RV Black Tank Plumbing Needs Rebuild • It’s FULL of WASTE • Now What

RV black tank plumbing, the gate valve and macerator pump gets replaced and a simple electrical wiring tip. Have to find a way to get rid of the waste in the black tank first. It won’t dump normally.
One thing I practice all the time is when something breaks or doesn’t work properly I fix it now. I don’t have a list of things that need to be fixed. Now upgrades are different. I do have a list of things I’d like to do in the future and I may or may not do them. But one thing for sure, everything in our rig works and works right.
So today is no different. Our 1/2 bath black tank stopped dumping. There were a series of things I wanted to address to fix this problem and this video covers all the details. I thought the black tank gate valve failed. But as it turned out, the macerator pump impeller was shot and the blades were bent. So I’m going back with all new plumbing, gate valve and macerator pump and fix some old leaks and add a 12V wiring safety precaution. The original install of this system was done incorrectly. I'm going to do it right this time.
I shoot and document these video’s to encourage all of you who have RV’s that when something breaks, wears out or needs maintenance you guys can do this stuff yourself. It’s not as hard as it appears. You can do 80% - 90% of these things yourself, it will be done right, you’ll learn a lot and SAVE a boat load of money.
Joanie & I were just notified by one our fans that we made the top 14 MUST-SEE KZbin CHANNELS ABOUT RVING
Here’s his Message to us:
Just saw you guys made top 14 must watch KZbin on camper smart hope this helps you to over 100k
campersmarts.com/14-must-see-...
Check out my PLAYLIST page here:
/ rvstreet
Please...consider SUBSCRIBING to our Channel. It's FREE. It’s a great way to support us, our channel-and Martin-who is a “Purple Heart Veteran” 💜.
💗 OUR AMAZON STORE 💗
FOR THE PRODUCTS WE USE & RECOMMEND IN ALL OUR VIDEOS
www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet
💗 BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE:
EVEN IF WHAT YOU NEED IS NOT IN OUR AMAZON STORE, YOU CAN STILL CLICK OUR STORE LINK, THAT WILL TAKE YOU TO OUR STORE, SHOP AND SEARCH ON AMAZON LIKE YOU NORMALLY WOULD, PUT YOUR ITEMS IN THE CART AND CHECK OUT. Using our Amazon Store to buy your RV gear, parts, maintenance items “AND ANYTHING ELSE YOU SHOP FOR ON AMAZON” is a great way to say "Thank You" Martin for making these videos and helping the RV community.
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DISCLAIMER:
We are in no way experts or professional mechanics. But being a journeyman millwright for years & being EX Military, has proven to be very helpful in my lifetime learning how to care for & maintain all sorts of machinery & equipment like: helicopters, airplanes, tanks, motorcycles & many types of other vehicles. That, along with 18 months preparing & upgrading our RV before we went full time, & now traveling for several years has gained us a lot of knowledge. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Work you perform or products you purchase based on any information we provide is at your own risk.
DISCLAIMER:
We are in no way experts or professional mechanics. But being a journeyman millwright for years & being EX Military, has proven to be very helpful in my lifetime learning how to care for & maintain all sorts of machinery & equipment like: helicopters, airplanes, tanks, motorcycles & many types of other vehicles. That, along with 18 months preparing & upgrading our RV before we went full time, & now traveling for several years has gained us a lot of knowledge. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Work you perform or products you purchase based on any information we provide is at your own risk.

[@eileensiordia8397]

Joanie.. after reading these posts i learned of Martin's passing...my heartfelt condolences. He was the best rv doctor...i know he has a special place in heaven. Rest in Peace ..thanks for keeping his vedios alive...

[@CampingFamily]

So glad he still managed to post a few last videos!!! I'm sure Heaven is busy getting Martinized right now. :) Hope you are doing OK Joanie!

[@rjw8316]

Like many others here, Martin taught me a lot and I am so sad that he is no longer with us here but know that he is "Martinizing" in heaven. I will miss Martin's advice. He will never be replaced on the internet or RV's.

[@johndowns1986]

I learned a lot from this man, as have many others. He was one of a kind. God speed Martin, heaven has gained a good man.

