Black tank/water supply question

[trdutch]

I'm on my first trip of the season and I'm camping at a friends so I'm in a closed sewer setup
I've not used the toilet yet but my indicator is showing 1/3-2/3 full
I'm hoping it's an indicator problem
But is it possible for fresh water (pump) or city (from my friends house) to be leaking into the black tank anywhere other than down the toilet opening?
Obviously I'm going to have an issue if the tank is filling itself
The toilet is not dripping or flowing unless flushed and my bowl seal is tight and holding a couple inches of water
I don't hear water running
This is the first time I'm camping in the unit (2860) where I'm not hooked up to a drain
I went a whole week in my old unit in a closed system last year
Any thoughts?
I'm hoping it's just a bad indication but I guess my only option is to empty the black valve into a bucket and see how much accumulated overnight

[Ashley]

It "Should Not Be Possible" for freshwater to enter the Black Tank anywhere other than the toilet. (With the exception of a Unit like mine where the Outdoor Kitchen Sink feeds into the Black Tank) The general rule is only the toilet is dumping into the Black, nothing else.

It does just sound like you have Dirty Sensors or an indicator messing with ya.

If you turn off the water so you can open the toilet, then look straight down into the tank with the valve/flap open you should be able to see the height of your liquid in the tank or I suspect lack of height.

[trdutch]

Thanks
I got a bucket and dumped
2 quarts of water and my orange toilet treatment
I poured it back in the toilet
I got a bad indicator

[bclemens]

Debris/sludge on the tank sidewalls will cause an improper reading.

We're proto-typing Horst Miracle probes. We tried the "sonar" style electronic ones and while they work pretty well with no false readings they have way to many electrical problems.

[trdutch]

Thanks BC
I'm very diligent with my cleaning but we all know it is a stubborn area

[DickiedooFlagman]

The tank level sensors that protrude through the tank sidewall are notorious for being inaccurate. Gunk from the inside of the tank fouls the sensor resulting in accurate readings. Flushing helps. Some try a bag of ice cubes while driving down the road to try and scrape the crud off. The black tank is most likely to give problems.

Here is a link to a company that makes sensors that work by 'viewing' the tank content level by 'looking' into the tank, not with sensors inserted through the sidewall of the tank. SeeLeveL RV Gauges by Garnet Technologies Inc.

[NYDP77]

It's probably a sensor.

I did read an article in Trailer Life were the author encountered a new trailer where the grey and black tanks mixed. Luckily it was new but they had the blue treated water from the black come out a grey drain in the trailer!

[DickiedooFlagman]

Originally Posted by NYDP77

It's probably a sensor.

I did read an article in Trailer Life were the author encountered a new trailer where the grey and black tanks mixed. Luckily it was new but they had the blue treated water from the black come out a grey drain in the trailer!

I read that article too, but don't have the magazine anymore. It sounds like an error in manufacturing. Our Flagstaff has three separate tanks, and three separate pull control valves. The black and one grey share one 3" drain pipe, and the other grey has its own 3" drain pipe.

[frozen]

Here's a great video showing how well ice cubes clean the black tank. Informative and fun. If the link doesn't work, do a search on "you tube ice cubes in black tank".

[craigi]

In regards to cleaning the Blk tank to try and clean off the sludge that may be causes the sensors to not read properly.
What if you hooked up a hose to a hot water supply and run it into your camode and filled the tank with HOT water, let it stay in tank (maybe take it for a small cruise around your area). Is that maybe a solution to breaking down the sludge.
Just saying!!!

Craig.......big daddy from the rice paddy 😳

[dave961]

If you aren't using the tank and the indicator rises, then you have a leak. if it doesn't move, then I would suggest liquid dishwasher soap, 2 bags of ice, and (before it melts) a ride with lots of turns - then dump - rinse - dump. I had a smell issue and two of these treatments made the inside of the tank very clean.

[trdutch]

I'm still learning this unit and that's where clarification of how my drain system was needed and I thank those who replyed
Like BC said these indicators are troublesome, thus new designs in the works
I have only camped in this unit 5 times
I've done the ice every time and of course I've used the handy back flush
System every time to the point of overkill and had perfectly clear water coming out every time before puting the unit back to storage
My tank could only be cleaner if a little man climbed in and scrubbed it.
Without starting a whole new thread on whats already been discussed ad nausium,I might try the Eco method of Black tank care cause the chemicals my not be as effective as I thought
Thanks again
Always Learning something new

[OldCoot]

We use the Blue Streak and instead of using their solution, I mix SuperClean and water in equal parts and a capful of Pinesol. After using this for 3+ months in FL the last 2 yrs, the tank is clean. When we dump at home, it is nothing but colored water and then clear. No smell.

I always thought the ice would work, but after seeing the video, it looks like a total waste of time and money.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

We use the Blue Streak and instead of using their solution, I mix SuperClean and water in equal parts and a capful of Pinesol. After using this for 3+ months in FL the last 2 yrs, the tank is clean. When we dump at home, it is nothing but colored water and then clear. No smell.

I always thought the ice would work, but after seeing the video, it looks like a total waste of time and money.

To compare (Apples to Apples) I believe OC is in the (Camp) of NOT putting the ( Used Toilet Paper) in the Black Tank! They store it elsewhere,therefore his (Indicator Probes) would Never have T/P causing false readings! Youroo!!

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by youroo

To compare Apples to Apples I believe OC is in the "Camp" of NOT putting the "Used Toilet Paper" in the Black Tank! They store it elsewhere,therefore his Indicator Probes would Never have T/P causing false readings! Youroo!!

Correct.

[DXSMac]

I tried that, it doesn't work. When I cook pasta, I try to dump the excess water down the toilet, same with potatoes. Because it's HOT water. Still doesn't work.

Somehow, I got my black tank sensors cleaned, they are working great. Don't know what I did. I am having trouble with my GRAY tank.

QUOTE=craigi;800228]In regards to cleaning the Blk tank to try and clean off the sludge that may be causes the sensors to not read properly.
What if you hooked up a hose to a hot water supply and run it into your camode and filled the tank with HOT water, let it stay in tank (maybe take it for a small cruise around your area). Is that maybe a solution to breaking down the sludge.
Just saying!!!

Craig.......big daddy from the rice paddy 😳[/QUOTE]