Community Forums

schrederman · 08-23-2016, 12:41 PM

One of my RVing friends just presented me with an idea he had about sticking black tank indicators. He said he puts 10 pounds of crushed ice in his black tank just before starting his drive. The motion of the trailer scours out the black tank sludge and liquefies everything in there, clearing the float and making his indicator read correctly. He dumps it as soon as he gets to a dump site or to a site with a sewer. Has anyone else done this? Does it work? I have to admit it makes sense.

EV2 · 08-23-2016, 12:53 PM

Check the test....
https://youtu.be/iH6acEmqvcw

sledwest · 08-23-2016, 12:53 PM

There is a video on youtube of this with a clear tank to show that it does not work.

F4Gary · 08-23-2016, 12:53 PM

Doesn't work that well.

TonyMac · 08-23-2016, 12:58 PM

However, I've heard of a big dose of liquid fabric softener and a trip along some twistys making everything so slippery in there that nothing sticks. Anyone know of any test results one way or the other? What about chemical effects to the internals of the black tank?

egwilly · 08-23-2016, 07:45 PM

To me, if you have to resort to these antics, you are not draining and flushing the tank enough.
I use ample water and some Dawn detergent, and I'm done. If there are any residual odors, half cup of bleach takes care of it.
Start clean, keep it clean.

schrederman · 08-23-2016, 09:39 PM

I have a brand new one that hasn't even been christened, yet, but it has a half cup of Dawn and a half cup of fabric softener and about 5 gallons of water in it. I'm sure preventions such as these beat any cure anyone can come up with... other than replacing the whole thing... Thanks for the replies and debunking by bud's wild idea...

Old-Biscuit · 08-23-2016, 09:48 PM

Ice is expensive water.

Ice is for cocktails...not waste tanks.

GEO Method helps.........but why are folks so OCD over waste tanks?

Tank gets FULL..dump it. Quick rinse/flush ----add a few gallons back in so bottom of tank doesn't dry out........done

Toilet 'burps'.....time to dump
Sink/shower draining slower than usual...time to dump
On board pump goes.....burrrrrrrrrrrrrrp----need more fresh water

Simple

coldfusion · 08-24-2016, 06:23 AM

I use a few cascade complete dishwasher soap packets and fill it up with hot water before I drive then dump it

Indy54 · 08-24-2016, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Ice is expensive water.

Ice is for cocktails...not waste tanks.

GEO Method helps.........but why are folks so OCD over waste tanks?

Tank gets FULL..dump it. Quick rinse/flush ----add a few gallons back in so bottom of tank doesn't dry out........done

Toilet 'burps'.....time to dump
Sink/shower draining slower than usual...time to dump
On board pump goes.....burrrrrrrrrrrrrrp----need more fresh water

Simple

Yep. These tank products are an example of the RV supply industry "creating" a need for product. After all, there's poop down there. As many have said here before, if the tanks are maintained AND used properly, there is never a smell in the coach.

TDI-Minnie · 08-24-2016, 07:04 AM

The ice trick is good for breaking up solids like the dreaded "pyramid" but there is not necessarily a "stuck" sensor.

The sensors are a sequence of electronic devices that send a signal that they are either under water or not.
It's not like a float in a sump pump.

When you get a false reading, it's because there is sludge coating the wall of the tank where the sensors are.

I find hosing the tank out with a wand is most effective, but a very temporary.

bruce91 · 08-24-2016, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schrederman

One of my RVing friends just presented me with an idea he had about sticking black tank indicators. He said he puts 10 pounds of crushed ice in his black tank just before starting his drive. The motion of the trailer scours out the black tank sludge and liquefies everything in there, clearing the float and making his indicator read correctly. He dumps it as soon as he gets to a dump site or to a site with a sewer. Has anyone else done this? Does it work? I have to admit it makes sense.

When I got our last coach none of the sensors were close to reliable. Who knew how the maintenance was done before. I tried many cleaners, sensor cleaners, some helped a little but not reliable so I started the following.

After a trip, I raise the right jacks up a bit to get good empting ( you'ld be suprised how much remains on level) , a through cleaning, flushing with the onboard system AND a auxiliary wand with the spinning head down the toilet for another good flush.

Then before it's put away till the next trip I fill the tank up all the way with water and a toilet pack. This has kept my sensors working. I am able to do this as i live in florida and have no worries of a freeze.

I am fortunate to have a sewer cleanout plug in my driveway so i can take my time to do a through cleaning.

1bigmess · 08-24-2016, 10:35 AM

Happy Campers. Used according to directions, it's not really an expensive option to other toilet chemicals, and those that use it swear by it.
Happy Campers & Healthy Boaters RV and Boat Odor Removal

rpierrie · 08-24-2016, 12:13 PM

I like to rinse the tank via the Black Tank Flush connection until I see clean water through the see through clear fitting. Then I close the black tank, fill it and empty it again.

When I am ready to leave, close the tank, add ~ 5 gallons of water before I disconnect the hose from the flush connection. Now just add 1/4 bleach to the bowl.

Figure this does two things; 1) that water will slosh around while driving, and 2) I have water already in the tank starting out on the next trip.