Forum Discussion

Explorer

Oct 21, 2014

Plugged up Black tank

Maybe not totally plugged but strange. While it has always drained as I could hear it pouring into the septic, the level indicator has been showing 2/3 full.

Thought it was my sensors as I always fill up with water before draining the black water tank and also use plenty of deorderizer that helps break down as well.

Anyhow used a wand to clean it out and it does appear to be high in level, not full though.

So it's draining up to a point, then holding the remaining.

As it's dark, tomorrow I'll drain it into my blue tote and see if I can't get the indicator to read lower.

Since the tank is high, the wand did only some cleaning as it filled up enough to keep wand head under water.

Anything else I can do at home, while being stationary?

I absolutely can't take it to a dump station as I just don't have time plus the only dump stations close do not have flushing hoses.

I also can't take the trailer out as I need light to back it into my narrow driveway from the 1.5 lane road off my driveway. I have a deep ditch on both sides of the my driveway and it's dark right after I get home from work. Weekends are all booked up until holidays.

Any simple home solutions that don't involve letting sewage flow into the yard my kids play in??

Thanks

24 Replies

Passin_Thru
Explorer
Oct 21, 2014
If you'd read all the other Black tanks columns, you'd know I've answered this 25 times. When you dump, put 10 lb of ice and 2-3 gal of water down the toilet and drive around a bit. Will loosen dried poop and keep the toilet flowing. When you dump, use a wand down the toilet to rinse it until it runs clear. Poop and repeat!
beemerphile1
Explorer
Oct 21, 2014
Sounds like you are a candidate for a macerator.
korbe
Explorer
Oct 21, 2014
I have never had a problem of wondering if the black tank is truly empty or not. But if I did, I think I would first stick some wire either up or down into the tank and listen for any splashing around - if possible. Or put some cotton on a string and drop it down the toilet and raise it up quickly to see if it's sopping wet. Two access points to investigate.
westend
Explorer
Oct 21, 2014
You may have something in the tank that is moving towards the outlet when you dump. That could be a tank cutout that wasn't removed, a kid's toy, or a wad of something that blocks the output. I'd suggest to put some soap, water softener, or digester in the tank and drive to a dump station. You don't need a flushing hose to dump.

While you're waiting for the tank additives to work, installing a couple of backup lights so you can back up at night might be a good idea.

A macerator pump may be a good thing to have for your situation, too. With that, you can dump at your house and not have to move.