Comparing Valterra And LaSalle Bristol Cable Actuated Gate Valves

Question:

I have a 2020 Newmarket Baystar motor home and its black tank waste valve leaks past the valve’s gate, so I will replace it. LaSalle Bristol’s valve is “lubricated” and a few dollars more than the Dometic, which has stainless cable. In your opinion, which model’s gate will last longer without leaking?

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

The gasket is the portion of the gate valve that's allowing waste water to leak through and not actually the gate. Both companies are using a rubber gasket that will eventually fail so it really comes down to the other features of the gate valve to determine which you'd prefer. LaSalle Bristol's cable actuated gate valves don't allow you to replace the cable if there was ever an issue, whereas Valterra's do come apart and will allow you to replace components without having to replace the entire valve. Because of this I typically recommend Valterra and recommend that you go with the Valterra # TC372 over the LaSalle Bristol # 34466N4AB72GMA.

I recommend just unbolting the current gate valve and slipping the new one in place and bolting it in instead of cutting the pipe and gluing in new fittings. It'll save you a ton of time and some money.

expert reply by: Kevin C