Troubleshooting Cable Waste Valves Not Functioning In Sub-Zero Temperatures  

Sub-zero temperature operation of Valterra electric dump valves. I have had operational problems opening and closing of the 3inch and 1.5inch Valterra cable actuated dump valves at outdoor air temperatures below 0 degrees F. Even though the valves are within the enclosed belly of my Teton fifth wheel RV and are surrounded by air warmer than outdoors, whenever the outdoor temperature falls below zero, the valves sometimes do NOT open or appear to freeze in the open position within minutes of the tanks being emptied. Im wondering if replacing the cable actuated valves with the Valterra 3inch electric valves will help eliminate this problem? It appears common that these belly enclosed valves are mounted in a horizontal orientation rather than vertically due to a lack of head room. By not having them mounted vertically, Im wondering if water tends to leak past the seals, entering the space around the slide plate and freezes around the slide plate, thus preventing the valve from opening or closing? Are the electric valves strong enough to overcome this problem? Would mounting them vertically if possible make any difference? Do the seals with time and wear tend to allow water to leak behind the seal and around the valve slide plate? It is such a pain replacing these valves in the dead of winter that I need a dump valve system that will operate reliably for YEARS. Thanks for your assistance and technical advice!

asked by: Jim J