How to Remove a Black Water Tank on an RV

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If you've observed damage to your waste water tank or have unsuccessfully tried to rid your RV of persistent leaks and odors, you may need to remove the black water holding tank and replace it with a new one. It's important to keep in mind that the removal of a waste-water tank requires very specific instructions, and an assistant should be used whenever possible. Remember the best, most effective and simplest method of maintaining a new waste-water tank is to keep it clean at all times. Doing so will increase the life of the tank and will eliminate many of the problems with your old tank.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Wrench
Floor jack
Cutting forceps

Step 1

Unscrew the floor and toilet flanges that fasten the tank in place. Removal is not easy, but it is important that you position a pry bar across the flange, with the flange bolts still in place. Turn the flange bolts counter-clockwise.

Step 2

Remove the tank straps. Have an assistant help you to support the tank with a floor jack, if necessary.

Step 3

Cut the vent line that attaches to the top of the tank and passes through the roof. Use cutting forceps to cut it.

Step 4

Release the tank onto the floor jack and slide it out for removal.

Tips & Warnings

Use utility gloves to provide a studier grip when unscrewing the flanges in step 1.

Flanges are similar to the fittings used on a sink drain or sink trap.

Don't remove a black water tank from an RV just because of a present odor.

Odor can be eliminated using a few simple tips (see Resources for details).

Resources

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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