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Old 06-20-2020, 12:38 AM   #1
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Tank sensors

So our new used rig shows the black tank to be 2/3 full even after visiting the dump station this morning and having it connected directly to a sewer drain in our current RV park. So other than ignoring it, what is the easiest way to remedy this situation?

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Old 06-20-2020, 01:26 AM   #2
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Do you have a tank flushing system in the Blackwater tank?
After each trip: I put about a cup of dishwashing soap down the toilet after draining the tank. I then hook a hose up to my San-T-Flush, and put about five or so gallons of water in the tank. I then drain it, and keep repeating the process until I've got clear water coming out.
If nothing else: my stinky slinky ain't a bit stinky!
In theory: it should (MIGHT) clean the sensors in the tank.
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Old 06-20-2020, 02:34 AM   #3
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Do you have a tank flushing system in the Blackwater tank?
After each trip: I put about a cup of dishwashing soap down the toilet after draining the tank. I then hook a hose up to my San-T-Flush, and put about five or so gallons of water in the tank. I then drain it, and keep repeating the process until I've got clear water coming out.
If nothing else: my stinky slinky ain't a bit stinky!
In theory: it should (MIGHT) clean the sensors in the tank.
Do not have a flush system. Might invest in a hose sprayer thing.
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Old 06-20-2020, 03:53 AM   #4
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You can spend hours flushing/rinsing along with lots of $$$ on sensor cleaning products trying improve their accuracy & will have wasted both. I've had several different RVs in the past 40+ years & have yet to own one that those sensors were worth the voltage to illuminate the pretty red lights.
Learn the "burp" sound when flushing the toilet that will indicate it's about time to dump & ignore the sensors.
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Old 06-20-2020, 03:16 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by donblanco View Post
So our new used rig shows the black tank to be 2/3 full even after visiting the dump station this morning and having it connected directly to a sewer drain in our current RV park. So other than ignoring it, what is the easiest way to remedy this situation?
2020 RV, have two crap tanks, both sensors are wacked. We us enzymes, only RV toilet paper, water flush at dump station. we drive around with water in tanks, tried ice, etc. They never read right!! Same issues in our old 2016 RV.
Almost every time we dump, they both show 2/3's full! You think they have a better way to measure the tanks by now!
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Old 06-20-2020, 04:13 PM   #6
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Macdaddy brought up another point!
You do not have to pay the higher price for the crappy (pun intended) RV specific toilet paper, any 2 ply that the DW likes that states "septic safe" on the package will do just fine & won't make a bit of difference with the sensors.
The enzymes are typically a waste of $$ as usually aren't in the tanks long enough to do any good, but I'm guessing the parks septic system appreciates the added dose. Most any of the chemicals for your tanks are for odor control more than anything else, so if you want to use one pick one that smells good. Do not use PineSol in your black tank, it smells like you've been eating pine cones, not pleasant, BTDT! Also do not use bleach, it deteriorates the seals. A good shot of liquid dish/laundry soap with a gallon of water in the black tank after dumping will work as good or better than most of much higher priced tank cleaners. Also a 1/4 cup of cooking oil in the grey tanks 2-3 times a year helps keep the valve seals lubricated.
The key to the black tanks on RVs is plenty of water per flush, once it drops hold the peddle for another 5-6 seconds letting the water run in. NEVER EVER leave the black valve open when connected to a sewer hookup. If you want/need you can leave the grey valve open, just close it a day or so (at least a shower or 2) before draining the black tank so you have plenty of rinse for your hose after the black is drained.
Everything you ever wanted to know about the most unpleasant part of rving!
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Old 06-20-2020, 04:29 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by macdaddy1111 View Post
2020 RV, have two crap tanks, both sensors are wacked. We us enzymes, only RV toilet paper, water flush at dump station. we drive around with water in tanks, tried ice, etc. They never read right!! Same issues in our old 2016 RV.
Almost every time we dump, they both show 2/3's full! You think they have a better way to measure the tanks by now!
"They" do. It's an aftermarket add-on sonar system (Squids should get sonar) but will cost you extra $$.
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Old 06-20-2020, 04:44 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans View Post
Macdaddy brought up another point!
You do not have to pay the higher price for the crappy (pun intended) RV specific toilet paper, any 2 ply that the DW likes that states "septic safe" on the package will do just fine & won't make a bit of difference with the sensors.
The enzymes are typically a waste of $$ as usually aren't in the tanks long enough to do any good, but I'm guessing the parks septic system appreciates the added dose. Most any of the chemicals for your tanks are for odor control more than anything else, so if you want to use one pick one that smells good. Do not use PineSol in your black tank, it smells like you've been eating pine cones, not pleasant, BTDT! Also do not use bleach, it deteriorates the seals. A good shot of liquid dish/laundry soap with a gallon of water in the black tank after dumping will work as good or better than most of much higher priced tank cleaners. Also a 1/4 cup of cooking oil in the grey tanks 2-3 times a year helps keep the valve seals lubricated.
The key to the black tanks on RVs is plenty of water per flush, once it drops hold the peddle for another 5-6 seconds letting the water run in. NEVER EVER leave the black valve open when connected to a sewer hookup. If you want/need you can leave the grey valve open, just close it a day or so (at least a shower or 2) before draining the black tank so you have plenty of rinse for your hose after the black is drained.
Everything you ever wanted to know about the most unpleasant part of rving!


