Troubleshooting a Stuck LaSalle Bristol Cable-Actuated RV Waste Valve for Black Water Tank

Question:

This looks like the valve I have on my 5th wheel but cannot be 100 sure as I cannot see any PN or names on it. When handle is pulled, the valve will not open, feels like it is frozen solid. I looked at the valve and I can see what appears to be a set screw at the top of valve where cable goes in. Would I be able to remove the set screw and possibly be able to get the valve open from there. My black tank is currently 1/2 full of waste water? If not do you have any thoughts on how I can get that valve open without having to loosen the screws enough to slowly drain and catch the waste water in a separate container until emptied?

asked by: Perry G

Expert Reply:

You can try removing the screw, but I don't believe that's the issue. It sounds like your cable might be broken or the actual valve has just locked up or "frozen". There is currently not a replacement cable available for the LaSalle Bristol Waste Valves. You may be able to spray it down with some lubricating grease or even a cooking spray like Pam to try to see if that might allow it to loosen itself up.

If there are 4 screws holding the front hub onto the valve as you can see in the LaSalle Bristol # 34466N4AB96GMA, you may want to remove those and see if you can gain access to the actual sliding valve and try to pry it up. If all else fails, removing the valve completely may be your only option. You can replace your existing waste valve with the above mentioned LaSalle Bristol valve mentioned above if your existing waste valve has a 3" spigot pipe.

To connect the LaSalle Bristol Waste Valve to your existing waste pipe you'll want to use ABS Solvent Cement # 3447530889.

expert reply by: Erik B