[@jgutz347]

Truly the world is a little worse off without Martin. Our loss is heaven’s gain. Always enjoy RV Street’s posts. Helped me so much. Godspeed Joanie.

[@ulrikehayes5186]

Joanie, my husband and I have been viewers since you first started your channel and always enjoyed both of you. Martin always provided good info in an entertaining way. Sorry to hear of your loss and will pray for comfort and peace for you.

[@robertroth287]

I learned so much about taking care of my RV from Martin. He was and will remain a great teacher on KZbin. He will be greatly missed. My condolences for your loss; stay well.

[@andrewsharman4419]

Thank you Joanie for posting this video. So great to remember Martin in his prime. So sorry for your loss.

[@AmericanMX]

We all lose with the loss of Marty. What a wonderful man who seemed to of had a wonderful life. He was definitely taken way too soon. It’s a sad day. 😢

[@patrickhathaway6178]

My sincerest condolences on your loss. Martin was a great teacher and a wonderful resource for RV enthusiasts. I certainly learned a lot from him. Thank you for keeping his memory alive in our hearts and for sharing his wisdom. God bless you both.

[@gaetangendron6474]

Joanie, I am so sorry for your loss. We will all miss him. Some of his tips and tricks helped me before and I am sure will help us all again. I pray that you find peace and comfort in knowing that we all had the utmost respect for this veteran, teacher and motivator. Rest in peace Martin!

[@jerryscott1247]

We are very sorry for your loss Joanie. We learned so much from you and Martin. You will remain in our prayers. Thank you for keeping the channel active, this is our go to for our RV maintenance and repairs. May God be with you for strength, comfort and healing.

[@davidseymour5206]

Joanie, I am so sorry for your loss. Your are in my prayers. Thank you for all you do. I owe Martin and you so much gratitude for all the information and education on the maintenance of my 2016 Newmar. Your channel has saved me thousands. Thank you of keeping the channel active because it is my go to for repairs and maintenance. May You find peace and comfort in prayer. Know you are loved and always will be. Thank you for your love.

[@petestrappazon3522]

Joanie, so sorry for your lost. I watch you guys for a long time.Martin was an excellent teacher! I will always remember his famous four words... "You can do this!" HE WILL BE MISSED ❤😢

[@jimmymcclosky3786]

Joanie, I’m truly sorry for your loss. It’s not easy. I know from experience myself. I truly enjoyed each of your videos that were always packed with knowledge. God Speed Brother!

[@dougrobison1209]

My sincere condolences. I have enjoyed the videos for years. Will miss Martin. He was a bright spot on KZbin.

[@fightthegoodfight286]

I am truly sorry for your loss. Marty was a wealth of knowledge!

[@rickcampbell4920]

Oh my gosh Joannie I am so very sorry for your loss! I had no idea Martin passed away until reading all of the comments on this video! I noticed earlier the video came out and was happy to see it but couldn't watch it till tonight. I was thinking of your two since the last update and wondering through the video how he was doing. I started reading the comments after watching and was floored with the bad news!! My deepest heartfelt condolenses to you and your family, stay strong and good luck to you! God Speed Martin, you are amazing!!

[@InChristalone737]

Feel like I lost a friend. I learned so much from Martin. Look forward to meeting him in glory

[@leeannglazier8349]

Rest in Peace Martin. So sorry for your loss Joanie 😢

[@craftingwithjean5599]

Most amazingly thorough explanation. Grateful to have found these. Very sorry he is no longer with you.

[@Cabernet2000]

He was a dude. I enjoyed learning from him and my family is safer for it. I was a newbie in 2021 but will hear his voice in my head every time I start maintaining the rig or something goes wrong. There are lots of personalities on the tube. None like this man and his supporting wife. I will continue to use the channel as I did today. With a sad heart we say farewell for now, Martin. 😂

[@user-wz1mv6hv2t]

So sorry for your loss, our deepest condolences. Your channel’s educational videos were such a gift to us first time RV’er. Such a blessing you Martin & you are. Prayers🙏

[@martymalone4094]

I'm so sorry about the loss of this great man. His channel was the first one I came across when I got my first class A and started watching KZbin. My inspiration for DIY on my rig. 😢Joanne my prayers are with you and heaven is being Martinized for you and us. Thank you for the video and God bless you. Marty Malone

[@larryv4249]

Martin will be so missed by the RV community. He was a true treasure to us. I would value reading his obituary to learn a little more about him. Thank you Martin for all that you did. Joanie you are a very lucky person to have shared time together.

