Black Water Tank Light on Monitor Panel

[Shewbox]

Wondered if anyone had this problem and knows of a fix. Our black water tank light on our control pan is reading 1/3 full even when it's emptied. We have tried the putting ice and letting it "aggitate" and emptied it and let power flush run for a while until clear but still can't get the light to go back to "E". The grey water lights work fine and read empty. Any suggestions before we consider it a warranty item? Thanks in advance!

 

[Festus2]

Black water tank indicators are known to be unreliable - despite taking numerous steps to ensure that the tank is both clean and empty. The problem that you are having is very common and not easily solved. For years, I have never seen my black tank register "Empty" and I no longer worry about it.

I would continue to be diligent about keeping the tank well-flushed and when cleaned out after a trip, make sure you have a couple of gallons (or more) of water in the tank.

I doubt whether or not taking the unit in for a warranty claim for this problem will be of much use. It would be easy to say that "you aren't cleaning and maintaining the tank properly" and have your claimed denied or ignored.

Personally, I wouldn't bother taking it in for a warranty claim but that is your choice.

 

[SAABDOCTOR]

Next to where is the water pump located and my tank vales are labled wrong, that is the most common issue. As festus said and i too ignore it flush the tank well and enjoy the campin the sensors are well... Cra:d

 

[Shewbox]

thanks so much for the quick reply. It really is nice to have such a great resource on this forum. the next thing we need to study up on is getting bleach into our fresh water tank to sanitize that!! I think the only way to fill the tank is to hook up to the city hookup and flip the fill switch....gone are the days of sticking the hose in a pipe and filling!! But I do like all the other modern comforts!!

 

[curlyfungirl]

The best way to "see" if your black tank is clear is to install one of those clear black tank exit elbows. You will be able to see everything coming out and be able to know how many times you need to rinse it out.

 

[ctpd814]

thanks so much for the quick reply. It really is nice to have such a great resource on this forum. the next thing we need to study up on is getting bleach into our fresh water tank to sanitize that!! I think the only way to fill the tank is to hook up to the city hookup and flip the fill switch....gone are the days of sticking the hose in a pipe and filling!! But I do like all the other modern comforts!!

I would try partially filling the f/w tank and then disconnect the hose. Then use a hand pump like this to add the proper amount of bleach.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/plastic-winterizing-hand-pump-kit/4411

Then reconnect your hose and finish filling the tank.

 

[GaryWT]

We still have the opening to fill the fresh water but they seem to be making things harder. If you get your sensor to clear to show empty, chances are after a trip or two it will be wrong again. Have fun.

 

[DaveSewell]

Our tank light shows 1/3 full most of the time as well. There has never been any solids or even toilet paper put down our toilet. It's a peeing toilet only. When we get home I leave the valve open, after flushing prior to leaving the campground, and generally after a couple of days the light goes out. I'm thinking it does so after the black tank had dried out.

 

[GaryWT]

That is an interting method. We always have liquid in out tank. After dumping we add water and chemicals and all winter it has antifreeze in it. I rarely look at the sensors anymore, maybe on Sunday to see if I should add water before pulling the lever.

 

[BirchyBoy]

We had a little trouble with ours on our trip. I don't have a good feel for how full the tank is, so I got pretty good at dumping, filling/dumping, and then cleaning it out with a wand. It's a pain to have to do that, but I wish there was a better method. It also happened that we had a pile of TP right below the toilet, so we started to let it run longer when flushing.

 

[therink]

Like others have said, the sensors on the poop tank are pretty much worthless. I learned a long time ago to ignore them. The only oone I find to be accurate is the fw tank.
After a while you just get a feel for the level in the back tank and dump/flush when needed.
Steve

 

[mazboy123]

your black tank

this will not be covered by warranty so don't waste your time.

you can clean it but it will probably continue to be a problem so just dump when you think it is getting full or pick a regualar schedule.

for two people using their trailer they don't have to dump for probably two weeks....

 

[kiwi2000-KEY]

all of our sensors read full even through the best of our intents to properly maintain them.
I just ignore them now except for the battery indicator.
I am interested in this item by Camco the Tornado #40126 but I am wondering if it is like the black tank flush I already have.

Does anyone have any experience with it?

I could install them in the galley and gray and black tanks if they work.

 

[Sjohn8016]

We too have issues with our lights on our black water tank.
The first 2 lights always stay on even though it's empty.
Then my wife looked at me and said, those ain't important it's the other 2 light that matter. 3/4 and full.
But like most I don't rely on the lights. A flash light looking in the toilet lets me know.

 

[chuckster57]

High humidity in the tank can cause the lights to stay on. I've had to leave the valve open for an hour after dumping on some units.

 

[FusionFZ371]

I like to dump my black water tank at the rest area and then run 3 or 4 toilet bowls of water into the tank to slosh around on the way home. Then I'll re drain it at home and take a garden hose into the bathroom and wash down through the toilet. Works for me.