Forum Discussion

klutchdust's avatar
klutchdust
Explorer II
Mar 30, 2015

Good Grief

Been getting false readings from my black tank, reading 1/2 to 3/4 when empty. Fabricated a high pressure sprayer and shoved it down the toilet. My Itasca Cambrai isn't a straight shot down but slightly angled. I worked the wand and as they say

'if you stir it, it stinks'. After filling it up to inside the bowl I went outside to pull the drain and whatever was in there came out with a thud. Repeated the process with a little soap and bleach water and now the reading is normal. Going to replace the toilet

tomorrow with a porcelain top they say is home size however it really isn't but better than the one that came with the coach. "stuff" definitely was in that tank and the sprayer broke it loose. good grief.
Class C
  • klutchdust's avatar
    klutchdust
    Explorer II
    Mar 31, 2015
    cgmartine wrote:
    I guess I am either lucky, or my motorhome is a rare exception. On my 2008 Tioga, so far the readings appear to be right on. Maybe it is because I am fanatical about keeping it clean at all times and I never leave it with waste for any period of time if I can help it. No poop is best is my policy!!


    I always have dumped as soon as I arrived home and used a bucket with a little bleach or something to rinse. The issue with the gauge started when I purchased a

    product that was supposed to break down the contents of the tank and they recommended that you do not rinse the tank just dump it. Similar to what you would use

    in a septic system. I am going to use the sprayer I made and some soap from now on and leave it at that.
  • naysmitj's avatar
    naysmitj
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2015
    When heading out, dropping a bag of ice cubes into your black tank can sometimes assist with cleaning up the tank by scrubbing the tank as you drive. Just hook up your line when you arrive at your site and let the water and what is left of the ice run out.
  • cgmartine's avatar
    cgmartine
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2015
    I guess I am either lucky, or my motorhome is a rare exception. On my 2008 Tioga, so far the readings appear to be right on. Maybe it is because I am fanatical about keeping it clean at all times and I never leave it with waste for any period of time if I can help it. No poop is best is my policy!!
  • klutchdust's avatar
    klutchdust
    Explorer II
    Mar 31, 2015
    You guys are funny, the bleach was maybe half a cup to 4 gallons of water with some soap, i rinsed it out. I always rinse the tank after I dump the contents. I think the pressure nozzle did such a great job that lots of junk came out..... as far as the thud, IDK.
  • pnichols's avatar
    pnichols
    Explorer II
    Mar 31, 2015
    Are you sure that your Itasca didn't come with the upgraded sensors that sense liquid levels through the walls of the tank?

    There's actually nothing "inside" the tank with these type sensors. Winnebago puts them on many of their models right from the factory. Our 2005 Itasca has them and they're been very good - especially if we keep the black tank clean with occasional rinses using the wand or by back-flushing. I believe that these through-the-tank-wall sensors are one of Winnebago's "features".

    However, our Itasca toilet is mounted directly above one end of the black tank so that it's a straight shot down into the tank. We can check the level with a flashlight by looking down the toilet, if necessary.
  • HappyKayakers's avatar
    HappyKayakers
    Explorer
    Mar 31, 2015
    Whenever you dump the black tank, be sure to also flush the tank. If not, you'll have continuous problems with buildup in the tank.

About Motorhome Group

38,705 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 26, 2025