[@neilrankin9945]

Sorry for your loss. The guru of RV maintenance will be missed. May God bless you and your family.

[@rddowell5400]

I’m so sorry to hear about Martin passing. My husband learned so much from him. Our hears are broken for you.

[@jacobconnolly8212]

I am so upset to see these comments…. I just discovered this channel yesterday and have watched so many videos already. I just bought a 2014 vista 30T and was so excited to find you two. I came to this latest video to say how much I love the channel and am so heartbroken to discover this news. So sorry for your loss Joanie, but thank you to you and Martin for all the amazing videos. They are helping me so much as I am very ill-prepared for this journey I’m starting and am so grateful I found you guys. My condolences again 😔

[@shawnenser2610]

Thanks Joanie for Putting out more videos. I hope you are doing well. 🙏

[@steverobinson1598]

Thank you Joanie. For 2 people I've never met, I sure feel like I've known you for all my life. We are family and friends in heart and soul. I pray that you will find that some parts of Heaven needed " Martinized ". You know that so many people love you guys and I'm just one of the countless. Onward Christian Soldiers. All my prayers are wishes. Always, Steve Robinson

[@WildeGreg]

So sad to hear of Martin's passing. Always loved the videos you both put out. He will be missed by many. Thankfully his legacy will continue for years to come through these videos. Prayers for comfort, peace and understanding. God Bless.

[@tracymeskel2839]

I will miss his videos. He has showed us so much, and how to Martinize things. Jonnie, we are so sorry for your loss. You are lucky, you have him in these videos, for ever. Prayers to your family, and healing thoughts for you too. God bless you.

[@anthonyb2334]

We are very sorry for your loss. We so enjoyed watching and learning from Martin and your videos. God Bless.

[@ridemalibu5901]

God Bless you guys 😢. Martin lived with courage and commitment, he will be missed.

[@bmcdonald7303]

Hugs, Joanie. Thank you for uploading videos still. I hope you’re as well as can be. I’m glad you have these videos of you and Martin to reflect back on. I hope they bring you comfort and great memories.

[@RVstreet]

Thank you for reaching out to me. I'm doing ok I guess. I have tried to watch some videos just to see Martin and hear his voice but it just breaks my heart. I'm sure someday they will give me comfort but for now it's to hard to watch them.

[@bmcdonald7303]

@@RVstreet I’m so sorry, Joanie. Hugs.

[@fightanhgirl]

I'm so sorry to hear about Martin. Before I bought my travel trailer this Fall, I knew nothing about how to fix and maintain it. Martin and this channel taught me so much. May God comfort you Joanie. 🙏

[@bradok3695]

Joanie, I'm so sorry for you loss. Loved watching the videos, and learned so much from Martin. I will truly miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family.

[@garywalton5135]

Joanie we were down at Conroe last week when I heard of all of our lost!!!! I’m so sad seeing I follow and did everything Marty show me to do with my class A that I got a year ago. He was a Great teacher and will be missed!!! I’m praying for you and the family!!! Please keep putting up the videos he made to help everyone that just started out!!! God speed!!!!

[@markc3094]

I'm so sorry to hear of Martin's passing. He will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers to you and yours Joanie.

[@marinabredda714]

Wow Joani. Lovely to see this video with Martin but knowing he's no longer with us is heartbreaking. I'm crying my eyes out watching this. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[@michelmichael8957]

Oh whoa. I did not know that he passed away. I'm heart broken. He was like a tutor and a friend. 🙏

[@timothyculliver1993]

We will miss Martin, he was a one of a kind. Sorry for your loss, May God Bless You.

[@tregyuop]

I am so sorry for your loss. RV street was enjoyable to watch on your channel. Not much I can say except he will be missed by many. Hope you are doing well. I just learned today of his passing.

