Grey water tank won’t empty

[V1nny]

I went to empty my grey water tank for the first time since changing vehicle but nothing happened. I assumed I had been driving around with the drain open so I turned it to the other position assuming this was now in the closed position. After a night away in the van I went to open the drain again, and tried both positions, but again nothing happened.

I have tried putting a flexible brush through the pipe but I don’t think it could get past the second bend.

The dealer who supplied the van is 240 miles away so I would prefer to fix this myself if possible. I’m not the best at DIY but I’m open to suggestions if anyone can help.

Thanks

 

[mistericeman]

I went to empty my grey water tank for the first time since changing vehicle but nothing happened. I assumed I had been driving around with the drain open so I turned it to the other position assuming this was now in the closed position. After a night away in the van I went to open the drain again, and tried both positions, but again nothing happened.

I have tried putting a flexible brush through the pipe but I don’t think it could get past the second bend.

The dealer who supplied the van is 240 miles away so I would prefer to fix this myself if possible. I’m not the best at DIY but I’m open to suggestions if anyone can help.

Thanks

Are you sure its only got the valve...

Some have a remote release as well as the tap on the end, of the outlet.

 

[V1nny]

As far as I know it should empty just by turning the handle to open a valve. I can’t see anything else. It’s a 2017 Burstner Ixeo and there are just 2 handle positions.

 

[trevskoda]

Stick a coat hanger up it, they dont like it upem you know.

 

[Fisherman]

Are you sure this is not a screw /gate valve, which would require turning the handle several times to open the valve. I saw a guy on a campsite having to turn a handle bar to open the valve. Most are simple pull valves. hope you get it sorted.

 

[V1nny]

Are you sure this is not a screw /gate valve, which would require turning the handle several times to open the valve. I saw a guy on a campsite having to turn a handle bar to open the valve. Most are simple pull valves. hope you get it sorted.

I just checked again and it only moves 90 degrees.

 

[r4dent]

First question is are you 100% sure there is water in the tank? Just because it goes from the shower / sink doesn't mean it gets to the tank!

Second question is how much water? If not a lot then none will come out, especially is not level.

Are you a member of the owners group? A much better source of make/model specific information

 

[mistericeman]

Yup if its same as this then it only requires a small turn...

 

[Fisherman]

I just checked again and it only moves 90 degrees.

Well it can only then be a faulty valve, or a blockage. The blockage being most likely at the valve were the contents are restricted most. This can be due to lack of maintenance by previous owner allowing a build up of organic matter in your tank. Here’s an article I think you might find helpful.

Grey Tank Wont Drain Troubleshooting Tips 2025

Grey Tank Wont Drain Troubleshooting Tips. By understanding these troubleshooting techniques, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free

crowsurvival.com

 

[V1nny]

First question is are you 100% sure there is water in the tank? Just because it goes from the shower / sink doesn't mean it gets to the tank!

Second question is how much water? If not a lot then none will come out, especially is not level.

Are you a member of the owners group? A much better source of make/model specific information

I’m fairly sure there is water in the tank. We’ve had one night away to try everything out and I ran quite a lot of water in the shower and sinks yesterday.

I didn’t know about an owners group. I will Google that and look into it. Thanks for the tip.

 

[V1nny]

Well it can only then be a faulty valve, or a blockage. The blockage being most likely at the valve were the contents are restricted most. This can be due to lack of maintenance by previous owner allowing a build up of organic matter in your tank. Here’s an article I think you might find helpful.

Grey Tank Wont Drain Troubleshooting Tips 2025

Grey Tank Wont Drain Troubleshooting Tips. By understanding these troubleshooting techniques, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free

crowsurvival.com

Thanks for the article. I don’t think the van has been used much recently so I don’t know if that might affect it.

 

[mistericeman]

Have you got a bike pump or a tyre inflator?

I've used both before to clear pipe blockages...

(As well as the bottle of nitrogen I have in the van for work up to 40 odd bar for pressure testing lol)

IF you can make a fitting up that will plug the outlet (insulation tape wrapped around the end of the tyre fitting)
And introduce some pressure in...
Go gently as the pipes are likely only solvent welded together
AND you don't want a jet up out of the shower base etc...

 

[V1nny]

Have you got a bike pump or a tyre inflator?

I've used both before to clear pipe blockages...

(As well as the bottle of nitrogen I have in the van for work up to 40 odd bar for pressure testing lol)

IF you can make a fitting up that will plug the outlet (insulation tape wrapped around the end of the tyre fitting)
And introduce some pressure in...
Go gently as the pipes are likely only solvent welded together
AND you don't want a jet up out of the shower base etc...

I love the idea but I don’t think I could be let loose with something like this. Not with my DIY record over the years!!

 

[V1nny]

Yup if its same as this then it only requires a small turn...

View attachment 112408

That looks exactly like mine.

 

[Canalsman]

Rather than using compressed air try using a garden hose with the water turned on gently.

Insert as far as the valve and work it to and fro.

If that doesn't work hold the hose against the valve and ask somebody else to open the water tap very slowly to increase the pressure.

Hopefully that will flush out the blockage.

 

[r4dent]

I’m fairly sure there is water in the tank. We’ve had one night away to try everything out and I ran quite a lot of water in the shower and sinks yesterday.

But if a joint in the pipe has sprung the water doesn't get to the tank. That is why I said check there is water in the tank, it helps you work out if the problem is before or after the tank. The only way is to look in the tank.

 

[V1nny]

But if a joint in the pipe has sprung the water doesn't get to the tank. That is why I said check there is water in the tank, it helps you work out if the problem is before or after the tank. The only way is to look in the tank.

If a pipe had sprung, would I have seen water under the van? It was definitely dry underneath when I was running the shower and sink yesterday

 

[colinm]

Are you sure the valve is actually opening, and not just the handle/rod turning? They are usually quite stiff, and all the one's I've used turning anti clockwise opens them.
A flexible U bend cleaner should get past most bends.

 

[molly 2]

I have had that problem a couple of times , fit a snug fitting hose pipe up the drain and back flush don't over fill and flood the shower ,

 

[r4dent]

If a pipe had sprung, would I have seen water under the van? It was definitely dry underneath when I was running the shower and sink yesterday

This is the first time you've said you checked under the van whilst running the shower. Without kowing the layout of the piping in your moho it is impossible to say if a sprung pipe would leak to the ground or to an internal compartment which happens of some vans.

Have you checked for water in the tank. It is a simple task but will greatly help diagnose the problem.