Community Forums

TRD · 03-13-2012, 02:18 PM

The readout (lights) indicates my black water holding tank is 1/2 full, when I know it is empty. I assume the sensor(s) are giving me a false reading.

Is there a way to check or clean the sensors ? If removing and manually cleaning them is my only option, I have a problem. I am not sure I can talk the DW into doing it

Terry

whem2fish · 03-13-2012, 02:29 PM

Google the geo method this helps clean sensors and leaves a slick surface there mat be store bought also

Senior Chief · 03-13-2012, 02:33 PM

Yes, you can clean them and no, it will not last very long.

Don't get too worried about it. Tank sensors are notoriously unreliable, and the "burp" when the black tank is nearly full will always tell you when to dump.

So, your 3 choices are, ignore the whole issue.

OR

Get one of the cleaning wands to put on the end of a hose (check Camping World) if you must try cleaning the sensors

OR

install some SeeLevel gauges- expensive but they work perfectly.

Steve N Sal · 03-13-2012, 02:37 PM

I found a product made by "Unique Natural Products". RV DIGEST-IT holding tank treatment. There web site is uniquemm.com. I've been using it and it really cleaned the sensors and we don't have an odor one coming from the black tank. You can have the fan running and flush and no odor at all. In my opinion great stuff.

BonesBarth · 03-13-2012, 02:38 PM

I have a wand type sprayer I use to clean out my black tank. It isn't one specific for the task but works well. When I wand out the tank, I have my wife hold the button for the black tank reading. When the fan spray from the wand hits the sensors, the 4 LEDs (E, 1/3, 2/3, F) freak out. My wife lets me know when that happens and I spend extra time spraying in that area.

When I shut off the sprayer, the only light that should be on is the E empty indicator. On occasion there will be several lights on. I just hit the sensors with the fan spray a few more minutes. This system has worked great for me.

I forgot at add that my tank is a direct drop. If your tank isn't, this won't be as easy.

steelheadbluesman · 03-13-2012, 03:14 PM

You are getting material hanging on the sensors inside the tank. When they stay damp, you get false readings. You can 'wand' your tank EVERY time to get correct readings, but it won't last very long, OR.... If the wiring is easy to get to, and it should be, just buy some outside sensors, cut the original wires and hook to the new sensors, leaving the old sensors in place. The new sensors have peel and stick backing so attaching them to the outside of your tank is easy. The sensors I have are attached to the outside with aluminized tape. Hope this helps

BonesBarth · 03-13-2012, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelheadbluesman

You are getting material hanging on the sensors inside the tank. When they stay damp, you get false readings. You can 'wand' your tank EVERY time to get correct readings, but it won't last very long, OR.... If the wiring is easy to get to, and it should be, just buy some outside sensors, cut the original wires and hook to the new sensors, leaving the old sensors in place. The new sensors have peel and stick backing so attaching them to the outside of your tank is easy. The sensors I have are attached to the outside with aluminized tape. Hope this helps

I agree bluesman. I wand my tank every other dump. I don't get many falses but I also will say that tank size can play into it also. I have 28 gal each, gray and black. I forces me to dump more often so the black tank gets cleaned more often too. Really it comes down to what floats into the sensors. Not much you can do when the sensors are inside the tank.

When the time comes, I will put in slightly larger tanks with external sensors.

Paul Nauss · 03-13-2012, 04:35 PM

I wand my tank a couple times a year and always on the last trip out. I always have false readings. I always dump at the end of each stay in a rv park. Then I know if a do a black top between camp sites, I will be ok for a day or so.

steelheadbluesman · 03-13-2012, 05:17 PM

Guys, this is a REAL easy fix. Just abandon the old 'in tank' sensors (they're embedded through the tank wall and can just stay there, just clip the wires), hook the existing wires to some new outside sensors. Trust me, it will work. 15 minutes with some tape and a wire crimper. Then you won't have to dump so often... and no worries