Gray water tank and gate valve

[Gemstone]

Thought I had a defective valve...

I had the valve closed to do some downstream work on the sewer pipe going to my inground septic tank...
When I opened the valve, I expected to hear the whoosh of water exiting the gray water tank...when I heard none, I began investigating the issue. Took off the PITA cover to expose the valve...all appeared to be working as designed, but not having seen the inside of the valve, I assumed that perhaps the rod had separated from the gate portion of the valve. So, off to purchase emergency pipe to handle the expected rush of gray water when I removed the valve, as well as a new $60 valve.
Took the valve apart...no rush of water ??? Looked closer and discovered that the valve was working just fine...my problem was clogged drain pipe both upstream and downstream of the valve. Clogged with white material similar to wet powdered clothes detergent, which we've never used in the washer...always use biodegradable detergent. I assume the white material is a combination of everything that goes thru the pipes to the gray tank...soap scum, food particles, dead skin and hair from the shower, etc.

Question is, how to properly maintain a gray water tank ? Black tank always gets a tank treatment to assist in the breakdown process, and of course the black tank does have the "flush out feature", but no flush out exists on the gray tank. And typically the gray water valve usually stays open, so a treatment wouldn't work unless the valve was closed periodically.

So, what have others with washing machines done to properly maintain the gray water tank to eliminate the crud buildup ?

Regards
Gemstone

[RonS]

I have the same unit as yours, and have washer/dryer, and have never had the problem you discribe. However my guage always reads 1/3 full on the gray tank. When we are travelling I try to have the gray tank 1/4 tank full and then let it slosh around going down the road. I think this helps clean out stuff in the tank.

[Gemstone]

Sounds like a good method, however, as my DW is still working, we spend up to 6 months at a time in any given location....so we don't get all that sloshing around...but I'll try it in April when we leave Yuma.

Regards
Gemstone

[RonS]

Maybe it would help if you let the gray tank get full a couple times then drain it. I also always leave my gray gate open when hooked to sewer. However I know many who only open when full. Would have to keep an eye on it when washer is going but I think it can be done.
Good Luck.

[Huck]

Would have to keep an eye on it when washer is going but I think it can be done.

FWIW,,,,,,We can do a couple loads of laundry, a couple showers, and some dishes before the gray tank fills up.

[hitchup]

David periodically backflushes the gray tank with a Flush King.

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

[Stripit]

I also use the Flush King to back flush the gray tank. I also open the curb side access door and found the drain pipe screw off cap. I unscrew that cap, it connects the bathroom sink line to the gray tank. I made a small diameter hose that I attach to the garden hose with a shut-off valve and feed that small hose into that access port. This way I can back flush with the Flush King, and top flush to get rid of the exact deposits your describing. It is amazing the stuff that clings to the inside walls of that tank. I do this about once a month while we are sitting, less if we are in the move mode.

[Motor31]

We've not had any problems with the tank at all. We do only close it off to build water to flush the hose when we drain the black tank. Nancy does 2 loads then I drain the black tank. After that the laundry goes through with the valve open. Have you been cleaning the lint trap in the washer? (assuming you have the smaller Kenmore washer / dryer set up we have)

[RonS]

Stacy- I dont have a clue of what your talking about with the screw off cap that goes to the gray tank. More info please.
Motor31 - where is the lint trap located in Sears/Kenmore Washer??

[Motor31]

Ron,

The lint trap is in the central stalk in the tub under the softener cup. You pull it up and out of the tub. Don't try to pull the entire stalk out, just pull up on the softener cup and it should pull out of the agitator assembly. There is a long plastic rod that has the lint cup attached to it on the bottom.

[RonS]

motor31 - Found it THANKS!!!