[chris3234]

Entirely possible I suppose.
All the ones I've stayed on have had a drive over facility. Having said that, you can still use a Waste master or similar with a motorhome.

Depends on the motorhome family members has a large 3 in valve on the bottom of the tank that's at the rear of the motorhome


No real Wal to connect that to a external wheels tank

 

[theoneandonly]

I've only stayed at one I could drive over( another had pot plnts in the way) I use extendable pipe to dispose if can get close enough else fiamma waste thing (if have toad) else bucket.(folding)
Try not to get grease down into tank in first place. Clean off all solid waste with kitchen towels. Another option is dish washer tablets (dissolved)

Not had too much success with 40mm layout pipe, hence 40mm, 32mm, 28 pipes fitted inside each other an the square rain downpipe.

 

[Ocwobio]

If the tank really is dry inside, just where is your grey water going to? If you can access the tank from above, (it may have a screw on cap), try to look inside, use a mirror or buy a cheap dentists mirror and see if there is water in it. Better still, look while someone pours a large amount of water down all your sinks, and shower etc., see if you can tell it's actually getting to the tank. If not, you have a problem! Check also that the outlet from the tank is indeed the lowest point on the tank bottom (not the pipe and valve, the attachment point of this).

If all is as expected, a blockage on the outlet can be the only suspect. To help with the above, when the tank is dry (ideally) add some yellow food colouring or similar, to water poured down sinks, that should make it easier to see when it gets there. Best of luck matey!

 

[Bertieboy]

dish washer tablets dissolved in hot water poured into each waste does it for us