OburgOrange
Active member
What do you use for easier operation of the drain valves?
Drain valve lubricant
- Thread starter OburgOrange
- Start date
BryanValRox
Elite Member
I just use a basic spray lubricant, WD-40 or silicon spray or even a spray white grease. My opinion, the thinner viscosity the better so it will run inside the cable housing as much as possible.
I normally extend the handle and use the can straw to spray between the cable and housing and work the valve open and closed. Do to cable routing you’ll likely never get lubricant all the way to the other end, so something is better than nothing I guess.
If you are asking about the valve itself, they do make valve lubricants that are supposed to work from the inside, but I have no direct experience with those and wonder if they are even effective.
Maybe others here can chime in on that?
George
Well-known member
When not in use I let water and an ounce or so of Thetford drain valve lube sit in the toilet bowl to help that seal lubricated but honestly there's not much you do to lube the tank drain valves. About all you can do is keep them wet. After dumping always add a few gallons of fresh water to the tank – I guess it wouldn't hurt to add some of the aforementioned lube too but as Todd says, it won't noticeably help. 🤷🏼♂️
For valves you can get to — drill a hole next to the actuator for a small screw (<½" long>. Remove the screw and squirt some silicone in there periodically. You'll be able to operate the valve with one finger.
If I ever have to get to the valves one project I've thought of doing is to add a spray straw to the valves for spraying silicone. You can buy super long straws on Amazon.
For valves you can get to — drill a hole next to the actuator for a small screw (<½" long>. Remove the screw and squirt some silicone in there periodically. You'll be able to operate the valve with one finger.
If I ever have to get to the valves one project I've thought of doing is to add a spray straw to the valves for spraying silicone. You can buy super long straws on Amazon.
Last edited:
I learned this the hard way around.
This sounds like a good solution (no pun intended).