black tank sensors

[rafael33155]

i drain the black tank and the sensors showed 2/3 full i bought cascade with dawn drop 2 cups and 5 gallon of hot water and started my 7 hour journey to my next destination when i got to the next campsite i connected the black open the the back tank, drain it all close it filled it with water 3 times to clean all the cascade and it work got empty tank on the sensor

[K0LCB]

I doubt if they stay that way long

[TLightning]

quote:Originally posted by K0LCB

I doubt if they stay that way long

Agree, it'll be back to "normal" shortly.

[1retired06]

Sounds like you did get success, and it would be great if you can keep them that way. We gave up on sensors about six trailers ago.

[Fire5er]

At least you will know what to do when it gets messed up again.

[DQDick]

We gave up and put sensors on the outside of the tanks. I had to do it. People kept saying I was full of crap and I couldn't prove them wrong

[Art-n-Marge]

DQDick... you're still full of crap and you certainly don't need sensors to prove it. Sorry, couldn't resist. You set yourself up nicely. For you serious folks, just know DQDick is one of the most helpful members of this forum.

I, too gave up on sensors. I have two grey tanks, one black tank and the fresh water tank. Most times the sensors indicate 2/3 or completely full even after they've been dumped. It's been a long time since they've operated correctly. The only one that works is the fresh water tank, and I rarely boondock, therefore don't use it. When set up with full hookups, every couple of days I drain both grey tanks, then on the third time, I dump the black, then follow with the two grey tanks. This method has been working fine so far. Sometimes, if I forget, the grey tanks are full and the shower starts to back up. Then as soon as I can, they are dumped. If the black tank gets full too fast, it starts to burp, then it's dumped, followed by whatever is in the greys. Regardless, the scheduled procedure has been working fine.

It's nice to know Calgon might be a way to temporarily clean things. Kinda makes sense since the stuff is supposed to make things real fluid and therefore the sensors gets temporarily cleaned. Even though I've heard this from this and other forums, I'm not sure I'd add another thing to do that's temporary since I use the above method that seems to be pretty reliable but not perfect.

[WaltBennett]

Been traveling with a box of Walmart dishwasher soap for years and pour some in after dumping along with some chemicals and water before heading out on the road almost every time. Part of hooking up at the next stop is dumping what's in the black tank. Still can't rely on the indicators, but this does keep the odor down and it does help me sleep better knowing that tank's nice and clean !

[WeBeFulltime]

I prefer to travel with empty black/gray water tanks and only 1/2 or less in fresh tank. Don't like having the extra weight and stress on the inadequate tanks. I don't worry about what the gages on the tanks read...I dump them when they get full.

[1retired06]

Agree, we always try to travel with all tanks empty

[Fire5er]

We have never had an issue with gauges until the Big Sky. But we empty when full and don't worry about lights. I also travel with empty tanks due to not wanting the extra weight. The BS weights enough without adding more weight.

[waynemoore]

Never even look at the gauges. When in a park I leave the two grey tanks open except when I empty the black tank. I then close the grey tanks for two days prior to the black tank dump to use as flush water. I do use the auto flush for several cycles (valve closed) for about two minutes each cycle. Then for oder I use Walmart blue chem, power Calgon and RV ridx. Works for me. Travel with empty tanks except fresh and that is only about 1/3 full. Don't need the weight or damage caused the liquid splashing arround on out great smooth highways.

[TLightning]

quote:Originally posted by waynemoore

... Then for oder I use Walmart blue chem, power Calgon and RV ridx. ...

If you are getting any odor from the black tank, you have a problem with your plumbing system. Odor control products for the black tank is a scam, just like the oil companies saying to change your oil every 3,000 miles.

[richfaa]

We rarely have used anything in our tanks other than lots of water.