Black Water Tank Monitor

[annlaurie51]

We are driving a 2011 28 ft Breeze and have put approximately 7700 miles on it. In just the past couple of days, the black water monitor indicates that the tank is 2/3 full or full even though we know it's empty. We use it lightly (urine only and no tp) so the seniors are not likely to be funky. Is this something to worry about or likely a monitor issue we can live with? Thanks, we are newbies and I worry about stuff.

[radams]

Hmmm, what's wrong with funky seniors . . .

[radams]

It's nothing to worry about. Water level monitors are notoriously inaccurate and prone to failure. It can be managed by visual inspection of the level through the open toilet ball so you can empty when required.

If you're still under warranty have the dealer check it out for you. If you can find the cables that go from the sensors to the module you could try removing and replacing it to be sure it's seated securely. Or, you might try cleaning the cable ends with a contact cleaner to ensure a good clean connection. You could also switch the cable to the black tank with the cable to the gray. If the problem moves to the gray but the black is accurate then the sensor is suspect. If the problem stays with the black tank then it's probably the level monitor itself. Then you can decide whether you want to replace the affected components yourself.

Good luck with your coach and happy trails!

[Not a Clue]

My black tank always said one third full. Found out one of the sensors, located on the outside of the tank had fallen off. Put it back on and all was good.

[Steve N Sal]

Being it is a 2011 I would assume you have a warranty. If your on the road I would find a dealer possible in your area and have them check it. If you can't find one I would at least call the dealer where you purchased it so they document the problem and you can get it looked at when you get home. It's really not that big a deal but with a new rig you at least want everything to be working properly.

[gkgeiger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by annlaurie51 We are driving a 2011 28 ft Breeze and have put approximately 7700 miles on it. In just the past couple of days, the black water monitor indicates that the tank is 2/3 full or full even though we know it's empty. We use it lightly (urine only and no tp) so the seniors are not likely to be funky. Is this something to worry about or likely a monitor issue we can live with? Thanks, we are newbies and I worry about stuff.

My 2012 32BR has bad tank gauges also. My black tank always reads 2/3 full and my grey tank always reads empty, even when the water won't drain from the sinks.

[paz]

Waste water tank level gauges are notoriously inaccurate because of the buildup of crud on the sensors. One of the first things I did when we bought our motorhome in 2005 was to install SeeLevel gauges on all the tanks. Some of the best money I have spent. I think Tiffin offers the SeeLevel gauges either standard or optional on some of the higher end coaches.

[jlyon69]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paz Waste water tank level gauges are notoriously inaccurate because of the buildup of crud on the sensors.

You're 100% correct. This is why I only use "bacterial" additives in both tanks. The bacteria eats FOG (Fats, Oils and Grease) as well as turns solid waste into liquid and CO2....with no smell. This keeps the sensors clean and happy.

[Sumar]

Annlaurie....we have a breeze also, and agree sensors no matter what type of coach you have can be either defective or have "stuff" on them causing them to be inaccurate..however you said you used no toilet paper. So I have to ask...

Is this a new occurrence ? Since you have 7700 miles on it, you must have emptied it before..did it go to zero or at least 1/3 full?

Did you use the backwash to see after it was emptied if you got anything else to come out? Is the backwash working? Mine had a kink in the hose and was not working.

When you try to empty the tank..level the motor home so it is higher up on the ps and lower on the DS to help drain it. See if this helps.

We did have the SeeLevel installed which puts the sensors on the outside of the tanks instead of the inside...just because we had them on our previous coach and know how much more accurate they are. They measure in 2% increments..not 1/3, 2/3 full.

You would not be able to see if the tank is full or not by looking down " the hole", as there is a bend in the drain. At least there is in our 32, not sure of the 28.

Bottom: no harm in having a faulty gauge if you know it's emptied, BUT it should be working properly.
Have the dealership check it out especially if back flush doesn't work.
Sue

[ssmayer]

It is possible that the monitoring circuit board is bad. I just replacfe mine (took 5 minutes) and for the first time the gauge is acccurate. My board was made by JRV industries. It is on a Dolphin,.

[Coached]

"not using it much" could be the problem. If you empty it frequently it becomes even worse. These tanks like to be 3/4 full before emptying. Put a half to two thirds tank of water, along with your favourite septic additive and take it for a good drive, letting that stuff slop around in there. Let it sit for awhile and fill the tank almost to the top. Now pull the black jacknife blade while someone flushes the toilet. That does it for us; we go through this procedure every now and then even though we have tank flushers, sani*con, etc. Oh, and it's ok to use toilet paper in these systems you know ... Good luck.

[yudamann]

I also replaced the OEM sensors with SEE LEVEL external sensors. No more problems. It is a DIY project if you are handy with electrical wiring.

[Cruzer]

SeeLevel is the best way to go.

[historyljc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruzer SeeLevel is the best way to go.

+1 Mark is right.