Black Water Tank

First thing, don't get overly concerned about cleaning the black tank. It's a holding tank.
Next, don't be too concerned about keeping the sensors clean. They're known for being inaccurate.

You probably need to lubricate or replace the black tank valve seal.

Did you try The Geo Method for the black tank?

I have been using the "geo method" for years with great success. The valve pull handles and seals stay easy to pull and seal great. I find no reason to not use the toilet as that's what it's designed for. We use septic tank approved toilet paper and use the tank flush system regularly. As said before the sensors are just a guide at best.

Suggest also that you install a black tank flush system or use a hose end wand.

Suggest also that you not worry about a perfectly clean black tank. Reality is, its a temporary holding tank for bodily waste. You are not sleeping in it, you are not storing fresh food in it, your kids are not playing in it.

So, don't worry about it. Use it as it was intended and enjoy your camping.

So, let me get this stright...you don't use the potty for anything, yet you worry about the valve sticking!!! Why??? If you don't use it for what it was intended, why worry.
Remove the tank and use the added room for storage, and remove the potty and make a second shower or better yet, a bathtub.
Problem solved.
Grumpy

I have always wondered how many of us really don't use the potty for what it's for? We certainly do, and don't care what's in the tank or how full it is. Some people even have a separate disposal for the paper, ewww....

I can just imagine, waking up at 3 am, having to go, but it's pouring rain. Gotta hold it cause you can't use the potty.

grumpy

I personally prefer to use my own bathroom facilities and not the campgrounds. I have never had a problem with the black tank yet. I feel that with good maintenance there should be no problem with drainage.

As for the tank sensors working correctly, they have never worked right, but I am OK with that as the commode lets me know when it is time to dump. JMO

There is actually a thread on another forum about an owner who refuses to let anyone use the potty for anything. Says it will kill the resale value if the black tank is "dirty".
Honest, I'm not making it up.
Grumpy

I, also, do not understand the "won't use the potty for solids" rationale. It is no different dumping a tank with only #1 in it that with both #1 and #2. One is not nastier than the other. I, also, do not understand the "won't put paper in the potty" rationale. Same argument.

Now, I agree with the "no feminine products" rationale. Those can stop up the system.

And, those "flushable" wipes, ain't! My Mother discovered that in her S&B house a few years back. Cost her a few hundred $$$ to learn that lesson.

Now for the part where this actually pertains to the OP. I don't do anything extra for either of my tanks. I do put a blue stuff packet down the toilet after dumping the tanks, although I am not really convinced that it helps anything. If I ever do spring a leak, at least I will be able to tell which tank it comes from by the color. I did add a Tornado Tank Rinser to my black tank. When I dump at home using my Flojet Macerator, the tank rinser is an absolute necessity. When I dump at a dump station with the stinky slinky, it is less important.

I just don't understand the mentality of those who think they can't use the toilet in their rv's....or those who think they need chemicals to keep the odors down. Stories get started by someone who really doesn't have a clue and pretty soon that story gets passed on and expanded to the point that it becomes fact.

Texas Roadrunner....The only real difference between your toilet at home and the one in your rv the quantity of water required and/or used. So it just stands to reason that if you use lots of water when flushing the toilet or when draining the black tank, you can use the rv toilet just like you do at home. Granted, if you boondock, this is counter productive as it will fill the tanks very quickly...but you get the point, I'm sure.

Sensors are notorious for going bad, but I have found that when ever we travel, I will drain the tanks first, put about five gallons of water back into the tank and then put in a cup full of liquid laundry detergent. The motion of the rv going down the road will cause a cleaning action within the tank and pretty much keep the sensors clean also.

Don't be afraid to use your rv toilet...it's your friend when in need.

Ron