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black water gauge

dpgerson
Explorer
Explorer
My Black water tank gauge always says full, even after I empty it and nothing comes out. I empty it into a 35 gallon blue portable tank so I know that most or all of the junk comes out.

My question is this: Is there a way to fix this so I know about how much is in there?
2004 Alpenlite Sante Fe 11.5 with slideout
2006 F350 V10 with camper package and air bags
8 REPLIES 8

Dr_Bobs_Patient
Explorer
Explorer
I have the same problem. Been at the same spot for 6 months and my BW tank reads either 3/4 or full. There's also a tank flush system that I use with a clear elbow at the hook up so I know when clear water is flowing. I know when it's getting full by how the toilet water flushes. When empty fluids circle and drains. When its full, there's quick bubble that forms before the fluid drops. It usually can go 7 to 10 days before full with just the two of us
I keep doing that which I cannot do in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

mileshuff
Explorer
Explorer
I found that there was no way my tanks would be clean by simply opening the valve. Either install a tank sprayer or use a King Flush and back flush it several times when dumping. Never a problem since doing so.
2014 Winnebago 26FWRKS 5th Wheel
2007.5 Dodge 2500 6.7L Diesel
2004 Dodge Durango Hemi 3.55 (Used to tow TT)

gery_L
Explorer
Explorer
I had the same problem. Ice, DAWN and in-tank spray-flush have been tried. No avail.... Toilet does not go straight down into the black tank, so wand will not work.

So, I installed these and there is no longer a problem. Have worked for over a year.

Gery_L


http://www.americanrvcompany.com/Valterra-T21301VP-Tank-Probe-Black-Water-4-Pack?gclid=CI_03O-p69MCF...
2008 '40' Dutchman Victory Lane 5th wheel Toybox
2006 Chevy Silverado 3500 Duramax Diesel 4x4 Dually

Dick_B
Explorer
Explorer
Dawn and Calgon. The ice treatment was debunked in a test video. I think the back flush, several times, worked the best according to that same video.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2011 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two electric bikes (both Currie Tech Path+ models)

Second_Chance
Explorer II
Explorer II
As Dennis said, forget the ice - it melts too quickly. Search the forum(s) for "geo method." There are variances as to the geo approach to cleaning tanks, but they all work pretty well.

Rob
U.S. Army retired
2020 Solitude 310GK-R
MORryde IS, disc brakes, solar, DP windows
(Previously in a Reflection 337RLS)
2012 F350 CC DRW Lariat 6.7
Full-time since 8/2015

DutchmenSport
Explorer
Explorer
If you are permanently parked, or parked long term without moving the RV, it is difficult to keep the sensors clean of gunk. If you drain your tank completely, then add 5 - 10 gallons of water drive it around, the sloshing on the sensors will clean them. You can throw some laundry soap or dishwashing soap down the toilet too to help clean the tank too. When you stop, drain the tank. If this does not work, you can try the various chemicals as others will mention. I don't have problems with my sensors, because I keep some water in the tanks (3-4 gallons in each tank) when traveling. I've found this is really the best cleaning method. Simple, and costs nothing. Never a problem with mine.

Dennis12
Explorer
Explorer
DPGerson,
Had the same issue that you are having. Forget the ice, it does very little, you can look that up on the net. Go to Amazon and buy a Valterra A01-0184VP Master Blaster Tank Wand, there cheap.

When you know that your tank is completely empty fill it with hot water and overdose with dawn dish liquid. Let in tank overnight. Drain you black tank, leave valve open. Stick the wand down the toilet with hose on high and keep twisting the wand at different depths. Look at gauge, it should be working. Fill tank again and flush. Problem solved
Dennis Hoppert

rbrand
Explorer
Explorer
It is a common problem. The senors get clogged or covered with TP and become useless. I've had this problem and tried dumping Ice in the tank and going for a drive. Worked a bit. Dumped lots of cleaners into the tank. Worked a bit.
Finally I installed tank flusher. After you dump you connect the flusher and it sprays and cleans the contacts as well as the tank.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000BUU5TU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2E8YK0LMG31U2&coliid=I1WI01YBZJO3G1&psc=1
The less you plan the more options you have.

Currently with a 26' Forest River Class "C"

Ex Navy Diver
Ex Archaeologist
Ex Museologist
Actively retired