For many, driving an RV on the open road offers freedom and peace. But a broken black tank sensor can ruin that feeling fast. Traditional RV toilets flush waste into a black water tank. This is handy but hard to keep up with.
When the sensor fails, you have to guess the water level. This stress can cause real problems, like having to find a waste station suddenly or dealing with an embarrassing overflow. If your sensor is not working right, don't worry¡ªwe have a simple guide to fix this common issue.
Causes of RV Black Water Tank Sensor Failure
RV sensors often fail. This is because they are delicate. Most use probes, which are metal rods inside the tank. When waste touches a rod, it turns on a light on your control panel. The main issue is that buildup can cling to these sensors.
Here's why they fail:
- Dirt and Buildup: Waste, paper, and other debris can stick to the sensor. This creates a layer that stops it from working. This is the most common problem.
- Struvite in Urine: Minerals in urine can form hard crystals called struvite. These crystals cover the sensor and are hard to remove with a simple flush.
- Wrong Toilet Paper: Some toilet paper doesn't break down well. It can clog the tank or build up around the sensor, making it fail.
- Poor Upkeep: Not cleaning the tank regularly lets waste build up. This buildup will eventually cause the sensor to stop working.
How to Fix a Malfunctioning RV Black Water Tank Sensor?
Most black water tank sensor problems are caused by dirt and buildup, which can usually be cleaned with a few simple steps.
- Dry Method: After emptying the tank, close the valve and add one gallon of water, one cup of liquid laundry detergent, and one cup of water softener. Drive the RV for a bit to allow the mixture to swirl around inside the tank and clean the walls. Then, empty the tank again.
- Ice Method: This method uses physical friction to clean the inside of the tank. After emptying the tank, add a bag of ice cubes and one gallon of water to the black water tank. As you drive, the ice cubes will physically scrape away buildup, helping to clean the sensor. Empty the tank again when you arrive at your destination.
- Chemical Cleaners: If DIY methods don't work, professional toilet bowl cleaners may be helpful. These products are specifically designed to break down stubborn waste and mineral deposits. Be sure to follow the product instructions carefully.
- High-Pressure Washer: For stubborn stains, a high-pressure washer is the ultimate weapon. Insert the nozzle of the high-pressure washer into the access port on the black water tank and use a powerful stream of water to remove stubborn buildup from the tank and sensor. This method provides a deeper clean but requires specialized tools and skill.
If all the above methods fail, replacing the sensor may be a last resort. This is a more involved process and usually requires removing the tank access cover or the toilet itself. If you're not very skilled, it's best to seek the help of a professional technician.
Preventative Maintenance
- Adding extra water appropriately: To prevent black water tank clogs, sensor failure, and odors, it's worth using a little extra water. After all, once these problems arise, resolving them will not only cause you headaches but also cost you precious water and energy.
- Use RV-specific toilet paper: Make sure to use toilet paper designed specifically for RVs that breaks down quickly in black water tanks.
- Use a tank flusher: You can install a tank flusher or use a flush wand that extends into the toilet bowl to flush the tank and its sensor with a strong stream of water after each emptying.
A New Toilet Solution: Modiwell Dry Flush Toilet
While proper maintenance can resolve many sensor issues, some RV owners choose to eliminate the problem at its root. The Modiwell dry flush toilet offers a fresh approach.
Instead of flushing waste into a blackwater tank with water, Modiwell dry flush toilets use an automatic sealing system that seals waste in an odor-proof bag after each use. The next odor-proof bag is then automatically prepared for you.
- No Blackwater Tank: This system eliminates the need for a blackwater tank, requires no water, and seals the waste directly, eliminating common problems like odor, clogging, and, of course, sensor failure.
- No Odor: Because waste is sealed after each use, there's no unpleasant odor.
- Easy Disposal: Used waste bags can be disposed of simply and cleanly, just like diapers.
Summary
Whether you choose to improve your blackwater tank maintenance routine or opt for a modern solution like a Modiwell dry-flush toilet, understanding how your system works is the first step to a worry-free RVing experience. Happy traveling!
Which solution do you prefer? Stick with a traditional blackwater tank or consider trying a brand-new dry flush toilet?
For more information on dry flush toilets, visit the Modiwell website.
