Grey water drain

[DonGraham]

Hi, I'm just wondering if anyone has come up with a cunning plan to make emptying the grey water tank easier. I have had a small stick on arrow cut out of vinyl to show the position of the valve in relation to the drain, that made things much easier, but then I still have to get down on my knee to reach under the van to turn the valve. Usually with the ground soaking wet from previous users.
I've wondered if it is possible to bring the valve closer to the outside of the van, I also made an extension tube with a cut out to go over the valve, but you've still to locate the valve.
The obvious solution is to change to an electric valve, but I have been put off due their reliability in such a hostile environment under there.
Has anyone come up with a better idea?

 

[Razor Crest]

I have seen reports of dump valves wired to the dash, some clever chaps on here.

 

[DonGraham]

Yes, I've thought of that, but I have a friend with a motorhome and he has found the electric dump valves quite unreliable. He has to replace his almost every year, and it usually fails either locked shut or locked open when on holiday. They are continually sprayed with water and mud, hence the problem. He has now replaced his with a manual valve, but it is quite accessible, not right under the van like the Grand Cali, which is the issue we have.

 

[Phil Dub]

Hi, I'm just wondering if anyone has come up with a cunning plan to make emptying the grey water tank easier. I have had a small stick on arrow cut out of vinyl to show the position of the valve in relation to the drain, that made things much easier, but then I still have to get down on my knee to reach under the van to turn the valve. Usually with the ground soaking wet from previous users.
I've wondered if it is possible to bring the valve closer to the outside of the van, I also made an extension tube with a cut out to go over the valve, but you've still to locate the valve.
The obvious solution is to change to an electric valve, but I have been put off due their reliability in such a hostile environment under there.
Has anyone come up with a better idea?

I agree, getting on your hands and knees to dump the grey water completely unacceptable. So I fitted a ball valve with a remote control to mine. Suprisingly easy to do as the waste valve plumbing is standard domestic pipe and fittings . The ball valve and remote unit I bought from Amazon. Both the items come with connection diagrams and you can set it to your own preferences as to how it operates. On mine I need ignition on and hold the remote button for 8 seconds and the valve will be fully open. The only thing I need to work out now is a camera so I know the waste outlet is over the target area.

 

[DonGraham]

That sounds a good solution Phil! I and I'm sure others would appreciate a bit more info as to how you did it.
I had a look on Amazon and found this, but it just seems to be a motorised valve and switch, not a remote control unit, (although a remote control unit is mentioned in the user guide).
Is this what you used? Is there an additional remote control unit?

Ball Valve ∅25mm (1") for Waste Water in Caravans and Camper Vans for DC 12V with Emergency Release : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

Free delivery and returns on all eligible orders. Shop Ball Valve ∅25mm (1") for Waste Water in Caravans and Camper Vans for DC 12V with Emergency Release.

www.amazon.co.uk

Also it would be interesting to know how you did the wiring? There is a fuse box under the passenger seat, did you take the feed from there? Also the switch. Did you wire it to the dash or mount it somewhere just inside the passenger door, handy to see when the waste water tank is empty.

Always better to know from someone who has actually done it!

Cheers
Don

 

[Phil Dub]

Hi. I wish I had documented it as I was doing it now. I used the items in the attached photos from Amazon.I had to buy some waste pipe from a plumbing merchant , made an adapter to fit the motorised ball valve(keep as short as possible) and attached an 90 degree outlet to the valve.
You will have to undo the water tank bracket so you can gently angle the tank so you can screw the new valve into the tank.
A word of caution is the bolt for the bracket on can be rusted in so apply plenty of penetrating fluid and gently work it out.
As for the electrics I did use a piggyback fuse on a circuit that needs the ignition on.I did this off the ignition so if my granddaughter was playing with the remote nothing will happen.
I passed the wires through the gromit near the fuse box under the passenger seat and routed the wires through some plastic conduit I bought from Amazon. You can also get magnetic cable ties holder’s to go under the van to attach the conduit..Now you can buy water proof connectors but I soldered mine and finally wrapped it with a plastic food bag.
I admit not the most elegant solution to protect against the elements but it does work.

I hope this helps .

 

[Phil Dub]

Here’s a picture of the valve into place. You need to keep the valve as close to horizontal as possible to avoid it being hit . I did I’d a big trip all around France,Spain and Portugal last year and it worked perfectly. I checked it this morning and it’s still working great.

 

[mr pg]

I bought a padded kneeling mat for a few quid. No wet knees.

 

[DonGraham]

Here’s a picture of the valve into place. You need to keep the valve as close to horizontal as possible to avoid it being hit . I did I’d a big trip all around France,Spain and Portugal last year and it worked perfectly. I checked it this morning and it’s still working great.

View attachment 144498

Here’s a picture of the valve into place. You need to keep the valve as close to horizontal as possible to avoid it being hit . I did I’d a big trip all around France,Spain and Portugal last year and it worked perfectly. I checked it this morning and it’s still working great.

View attachment 144498

Here’s a picture of the valve into place. You need to keep the valve as close to horizontal as possible to avoid it being hit . I did I’d a big trip all around France,Spain and Portugal last year and it worked perfectly. I checked it this morning and it’s still working great.

View attachment 144498

Thanks for that Phil! Looks a good solution!

 

[maxtorque]

I bought a padded kneeling mat for a few quid. No wet knees.

I get the wife to do it..........

 

[mr pg]

I get the wife to do it..........

Fat chance of that!