Disagree with respect to enzymes. When I store my machine between trips I make sure there is a good bit of water in the tanks and add an enzyme treatment. I believe it helps break down the gunk.
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Old 06-20-2020, 05:01 PM   #9
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"They" do. It's an aftermarket add-on sonar system (Squids should get sonar) but will cost you extra $$.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete'sMH View Post
Disagree with respect to enzymes. When I store my machine between trips I make sure there is a good bit of water in the tanks and add an enzyme treatment. I believe it helps break down the gunk.
For storage, yes add the enyzmes.
When traveling & dumping weekly, or more often, they do no good.
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Old 06-20-2020, 06:21 PM   #10
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RV Living

Where you get to play with your dookie twice!!
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Old 06-20-2020, 06:42 PM   #11
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"They" do. It's an aftermarket add-on sonar system (Squids should get sonar) but will cost you extra $$.

I am a retire sonar tech squid chief! Ha

Found these.
Gobius Pro, Bluetooth Level Indicator
$170 for one senors 330 for 3 sensor package.
Might get them for last ditch warning.

But I really want to use my RV app and display panel that is on my RV and phone.

I just ordered these to have put on our tanks since it is always in the shop!
Horst Miracle Probes

This pic of my levels after dumped and let rinse run for ten minutes on each tank!
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Old 06-20-2020, 06:53 PM   #12
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I am a retire sonar tech squid chief! Ha

SS?

Me? ETC(SS/Nuc) retired for longer than I was active.
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Old 06-20-2020, 07:25 PM   #13
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Surface dude was FFG system suit tech (fat bonuses) haha

I retired in 96, wife retired in 97. was CTO Chief
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Old 06-21-2020, 12:55 AM   #14
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RV Living

Where you get to play with your dookie twice!!
Truth hurts - made us laugh a lot on that one!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans View Post
The key to the black tanks on RVs is plenty of water per flush, once it drops hold the peddle for another 5-6 seconds letting the water run in. NEVER EVER leave the black valve open when connected to a sewer hookup. If you want/need you can leave the grey valve open, just close it a day or so (at least a shower or 2) before draining the black tank so you have plenty of rinse for your hose after the black is drained.
Everything you ever wanted to know about the most unpleasant part of rving!
This should be pinned! Excellent advice, thanks.
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Old 06-21-2020, 01:23 AM   #15
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Disagree with respect to enzymes. When I store my machine between trips I make sure there is a good bit of water in the tanks and add an enzyme treatment. I believe it helps break down the gunk.
Pete - what enzymes are you using...something like Ridx?

Thanks
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Old 06-21-2020, 02:00 AM   #16
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Pete - what enzymes are you using...something like Ridx?



Thanks


I use a powder called Happy Camper. There are others though.
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Old 06-21-2020, 02:03 AM   #17
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LPG isn't calibrated yet but I love our new tank sensors. Garnet See Level with Bluetooth. Can't get image to attach.

Only dumped once our last trip when I probably would have dumped twice or three times assuming we were close to full.

How many people use additives with every tank versus just while in storage?
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Old 06-21-2020, 11:30 AM   #18
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Old 06-21-2020, 12:00 PM   #19
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I use a powder called Happy Camper. There are others though.
OK, saw that one when I searched. Much appreciated.
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Old 06-27-2020, 02:39 PM   #20
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LPG isn't calibrated yet but I love our new tank sensors. Garnet See Level with Bluetooth. Can't get image to attach.

Only dumped once our last trip when I probably would have dumped twice or three times assuming we were close to full.
While this really appeals to the geek in me, just can't 'see' my way to $333 for this convenience. This might change after we've got some boondocking under our belts...
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