DIY Network

Installing the Electric Holding Tank Valve Learn how to install an electric holding tank valve on your RV. From "RV Roadtrips" episode DRVR-113

Rving in winter requires your holding tanks be emptied more often because they have the potential to freeze. In good weather you can wait until the tanks are full, but in cold weather you need to empty them when they're at least half-way full.

Host Gary Bunzer demonstrates an easy way remedy this problem—and that's with an electric holding tank valve (or Drain Master) that will empty your tanks with just a flip of a switch.

advertisement

	One of the ways to minimize the hassle of your RV's holding tank contents to freeze is to install an automatic waste valve, such as Drain Master, seen here.
	Figure A
	Figure B

Installing a Switch and Drain Master

Materials:

5-amp glass-type fuse
electrical tape
4 butt connectors
20-gauge wire
white lithium grease
Drain Master kit

Tools:

wrench
wire strippers

Switch Installation

1. Insert the switch through the black switch plate being sure that the red and white wires on the switch are on top toward open.

2. Install the switch in a convenient location on your coach and mount with four screws.

3. Install a 5-amp inline glass-type fuse to protect the motor. The fuse needs to be in line between the battery positive source and the switch. You may use an existing square fuse or use an in line type.

4. If you want to mount the switch farther from the Drain Master than the wire length allows, simply add butt connectors (figure A--the blue splices) to the four wires and mount switch in the desired location.

Drain Master Installation

1. Start with clean (flushed, empty and dry) holding tanks.

2. Remove the four bolts holding the existing manual dump valve to plumbing.

3. Separate plumbing enough to remove existing manual valve.

4. Remove the two seals from pipe flanges or existing manual valve. (The old seals will not work with the new valve.)

5. Clean pipe flanges, check for cracks and replace the flange if necessary. Remove caution card from gate area on new valve.

6. Use manual override to close gate if it is not already closed. This will make the following steps easier.

7. Now you are ready to install the new valve. Use the seals that came with your new valve. Coat the area of the seal that comes in contact with the gate using white lithium grease (figure B--new valve properly greased). Place seals over the flange lip, which is on the existing plumbing.

8. With the remaining lubricant, apply to both sides of the gate.

9. Separate the pipe flanges and insert Drain Master—making sure the seals are in their correct position on the flanges. Rotate the valve to align the four bolt holes with the flange holes and insert the four new bolts and nuts.

10. Install the four bolts and hand tighten. Use a 7/16" wrench and in a crisscross pattern, snug the nuts down 1/4 turn at a time. Tighten the four bolts evenly, being careful not to over tighten. The components are plastic and can crack.

11. Add water to the holding tank and check for leaks.

RESOURCES :

Drain Master
Phase Four Industries
Website: www.phasefourindustries.com