Black tank valve is stuck and want to replace it.

[dana22]

We have a 2016 Landmark Ashland. The black tank valve is stuck and husband was wanting to replace it with something better. He needs to know how is the best approach to get to the valve so he can replace it.
Thanks

 

[thewanderingeight]

I have had the valve stuck open on our previous RV. If that is the only issue with the valve, then you can try putting some silicone lube on the metal part of the valve that is attached to the handle that slides in and out. That did the trick for me.

If the valve is the cable type, then I am not familiar with those.

 

[danemayer]

Every spring I spray silicone lube on the plunger that is part of the valve assembly.

 

[dana22]

How would he go about opening the stuck valve? That would be the simplest solution. Anything that can be added to the tank by the toilet that could help loosen it from inside? The cable seems to be free, it's the valve itself that's stuck closed.

 

[david-steph2018]

I replaced our gray tank valve last summer. I decided to drop the bottom. But I could had found the valve by removing some screws on the side, locating the valves then cutting a 3 sided access panel under the valves. When you cut the panel make sure the remaining side is facing the front.
Before taking the valve out check the cable, it may have came loose at the valve and just needs tighten up. There is a set screw, Allen wrench, that may need tightened.
If the valve needs to be changed, after dumping the tank, try to raise the discharge side to help keeping any remaining items in the tank. Since you will be there check the gray while in there.

 

[danemayer]

How would he go about opening the stuck valve? That would be the simplest solution. Anything that can be added to the tank by the toilet that could help loosen it from inside? The cable seems to be free, it's the valve itself that's stuck closed.

If the handle moves freely but the valve doesn't move, the cable may have detached from the plunger. It's held by a setscrew and once access is gained, it's easy to reconnect. As suggested above, remove a few of the coroplast mounting screws to peek inside and locate the valve. Then cut a 3-sided opening to allow access. While there, I'd suggest lubricating the plunger so it moves easily. Clean the coroplast and put back in place with Gorilla tape or scrim tape.

Another possibility is that the handle moves freely and the valve is opening, but something else is blocking the opening. If you use a lot of paper and not a lot of water, it's easy to get a large wad blocking the drain. Backflushing can move the blockage back into the tank and break it up.

By peeking at the valve assembly while the handle is operated, you'll be able to determine which is the problem.