[@kayc2579]

Thank you for showing this. I miss him very much. Your videos were my favorites. I am so sorry for your loss. He will always be missed.

[@debicaron6046]

I am so sorry..for your loss. As a older woman I learned so much from your husband, how to care for my rig.. he had so much knowledge..He will be missed.

[@molivil]

I could see your eyes filled with gratification as you were holding the final assembly, like a proud winner conquering another repair. I can tell you, I enjoy watching your stuff. I don't have a complicated setup like yours, don't even have a proper wet bay, but it's still interesting learning new stuff. I learned about fittings, PVC glue, macerators, and all thanks because you go into detail. You even went in there and looked at the old valve and the old macerator, opened it to investigate what went wrong and showing how the macerator operates. Your videos are always a perfect learning experience.

[@KS-sq7ws]

So sorry for your loss Joanie. Rest in peace Martin.

[@johnwraineyiii8673]

My condolences to Joanie and her family for their loss of Marty.

[@joelfournier6430]

So sorry for your loss. Yours was one of the first channels I found 3 years ago and subscribed to, love all of Martin's videos. He has left a legacy for all rvers'. God bless you and your family.

[@bobabooie6389]

I'll miss you Martin, RIP. stay strong Joanie.🙏

[@johnstangel8918]

OMG, I'm so sorry Joanie that happened so quickly your world must have been turned upside down. He was one of the greats I really learned a lot from him. I wish I could have met him he seemed like a really cool guy. My deepest condolences.

[@Moultrie31768]

Very sorry to hear this news about Martin. He was a great teacher and person. Sorry for your loss Joanie.

[@aaronyoung5872]

So sorry for you loss!!! My wife I really enjoyed your videos and the way you 2 did them!!! God bless!!

[@randysutton8636]

The best catalog of rv videos on the world wide web! Prayers for the family!

[@industrialexitstrategist2022]

Oh my!! Noooo when did Martin Die???? I razor shave my head in honor of 67 people in my life circles that have had or has cancer or leukemia. 34 died. My heart hurts. I learned a lot from your channel. Thank you for continuing your videos.

[@RVstreet]

Martin passed away April 2nd 💔

[@williamlambert2865]

So sorry to hear the passing of Martin, my deepest condolences to you and your family.

[@colemanthevigneron1330]

Joanie, so sorry for your loss. You two are the best.

[@rankinprojects599]

Learned soooo much from him!! He is awesome!! What a way to leave a legacy.

[@jespo27]

I am so sorry , rv'ers have lost a giant of education and helpful videos I have loved your videos and Martin will be sorely missed. A tremendous loss for you and the rv community.

[@jeffbarnard3050]

I always learn so much God Bless Martin and Joanie!!! My love and prayers are with you!

[@smokey6034]

WOW! Just goes to show you that any rough surface will snag fibers and hair, etc, and never release it. Beautiful repair job. Very informative, even though I do not have a macerator. Thanks for the info.

[@melissawoelkers]

so sorry for your loss! As a fellow believer in Christ it gave me great joy to know you and martin are belivers as well! Thankfull we have a Savior and martin is more alive now than he ever was! Thank you Jesus for a heavenly home! ❤🙏

[@jimcatpsu]

Miss you Martin!

[@user-ki3gy6ee1l]

So very sorry for your loss.

[@RVstreet]

Thank you

[@davidp.3220]

Great video! All your videos are like my online repair and parts manual. When I need to fix something I just come here and look it up. I know what to buy and how to properly install the parts for the fix or for preventative maintenance. It’s so awesome!

[@landahoy5217]

Thanks for the video Martin, I know your upstairs watching over us. 🙏

[@campingwiththeadamss8552]

Martin, my 2011 Itasca Sunstar by Winnebago must be the wicket twin step sister to your coach. I just finished the same repair a few weeks ago on my coach. Thanks for doing an in depth a video for others. When I did mine, I couldn't find a in-depth video else where on KZbin. Stay safe out there. added note: I just read some comments below Mrs. Joanie. OMG, Did Martin pass? I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great guy and an even better teacher. The wife and I have been watching since the channel's inception and when we complete an assignment or any repair around the coach or house, we always say it was Martinized. God bless and take care, he will be missed.

