So, the level indicator for my black tank seems to have two indications; 3/4 full or full. Even if I drain the tank, the monitor still shows 3/4 full. I can look straight down the toilet and see that the bottom of the tank is not covered with . . .. .. ahem . .. . . 'water'. No matter how much of the afore mentioned water that is added changes the reading until suddenly, and cruelly, the 'full' light on the monitor comes on and I am faced with the dilemma; 'to flush or not to flush. That is the question." You can imagine my delight. It would appear to a logical mind that the sensors in the black tank are corrupted ( and who could blame them). I have tried several remedies including dumping a number of bags of ice cubes down the drain and driving around, various cleansers and a load of Mr. Clean who claims to be able to 'clean everything in your house in just a minute!' Does anyone out there have any suggestions about a product that will do the job or a method I can try that will not require me to actually entre the tank? Thanks in advance.

Get a cleaning wand, and spray the s*** out of that tank.(Heart of Darkness seems apropos)

Meh, learn to live with it. You'll get adjusted to how long you can go before it fills up completely. They're notorious for that. BTW, welcome to the forum!

I don't pay attention to those level indicators. RVng is about having fun......worrying about waste tanks etc does not play into my fun timeWhen toilet 'burps'------time to dumpWhen sink/shower starts draining slower ----time to dump When water pump goes 'burrruuuuup' ----should have added more water

I agree with Mike-s. However, I've found that one needs to use it a little more often than every now and then. Also attention must be paid to spraying toward the area where the sensors are located of obvious reasons. Been doing this for years and years with good luck. The latest thing I've been doing is to put an enzyme sewer line cleaner into the black tank after the wand treatment. It seems to provide a final cleaning.

Same thing happens in my RV. At different times, I use the cleaning wand, backflush, various cleaning liquids in the tank, drive around with tank partially full to shake things around, etc. Sometimes I can get the indicator lights to be accurate....for a few days. Then it's back to showing 3/4 full when I just emptied it!Just get used to how many days you can last before the tank gets full. Sounds like you have a straight visual shot down the toilet. Me too. So I just look down there to check.I like what Old-Biscuit wrote. Don't let worrying about your tank indicator lights disrupt your camping fun.

THE HORROR . .. .. . THE HORROR. ... . . THE HORROR

27 Replies

RJsfishin
Explorer
Sep 24, 2016
Quote:
> THE HORROR . .. .. . THE HORROR. ... . . THE HORROR
-------------------------------------------------------
If that's what you really think about some lousy tank sensors not working, you better quit RV'n right now, because you will NEVER mentally survive when you have a REAL problem !
Harvey51
Explorer
Sep 23, 2016
How fortunate that you can see down to the tank in the toilet! I have an elbow that prevents that.
In your situation, I would buy one of those ultrasonic distance measurement tools.
https://www.amazon.ca/Ultrasonic-Distance-Measurer-Estimator-Measuring/dp/B004IYNAHE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474673056&sr=8-2&keywords=Distance+meter
With one or two physical measurements with a stick you can find out what distances indicate empty and full enough to leak out the tank cleaning port.

None of my tank level lights work. I get the freshwater tank level accurately with a clear plastic tube attached to the drain tap. The tube is long enough to extend up to the top of the rear bumper, which happens to be the tank full level.
Strabo
Explorer
Sep 18, 2016
1 full scoop of Happy Camper.....Problem fixed.
noteven
Explorer III
Sep 18, 2016
pawatt wrote:
In nearly 50 years of RVing I have never had tank sensors that worked well.

The purt'near number 1 convenience we spend $1,000's on buying an RV for...

50 years on they still don't work...
dave17352
Explorer
Sep 18, 2016
forgetaboutit they don't matter much.
pawatt
Explorer
Sep 18, 2016
In nearly 50 years of RVing I have never had tank sensors that worked well.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Sep 18, 2016
TRUENORTH60 wrote:
So, the level indicator for my black tank seems to have two indications; 3/4 full or full. Even if I drain the tank, the monitor still shows 3/4 full. I can look straight down the toilet and see that the bottom of the tank is not covered with . . .. .. ahem .

You have described a very large percent tanks in use today. That is normal operation I'm sad to say.

NOW. if you can see into the black tank, and see the sensors, Then there is a good chance you can blast them. I can not guarantee but this MIGHT work

Look up a valterra Master Blaster

Now I do not care for this design exactly. I'm afraid that "nose" jet would break off first time I use it. but some half inch PVC and a pipe cap and a 7/32" drill (Chosen by what was handiest do not feel obligated to use that size) and drilled a hole in the side.. Tha's my Wand. Or you can use a 90 degree elbow and cap it and drill the cap (Actually that's what I did center drilled the cap) much stronger, same concept. And from time to time I've enjoied Success. (not often) but I've cleared that 2/3 (in my case) sensor fairly often

Next option: Horst Miricle probes (Google them)
Ultimate option See Level sensors

I'm also gonig to try somnething eventually, but I got to buy 'em first no report till then.
Cloud_Dancer
Explorer II
Sep 18, 2016
"...burping...",....so THAT'S what you call it. I've been using this method of telling when it's time to dump the tank. But, I recall how great it was back when all the monitors worked.
Thanks
PaulJ2
Explorer
Sep 18, 2016
Before each camping trip add 1-2 cups of laundry detergent and a couple gal of water. Soapy water keeps the inside of tank slippery and nothing sticks to it.
Has worked for me for 20+ years.
braindead0
Explorer
Sep 18, 2016
If you are checking after using the toilet, the liquid sloshes around and the sensors will pick that up. The smaller the tank the worst it is. I've found mine works great if I check before using the toilet/sink, half hour should be enough time.

If that's not the case, I'd be cleaning the tank (as mentioned above by others) and check the wiring to the sensors if you can access them.

SeeLevel tank monitors seem nice, problem is they require a fairly deep tank (I think 8" of level vertical surface). If you can fit the, and the cost isn't an issue for you.. probably worth it..

And as noted smkettner, 3/4 and full are probably the most important ;-)