RV black tank sensors are notoriously unreliable, so it’s important to know other ways to tell when your RV black tank are full or almost full. Here are a few methods:
- The “burp.” This is the most reliable way to tell when your RV black tank is full. To do it, simply step on the toilet plunger and see if a bubble comes up. If it does, your tank is full.
- The smell. As your RV black tanks gets full, it will start to smell worse. If you can smell the waste coming from the toilet, it’s time to dump the tank.
- The sound. When your black tank is full, you may hear a gurgling or bubbling sound when you flush the toilet. This is because the waste is backing up into the toilet bowl.
- The level. If your RV has a black tank level indicator, you can use that to gauge how full the tank is. However, these indicators are often inaccurate, so it’s best to use the other methods as well.
How Often Should You Dump Your Black Tank?
The frequency with which you need to dump your black tank depends on a number of factors, including the size of your tank, the number of people using it, and how much toilet paper you use. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should dump your black tank every 3-5 days.
What to Do After You Dump?
After you dump your black tank, it’s important to add fresh water to the tank. This will help to dilute the waste and prevent it from solidifying. In addition to the other methods mentioned, you should also perform the GEO Method to the tank. This will help to kill bacteria and prevent odors.
Here are some additional tips for keeping your black tank clean and odor-free:
- RV test toilet paper
- Flush the toilet after every use.
- Dump your black tank regularly.
- Clean the toilet bowl with a mild cleaner.
- Vent the black tank regularly.
- Water is your “friend” the more water in the tank….. the less smell
By following these tips, you can help to keep your black tank clean and odor-free, so you can enjoy your RV without having to worry about the unpleasantness of a full black tank.
Bonus Tip:
If you’re ever in doubt about whether or not your black tank is full, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and dump it. A full black tank can be a major inconvenience. As a result, it is best to take care of it as soon as possible
We hope to see you on the road some day, until then, stay safe
Jimmy & Lisa travel in their 2022 Keystone Fuzion 428. They also strive to video everything they do while RVing around the country, then publish it on their popular YouTube channel.