As mentioned, run some type of a snake up the drain from the exterior outlet. Once that is done and the flow is restored, fill the grey tank with water and dump in a box of Rid-x and let it sit for a week or so. Rid-X is used to allow bacteria to clean out septic tanks. If you flow from the grey tank has been impeded, there are probably some waste that is left behind and may be still in the tank. The Rid-x should help to break it all down and clean the tank.
We have been using Rid-x in our tanks, between trips, to keep both the grey and black tanks as clean as possible and to remove debris that is not removed by flushing out the tank with fresh water.
To answer your original question, there really isn't an easy way to access the tank. If you can get to it, you could cut a 4-6" hole and install an inspection port, but I don't think that will help you with your problem.
Do your sinks and shower drain into the tank okay? If so, you most likely have an obstuction on the way out of the tank to the dump valve. I would try opening the valve and shoving a water hose back up the line. If junk is flushed out, you fixed your issue. If the hose is blocked and/or the water just comes right back out, pick up one of these at your home improvement store -
This is the 'medium' size one. You can push it into the drain line past the dump valve and turn the water on. It will inflate sealing the line and shoot water/build up pressure on the other 'side' pushing whatever is constricting the line back towards the tank. Hopefully it will then be broken up and will flow out when you pull the hose back out.
Good Luck! Let us know what happens,
Todd
Todd
1993 Ford E-350 pushed by a 1988 Wilderness 24' TT
We had our tanks professionally cleaned last year while in Kerrville, TX. The techs told me that the grey water tanks are always harder to clean than the B/W tank, because of the calcium deposits.
I watched as they cleaned, and you wouldn't believe the large chunks of calcium that came out. I could see how they could build up quite a dam, over time.
This service ran $200, and for someone else doing it, worth every penny.
I doubt you have any access point on the tank. So, you probably have one drain pipe going into the top of the tank, and one exit drain. Short of cutting an access point through your floor above the tank, and cutting an access into the tank, you have to go through the inlet/outlet, or remove the tank for servicing, which may be difficult or expensive if you have someone do it for you.
I would try going through the outlet as others have suggested. Check at HD or Lowes to see if you can buy a 4" chimney brush with flexible wands and push it through the outlet. I would think you would know when the brush gets into the tank by feeling no more resistance. If you can't get into the tank you may have found the blockage and know where to focus your energy. Alternatively, it might be less frustrating to simply hire a plumber who has video capability to take a look inside the plumbing/tank to find your problem.
2002 Keystone Cougar 286, 8,400lbs loaded, pulled with a 2004 F150 Supercrew, 5.4, 3.73 gears. Retired and enjoying life
I had a similar problem on one of my gray tanks. Water would just trickle out even though the valve was wide open. I finally removed the dump valve (wasn't glued in) and looked up the pipe to spot the cutout that had been dropped in the tank. Used a pair of needle nose pliers to get it out, no problems since.
Joe and Dakota, the wacko cat
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sljkansas wrote: Had the galley tank plugged up once on the old 5ver. Had to run a snake up the drain pipe. Found the plug, grease from frying bacon, DW had accidentally dumped the grease down the kitchen sink and then ran hot water with it. Well that was fine in the tank, but when it hit the 1.5" drain pipe it gelled up. She never did that again.
This is the reason NO food stuffs, and NO grease/fats/starchy water EVER goes down my sink in the MH.
"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us".
Skip N Barb Team wrote: We had our tanks professionally cleaned last year while in Kerrville, TX. The techs told me that the grey water tanks are always harder to clean than the B/W tank, because of the calcium deposits.
I watched as they cleaned, and you wouldn't believe the large chunks of calcium that came out. I could see how they could build up quite a dam, over time.
This service ran $200, and for someone else doing it, worth every penny.
Good Luck.
Skip
X2
Linda B. Our Blog
2009 29' Fleetwood, Fiesta V10 - The Little Bus
2008 Saturn Vue (Toad)with US Gear UBS
& Demco baseplate and tow bar.
FMCA# F412985
Traveling with Robin(friend),Liz(cockapoo)&Buddee(cavalier)
Skip N Barb Team wrote: We had our tanks professionally cleaned last year while in Kerrville, TX. The techs told me that the grey water tanks are always harder to clean than the B/W tank, because of the calcium deposits.
I watched as they cleaned, and you wouldn't believe the large chunks of calcium that came out. I could see how they could build up quite a dam, over time.
This service ran $200, and for someone else doing it, worth every penny.
Good Luck.
Skip
Who does this kind of cleaning? RV type folks, septic company? Sounds like a good idea, never thought of it - just curious how to find someone that does this.
'02 KOUNTRY STAR DP
2012 HONDA FIT "PUMPKINMOBILE"
GILLIGAN- 1ST MATE CAT - 3 HR TOUR
balfre1946 wrote: Dupreet, for BTW everybody MANY thanks for your most helpful responses. some reason your picture didn't show so what is "one of these?"
Thats odd. Did the link show up? If not, go to Amazon.com and search for
Cobra Products 332 Drain Cleaning Water Bladder with Garden Hose Attachment, Medium
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