How To Install An RV Waste Gate Valve With An Insulated Underbelly: Explained

If your RV’s waste gate valve isn’t working as it should, you need to fix the issue ASAP. Instead of wasting your money hiring someone else to do the job, you can do it yourself. This task only requires a couple of tools and basic repairman skills. It only takes three steps!

Scroll down to learn exactly how to install an RV waste gate valve when you also have an insulated underbelly.

Signs You Need To Replace Your RV Waste Gate Valve

If you read this article, you likely already know you need to replace your RV waste gate valve. Nevertheless, it can be helpful to go through the signs that the valve needs repair to make sure you aren’t wasting your time.

The first sign and often the most notable that your RV waste gate valve needs replacement is the terrible odor that leaks out. Whether your RV is parked or on the road, you will likely be able to detect a strong odor coming from the waste tank. If the part is significantly deteriorated or broken, you will probably see liquid dripping around the area too.

Don’t forget to check out our Recommended RV Equipment list!

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to install your RV waste gate valve:

Waste gate valve
Two flange seals
Battery drill, angle grinder, or flap disc (angle grinder recommended)
Gardening fork
Washrag
Soapy water
Nuts
Screws
Bolt wrench
Lubricant

How To Install An RV Waste Gate Valve With An Insulated Underbelly

Installing an RV waste gate valve with an insulated underbelly is not as difficult as you might think. Let’s walk through the three steps of the installation process.

Step 1: Remove Underbelly Cover

You will need to remove the underbelly cover if the insulation encloses the valves for step one. Remember that not all RV owners will need to do this step. If your valve is located beneath the insulation, you can move ahead to step two.

For everyone else, you will first need to remove the rivets on the cover. This will likely take you quite a bit of time simply because of how many rivets will be used. You can use a battery drill to get the job done, but an angle grinder or a flap disc will be faster. It is up to you which tool you use.

Remove the fiberglass with some sharp tool, such as a gardening fork. Remove the panels, but set them aside for later. If you remove the underbelly cover correctly, you should be able to see the waste valve now.

Step 2: Install Flange Seals

Begin by cleaning off the seals. Just a washrag, water, and soap will be enough. Cleaning the seals first makes them easier to handle and work with. Although cleaning the seals is not necessary, we highly recommend it.

Once clean, add some lubricant so that the seals install easily. With lubricant, you should be able to slide the seals into place for installation. If you do not have a special gel lubricant, grab some petroleum jelly instead.

Step 3: Install Waste Gate Valve

There should be a space large enough for the valve between the two flange seals. Slide the valve into that spot. Make sure the seals are an equal distance apart from the gate valve. Once in place, lock it down using the bolts, nuts, and tool.

After you secure all the connective bits, take a second to double-check everything. Even if you forget one bolt, your waste gate valve can leak. You might even want to take a couple of extra seconds to ensure all nuts and bolts are properly tightened.

For optimal results, you should lubricate the valve as well. Although you don’t have to do this, the valve will work much smoother. Ensure that the wastegate valve is closed before lubricating it. Drill a hole right above or on top of the shaft and lubricate that hole. Move the shaft around vigorously to spread the lubricant all around.

Finally, stop up the hole using a drive and screw. Now, you are done!

FAQs About RV Waste Gate Valve With An Insulated Underbelly

What causes RV waste gate valves to break?

An RV waste gate valve can break or leak due to improper installation, regular wear and tear, and clogs. Making sure only to flush the right materials down your toilet and dump out your waste tanks when needed largely prevents RV waste gate valves from breaking prematurely.

Should I insulate the belly of my RV?

You might want to insulate the belly of your RV is used a lot during the winter. Adding underbelly insulation to your RV can help prevent any tanks, lines, and pipes from freezing. It also helps to maintain the heat created by the furnace ducks. Furthermore, insulation prevents some of the metal from rusting and getting too dirty.

How do I protect and maintain my RV waste gate valve?

Regularly maintain your tank system and wastegate valve, so it does not have to be replaced early. We recommend using a silicone spray to grease the pull handle shift every three months. At the minimum, do this twice a year.

Final Thoughts

If you notice an odd smell or liquid coming from your RV waste gate valve, it is probably time to replace it entirely. Even if you are not very handy, you should be able to perform the repair on your own.

The main steps include removing the underbelly cover, installing the flange seals, and installing the wastegate valve. We recommend using lubricants and wiping down the flange seals first for a smooth and clean installation process.

We hope that this article has helped you learn how to fix your pesky RV waste gate valve, even if you have underbelly insulation. Good luck and happy RVing!