[@ricktaylor6373]

God bless, watching your videos that you and Marin put out just instilled me to the max about taking care of a rv or for that matter anything. I wish the best for you. God speed.

[@kennethhowell1695]

Miss you Martin fly high we got this

[@RVstreet]

Thank you Kenneth and thank you for your friendship

[@RecumbentRider]

Thanks Joanie for posting. We have a Vista and our Macerator pump leaked just like Martin described. PVC hairline crack and the end of macerator was cut off just like Martin discussed. Replaced macerator pump and installed a gate valve in the event pump ever needs replacing again. Thanks for posting. Most informative just as all the other numerous videos. Thanks again and best wishes on sale of your motorhome and building of your new house. So miss Martin, but his videos help somehow with his loss. God Bless you Joanie.

[@Talefromthehangar]

So very sorry, Martin was a great RV teacher. God Speed.

[@COSMACELF1802]

Don't bother to mark the wires, just cut the RED and BLACK only and leave it connected to the yellow and white until you are ready to connect the new pump. In this way, the wires are already marked.

[@GarySlaughter-sl7tf]

ALWAYS LEARNED FROM HIM..

[@thomasking4136]

Joanie, God takes the good ones early. As you chose him, you will see that Martin will be waiting for you.

[@RVstreet]

Knowing that he is waiting for me is the only thing that is holding me together

[@waynec3121]

Joni sorry for your loss.

[@johnstangel8918]

Good job Martin!!! Glad to see your doing better hope your feeling better.

[@RVstreet]

I'm broken hearted to say Martin has passed away💔

[@terrym.8008]

So sorry for loss.

[@robertcaldwell4351]

Thank you

[@robertpearl1833]

Thanks for sharing

[@rugershep7170]

RIP Martin

[@charlesnorris2993]

glad to see you back. love your video's and tips. hope all is well :)

[@RVstreet]

I'm broken hearted to say Martin has passed away💔

[@charlesnorris2993]

@@RVstreet im sorry for your loss. i didnt know. prayer's to you and the fam.

[@billlanglois6478]

Thanks a bunch u r fantastic 😊

[@kevinbrown3017]

Great video instruction, thank you Martin.

[@RVstreet]

I'm broken hearted to say Martin has passed away💔

[@kevinbrown3017]

@@RVstreet I am so sorry Joanie, I will continue to be lifting you up in prayers.

[@keithaggson1003]

Hope you are feeling better.

[@landahoy5217]

Martin pass away on April 2

[@janpiper3068]

Good to see your still doin what needs to be done. Looks like you are winning this battle. I am still praying that everything comes out OK

[@RVstreet]

I'm broken hearted to say Martin has passed away💔

[@janpiper3068]

@@RVstreet so 😞 sorry I will keep your in my 🙏 prayers

[@steverobinson1598]

Another top notch video. Even your waste gets " Martinized ". You guys are the best. Jhope it is going well for you both. All my love, prayers and support. In Show Low, Arizona for the summer. As always, I got your back brother. Steve Robinson

[@RVstreet]

I'm broken hearted to say Martin has passed away💔

[@davidjackman5773]

@@RVstreet Joanie, can you provide us with a link to his obit? As a Viet Nam combat vet, I always choked up seeing his Purple Heart license plate. He was a good man. He will be missed.

[@RVstreet]

Martin didn't want an obituary written or a memorial service. He loved people but was quite a private man. I have decided to take his ashes to Maine where he loved to be.

[@THExxFIREMAN]

Thanks!

[@RVstreet]

Thank you so much for your generous support, it's very much appreciated ♥️

[@THExxFIREMAN]

@@RVstreet Joanie, you two “are” a great team. Thank you for all the work you have done. God bless, Dan and Jan

[@billsampson1332]

Praying for you all….

[@steverobinson1598]

I read some comments from other folks. I didn't know. Now my heart is broken. 😢.

