Black Tank Flushing Water Level Gauge

[16ACE27]

When flushing the black tank you normally have no way to know what the level in the tank is after you close the drain valve and continue flushing. Some use a battery powered flow meter to measure how much is going in but that's just another gadget to keep up with IMHO.

As my black tank is right there in the wet bay I decided to add a standpipe gauge. I ordered some clear 1/2" actual outside diameter PVC pipe from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0923QTYGG

Got 2 male adapters in 1/2" CPVC:


4' of 1/2" CPVC (only needed 2 inches) and four 1/2" CPVC street elbows.


I got a 1/2" NPT tap and drill set to drill and tap the holes in the tank. I used All Purpose Pipe Cement on the 1/2" adapters and screwed them into the tank.
On the elbows that the clear PVC went in to I glued in a short piece of CPVC pipe, cut it off, and drilled a 1/2" hole for the clear tube. Assembled and glued it in and tested it and it works perfectly - no leaks:

[Judge]

I use the digital flow meter but that is a slick, low-cost, low-tech solution!

I don’t think I have enough room to work with on my coach but I’m sure others can take advantage of this great idea.

Nice work! [emoji106]

[Lt Keefer]

Good work, but flushing a black tank is a waste of water.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

Good work, but flushing a black tank is a waste of water.

IYHO, not IMHO.

A black tank is a temporary storage tank, not a septic system. It is not meant to have waste stored in it for weeks or months at a time. As you can see by the water level in my pic my tank is clean when not being used.

[c1anchor]

Not sure how well that's going to work but, wow. Anyway, I have the same issue with my light gage not being truthful. My tech suggested next time I hit the road, try dumping a bag or two of ice down the toilet and let it rattle around some. Should help clean the gage sensor and the rest of the tank as well. Safe travels!

[Chateau_Nomad]

Could give a whole new meaning to "floaters"...