Grey water tank monitors

[Biolerdad]

We have been having one of grey water tank monitors read full even after I empty them. How can I clean out tank to see if that is problem?

[KeithInUpstateNY]

When I got my used 2014 Avenger last year both the black tank and the gray tank sensors read full, even when they were empty. Not unusual with the black tank sensors, but I hadn't encountered the problem with the grey tank before. The previous owners had it on a seasonal lot and I suspect they just left the valves open to their sewer connection.

After boondocking for five months I have the top black tank sensor "clean" and the top two gray tank sensor reading correctly. I put TST and a healthy squirt of Dawn dishwashing detergent (to break up any grease) in both tanks after I emptied them. Some people also recommend using fabric softener, but I haven't tried it yet. I allowed the gray tank to fill until there was water in the shower pan to get a good flush. The first few times I emptied them there were globs of soap scum that looked almost like Crisco that came out. After emptying the tanks 10-12 times I'm still getting some chunks, but not as big or as many. To minimize grey tank problems in the future I use a plastic dish pan and dump the dish water in the toilet. I also switched from Dove soap to Pears, which is a glycerin based soap and produces a lot less soap scum.

[Biolerdad]

What is tst? We are new at this.

[KeithInUpstateNY]

Originally Posted by Biolerdad

What is tst? We are new at this.

It's a chemical that is usually used in black tanks to help break things down. But it seems to help with soap scum build up too from my experience. There are different versions, but here is the one I use:

Camco TST MAX Strength Orange Scent RV Toilet Treatment, Formaldehyde Free, Breaks Down Waste And Tissue, Septic Tank Safe, Treats 40 Gallon Holding Tanks, 32.oz (41192)

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Camco-TST-...-oz-4/14504342

[KeithInUpstateNY]

Originally Posted by Biolerdad

What is tst? We are new at this.

And since you are new to this, we've all been there and learn A LOT in the first year, if the top sensor is dirty it will always read full, so you have to fill the tank above that sensor reading to start working your way toward more accurate readings.

To be honest, many of us don't rely on the black tank sensors, they are just too difficult to keep clean given what is going in that tank. A visual check with the toilet valve open tells when when the tank is getting full.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by KeithInUpstateNY

And since you are new to this, we've all been there and learn A LOT in the first year, if the top sensor is dirty it will always read full, so you have to fill the tank above that sensor reading to start working your way toward more accurate readings.

To be honest, many of us don't rely on the black tank sensors, they are just too difficult to keep clean given what is going in that tank. A visual check with the toilet valve open tells when when the tank is getting full.

While the OP specifically asked about "grey water tank" sensors, I've found that my galley gray tank sensors are more often incorrect than are my black tank sensors. I've pulled a couple of the galley tank sensor buds and found them to be covered with what appears to be melted Hershey chocolate bars! I got some stuff in the mail today (recommended by members here) which I will use to try to clean off this gunk. I won't endorse the product until I try it.

[llr]

Originally Posted by KeithInUpstateNY

Some people also recommend using fabric softener,

FYI, Water softener like Calgon, not fabric softener

Edit: Even though it is generally a probe cleaning issue sometimes it isn't. I have had all sorts of inconsistent results since new on all 4 tanks, including the fresh water tanks. At the rally they replaced both parts of the control system and it may have helpd but still did not solve the issues.

[Scrapper]

Welcome to the world of RV lifestyle, Biolerdad. Though it doesn't answer your question of the tank sensors here is a thread on these forums that contains a lot of information you will find handy.

New to RV's helpful hints by wmtire

[Biolerdad]

Great. Thanks for the help!

[KeithInUpstateNY]

Originally Posted by llr

FYI, Water softener like Calgon, not fabric softener

Edit: Even though it is generally a probe cleaning issue sometimes it isn't. I have had all sorts of inconsistent results since new on all 4 tanks, including the fresh water tanks. At the rally they replaced both parts of the control system and it may have helpd but still did not solve the issues.

I wondered about that, but the posts I saw definitely said fabric softener from the dollar store.

[llr]

I'm not an expert but I have always heard water softener and that seems to make sense to me. The laundry detergent can be anything, dollar store, generic etc

[bedubya]

For $238 I bought the Garnet Instruments SeeLevel II. The set I got is for Fresh, Gray, galley, Black Tanks (+Battery Voltage). Easy install and they read density through the tank walls. They have a lot of configurations depending on number of tanks, tank height, with or without pump and/or WH switches. Read 0-100%.

[bedubya]

I was able to cut off the existing sensor and keep all my existing switches. Almost perfect.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by llr

I'm not an expert but I have always heard water softener and that seems to make sense to me. The laundry detergent can be anything, dollar store, generic etc

You are correct. WATER softener, not fabric softener. Fabric softener is a whole 'nother animal.

[jdkbrooks]

I'm a full-timer and my gray tank read 2/3 for months and I tried all sorts of chemicals. Finally a guy suggested I try borax so I dumped some in and about 3 weeks later my gauges work great. Must have some enzymes that take time to eat away the slug.

[llr]

Originally Posted by jdkbrooks

I'm a full-timer and my gray tank read 2/3 for months and I tried all sorts of chemicals. Finally a guy suggested I try borax so I dumped some in and about 3 weeks later my gauges work great. Must have some enzymes that take time to eat away the slug.

Borax is a water softening agent like Calgon but may do more, I am not sure

[grumpyoldman]

I see many posts in various forums about using Calgon or other water softening chemicals in your waste tanks. I have an "On-the Go" water softener installed in my RV which gives me softened water throughout. Would I still need to use Calgon in my waste tanks?