[@denniskwasnycia1950]

I have this problem where the black tank won't dump from time to time. No solids at all or toilet paper, just liquids and I don't have a pump. Im sure the valve is opening, It's acting like the plastic cut out from when the factory cut the hole for the tank, is still in there and shifting in front of the hole. In this truck camper, it's not going to be as easy to get the pipe out like yours. Im going to get a camera down in the tank first to see if I can see if there is a plug or toy of some sort in there. Thanks for your videos!

[@RVstreet]

I'm broken hearted to say Martin has passed away💔

[@THExxFIREMAN]

I have the same RV as you AND the same issue with my connection at the pump cracking. When I contacted Winnebago, they said the problem was during winterization. Water had pulled in there, expanded and cracked. I informed them that I live in Florida, and highly doubt that was the issue because we don’t need to winterize our rigs down here. I suggested to them that the problem may be when you’re driving down the road there’s a lot of flexing in our rig and because there’s no giveaway that that may have caused the crack. I have all the parts to repair it, but I’m putting off the repair until my fix starts leaking. Do you think putting a rubber flange in that location would be a better fix? This will give some flexibility. When I suggested that to Winnebago, they recommend I don’t do that because their design engineer didn’t design it that way. I’m not really sure I want to trust their design engineer. What do you suggest? Dan

[@RVstreet]

I'm sad to say that Martin has passed away and I don't have the answers to your question. Thank you so much for watching our videos.

[@unenslaver]

I don't use the black tank. I opened the valve and clear blue liquid came out. I line the toilet with new shopping bags for poops. Gallon jug for pee. Grey tank only used for showers and occasional rinsing. Paper plates and silver.

[@smokey6034]

I have been using TankTechsRx for 2 years. Everything in my black tank is broken down inside the tank. Never felt the need for a macerator.

[@jarvise.8166]

It is so sad to hear of Martin's passing. I have no doubt though he is with the Lord Jesus Christ in heaven. Martin has been so much help and inspiration. He will be missed.

[@johnbutler2231]

Martin, thanks for this video. Is there a way to clean the Macerator pump of the hair and scum?

[@RVstreet]

I'm broken hearted to say Martin has passed away💔

[@johnbutler2231]

@@RVstreet My sincerest condolences for your loss. He has taught a lot to many.

[@kevins4611]

I don't think that was hair in the macerating pump. I worked with my Dad quite a bit as a kid doing plumbing jobs and when we pulled sewage pumps it would be full of what looked the same. It was feminine products and cleaning wipes. Took us about 30+ minutes and a sharp knife to clean that out. Keep up the great work Brother and Sister in Christ! I'm standing in faith with you both. God Bless!

[@RVstreet]

I can honestly say we have never put wipes or feminine products in the toilet. Martin would not have allowed that. I'm broken hearted to say Martin has passed away💔

[@kevins4611]

@@RVstreet I am so sorry to hear that. Martin will be greatly missed by all of us who love your KZbin channel. It's the best informative of all of them, for those of us who are hands on. I wasn't meaning that either of you accidentally put the item in the ½ bath. I was suggesting that someone else who was allowed to use it may have done so. (Especially since it happened "all at once", as Martin had quoted) Anyway, it doesn't really matter. I was just making a friendly comment and suggestion in my favorite KZbin channel. I am just so heartbroken right now from our loss, I can't say anymore. You're in our prayers.

[@RVstreet]

Thank you so much

[@vernonsteinkamp1088]

I didn't know you could use PVC glue on black plastic.

[@billchesney8949]

There is a specific cement to glue pvc to abs. The connections performed by Martin should have been done with three different cements, abs to abs, pvc to pvc and pvc to abs

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

Consider me Martinized !!!!

[@matthewknight5641]

There are alot better macerator systems that dont clog nearly so easy. The ones with the funnel end piece are way better for chopping up stuff and they will pump waste better also. Its kinda a bad designed system to step down in size before chopping it up. Learned from experience

[@broncoblue399]

How are you feeling? I have been preying for you!

[@landahoy5217]

Martin pass away on April 2

[@duaneclark3539]

No a very good design I am sure that pump has been out before sense the factory. It will probably be out again. But at least you put it back correctly this time.