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Old 03-11-2014, 03:38 PM   #1
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This black water tank guage drives me nuts...

Basically my black tank monitor is always saying it's 75-100% full even when I know it's completely empty. I've talked to a few people at various campgrounds and they have also experienced it. Is this just one of those to be expected things where accurate black tank monitoring is nearly impossible?

If so, how does one know when it's nearly full without any reliable guage? Will the toilet basically back up? Thank the Lord that hasn't happened to me yet but with a family of five, I'm dreading that day.

Any special cleaning at the beginning or end of the season that may get that guage functioning better? So far I've flushed it out using a hose and shooting water down the toilet but to no avail.

Thanks,
Chris
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Old 03-11-2014, 03:49 PM   #2
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I look at the black tank gauge like I look at those who hope for peace in the Mid East or the ones who always worry about global warming.

It's never gonna be accurate unless you invest in another sensor. I quit thinking about it.

A family of 5 will need to dump the tank every 3 days or so.
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Old 03-11-2014, 04:41 PM   #3
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When you flush the toilet it goes straight down into the black water tank. You can look straight down into the toilet when you are flushing and into the tank and see what the level is. When it is full you will see it is right at the top of the tank. If it is over full your flush will go no where. I try and empty my black water tank at no more than 75% full.
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Old 03-11-2014, 06:39 PM   #4
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Is this just one of those to be expected things where accurate black tank monitoring is nearly impossible?
If so, how does one know when it's nearly full without any reliable guage?
Chris
I'm on my second fifth wheel and neither black tank sensor worked accurately. There are only two of us and we've been RVing long enough to know that we can go exactly one week between dumps. I've heard people say that you will hear a "burp" when the black tank is nearly full but I've never gotten it full enough to hear that. It probably doesn't sound right but after awhile you will know how many days you can go before dumping. Good luck and try to relax...
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Old 03-11-2014, 06:46 PM   #5
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The stock black tank sensors are almost useless.
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Old 03-11-2014, 08:52 PM   #6
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Get ya some of these....

http://www.horstmiracleprobes.com/how.php

Nuff said....
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Old 03-12-2014, 03:57 AM   #7
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We have used our trailer numerous times and the black tank sensors still work perfectly (for now). I attribute this to proper black tank use, including proper chemicals, sewer juice (do a search), lots of water, proper RV toilet paper, and extra care and effort when dumping and flushing the tank at the end of a trip. We'll see what this next season brings!
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Old 03-12-2014, 09:26 AM   #8
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Before you hit the road, almost fill the tank with water, add some DAWN dish soap and/or RIDX. A good sloshing going down the road usually rids the sensor of whatever has stuck to it. I have the same problem right now because we've been in the same spot for 4 months. I will do the above before we start to head for home. And I always use the back wash when I empty, but sometimes things just seem to get 'stuck'.
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Old 03-12-2014, 05:05 PM   #9
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Before you hit the road, almost fill the tank with water, add some DAWN dish soap and/or RIDX. A good sloshing going down the road usually rids the sensor of whatever has stuck to it. I have the same problem right now because we've been in the same spot for 4 months. I will do the above before we start to head for home. And I always use the back wash when I empty, but sometimes things just seem to get 'stuck'.
What he said but also throw in 2 of the JUMBO bags of ice from Wally Mart or equivalent. Dump when you arrive at your destination.

Oh, and try not to sweat the readings too much! The best way to really get a grasp on how full your black tank is to have your wifey step on the toilet gas pedal and then you stick your hand down there to see how deep it is. Anything much past the distance from your middle fingertip to your wrist and I'd dump it soon.
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Old 03-12-2014, 07:06 PM   #10
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What he said but also throw in 2 of the JUMBO bags of ice from Wally Mart or equivalent. Dump when you arrive at your destination.

Oh, and try not to sweat the readings too much! The best way to really get a grasp on how full your black tank is to have your wifey step on the toilet gas pedal and then you stick your hand down there to see how deep it is. Anything much past the distance from your middle fingertip to your wrist and I'd dump it soon.
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Old 03-12-2014, 09:01 PM   #11
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3 of us takes about a week, I just look down when I flush. Mine has never worked. I can tell by the sound of the flush if it's full now heh heh.
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Old 03-12-2014, 10:22 PM   #12
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The best way to really get a grasp on how full your black tank is to have your wifey step on the toilet gas pedal and then you stick your hand down there to see how deep it is. Anything much past the distance from your middle fingertip to your wrist and I'd dump it soon.
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Old 03-13-2014, 12:22 PM   #13
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Oh, and try not to sweat the readings too much! The best way to really get a grasp on how full your black tank is to have your wifey step on the toilet gas pedal and then you stick your hand down there to see how deep it is. Anything much past the distance from your middle fingertip to your wrist and I'd dump it soon.


Absolute funniest thing I've read in WEEKS!
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Old 03-13-2014, 07:55 PM   #14
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i installed the horst probes as well and have not had a problem since...
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Old 03-14-2014, 06:58 AM   #15
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I may put them on the black tank some day. Not at the top on my list.
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Old 03-14-2014, 07:40 AM   #16
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The standard gauges almost never work or they fail soon after the first few trips. Just push the toilet peddle and look down with a flashlite. It will tell you all you need to know.
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Old 03-14-2014, 04:37 PM   #17
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Yardstick?
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Old 03-15-2014, 10:44 AM   #18
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a dipstick!!!
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Old 03-15-2014, 11:57 AM   #19
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I use one of those wands and spray the tank after a few trips. It keeps the stuff off of the sender.
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Old 03-19-2014, 05:45 PM   #20
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Basically the gages on rvs do not work well. You can buy see level gages for a price. They go on the out side and I am told work well. Pricey though. Greyhawk885
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