ball valve or blade/gate valve for holding tanks ?

[kyle4501]

I've only seen the blade type valves used on the waste tank drains.
Is there any reason to not use a 3" ball valve?

[Raymond smith]

They are cheap, compact and easy to change

[kyle4501]

I can't seem to get mine to seal drip tight -and I don't particularly care for the mess when I remove the cap. 

I'm doing some changes in that area, and since the valve is glued in on mine - it will have to be replaced with a new valve - and have a 3" PVC ball valve. . . . 

[goldgiter]

I think the ball valve will work fine,the reason for the gate valve was posted above!

Wes

[Scott & Heather]

I hate hate valves too. As full timers I think they are the pits. I would like to put ball values in my new coach.


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[luvrbus]

The previous owner of my DL3 installed ball valves on the tanks I love them no leaks waiting to happen.I had electric valves on another bus I don't want to deal with those again 

[Jim Eh.]

LOL. I saw electric valves on a right hand side dump of a tour bus and questioned the driver about them, he just blushed, turned around and walked away.

[RJ]

Is there any reason to not use a 3" ball valve?

Kyle -

The problem with most PVC ball valves isn't' the ball, it's the handle that controls the ball.

After 3-4 years, the handle breaks, and then it becomes a nightmare trying to find someone who will sell you just a handle - they'd rather sell you the whole valve.  In the meantime, dig out the crescent wrench to open and close the valve stem. . .

Just an observation from someone who's had to replace a whole bunch of PVC ball valves over the last 15 years. . .

OTOH, if you want to think outside the box a little, you could try one of these valves:

http://www.amazon.com/Jandy-4718-2-Port-Positive-NeverLube/dp/B002SG7NYU

FWIW & HTH. . .

[Dave5Cs]

Agree with RJ and I too deal with them until either the handle breaks or the ball valve won't open or close all the way and then the handle breaks. We use them for water on the ranch 3/4" up to 5" and they all get replaced with Stainless steel or brass. Yes they are expensive but no more problems.
Dave5Cs

[eagle19952]

Agree with RJ and I too deal with them until either the handle breaks or the ball valve won't open or close all the way and then the handle breaks. We use them for water on the ranch 3/4" up to 5" and they all get replaced with Stainless steel or brass. Yes they are expensive but no more problems.
Dave5Cs

I aalways say...go big or stay home

[TomC]

Gate valves are available at all RV outlet stores. But-Everyone is correct-they do not seal as well as Ball valve and the gate valves get stiff with age. Good Luck, TomC

[lostagain]

RV gate valves cost very little and only take 10 minutes to replace.

JC

[luvrbus]

If you guys breaking the handles on ball valves most of the time that is caused by the sun rays you don't have that problem inside a bay. They would break and we had to replace ours on the pool about every year, we changed pool people and he painted all the piping and valves exposed to the sunlight and we never had another problem for 5 years.A good 3 inch ball valve will cost you though

[Melbo]

The only problem with a ball valve that I see is if everything is not drained there is whatever you were draining left in the ball.  Just a thought

Melbo

[kyle4501]

Thanks for the input.

Since mine is glued in, ain't nothing going to be easy about replacing it.

I am changing the sewer hose connection to be outside the bay under the floor.  I'm going to try the 3" PVC ball valve off Ebay & see how long it works.