How to Empty Fresh Water Tank

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catdancing0531
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How to Empty Fresh Water Tank

I have never used the fresh water tank except to put in RV antifreeze to winterize.  I did that for the first time this past winter.

Now the tank is filling up with water, all on it's own!  I'm at a loss as to why this is happening.  And I can't find any clear indication online of which way to turn the valve to drain it.  I turned it all the way to the right (pointing to the inside of the Scamp) and it dripped water constantly, but never completely emptied. Now, even with the valve in that position, the tank completely filled with water.

On another related note, the switch that turns on the pump for using the fresh water tank doesn't seem to work.  I checked the fuse, it seems okay.  Flipped the switch and got a hint of the pump starting. And, BTW, this same pump was replaced soon after I got the Scamp (2019)

Help! Any suggestions?

 

Paul O.
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The fresh water tank may fill

The fresh water tank may fill up if you are connected to shore water and the check valve has some dust/debris/dirt in it that causes it to leak. I remember we once had that problem, but it went away by itself with normal use. Also, if there is no water and the pump does not pressurize the lines, it remains very quiet.

The two positions of the drain valve handle are: toward the middle of the trailer - open, or toward the outside -closed. That is the way on mine. That tank never drains fast, but it could be that mud dauber wasps have put some dirt into the drain tube. You can clean it out with a piece of wire, if that is the case.

-Paul
2004 Scamp 19 Deluxe,
2021 Tacoma, Double Cab, 6 cyl. 4WD
Colorado

ac0gv
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Fresh water drain picture

Pictured is my first fresh drain, the replacement was opposite. My tank was also filling from the campground hookup, I added a check valve in line with the pump but the pumps can be rebuilt as well..

catdancing0531
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fresh water drain

This corresponds to my experience, ie pointing towards the inside of the Scamp seems to be the only drain position.  But, good to have it confirmed.  

It sounds like it's cheaper to add a check valve vs rebuild the pump!  I would think having a check valve inline with the pump should be standard.  I replaced the pump first time I had this problem, would rather not do it again.

I going to have someone come and repair this for me and you've given me a good idea with an added check valve.  Thanks for that.

May I ask, how old was/is your Scamp when you had this problem?  My workaround right now is to turn off the campground hookup at night and also when I'm not around during the day to give it a chance to drain until I can get it fixed.  The drain is just dripping, so it takes forever.  I might have to get a hose and siphon the water out.

ac0gv
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Check valve

My Scamp was one year old when I noticed that the fresh water tanks were back filling. Check your tubing size and type.before you order.It looks like the price doubled.  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C16XM4R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin...

catdancing0531
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fresh water tank check valve

Okay, I think it makes sense that there is an issue with a check valve.  And I think maybe that's what happened last time.  Since I never use the fresh water tank maybe any check valve goes bad/dries out and therefore leaks.

I was able to insert a small screwdriver about 3" into the external drain line without obstruction, so no mud dauber, however, they could be in the opening of the tank.

ac0gv
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expect water

That valve just pulls apart, but there will be water when you pull it out of the hose. Pictured is my amazon replacement that is reversed from the original.

catdancing0531
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petcock drain valve

I see that Scamp has this for $3 on their website SKU: 1700004, but I couldn't find it on Amazon.  I'd like to order one (along with other Amazon stuff).  Can you share the link for your drain valve.  It looks the same as Scamps.

ac0gv
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Amazon

Amazon says that I ordered this one in 2018. May still be the correct fit but the handle turned the other way. Also I needed to remove the tank band to change it Walmart may have it also. . https://amzn.to/3P9I4jF

 

catdancing0531
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tank band

Why did you have to remove the tank band?

ac0gv
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to turn the valve

I had to lift the tank slightly to have room to thread the drain valve,and get the drain hose back on, yours may be different, it seems that no two Scamps are the same. (note that this tread is now talking about two different valves, drain and check)

 

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