By Dustin Simpson
I’m sure at some point you’ve emptied your tanks only to find that your sensors are reading full. RVs require maintenance, and this includes the holding tanks, too! Over time, holding tank sensor probes build up with sludge/scum and this is what causes incorrect readings.
I want to introduce you to Thetford’s Level Gauge Cleaner. It is specially formulated to dissolve tissue, waste, sludge and soap scum buildup. The 100 percent biodegradable liquid works with both black and gray water tanks on all RVs. The Level Gauge Cleaner prevents buildups and restores level sensor operation fast.
Here are some additional highlights of Thetford’s Level Gauge Cleaner:
VERSATILITY: Thetford’s Level Gauge Cleaner is designed to work with all RVs.
FUNCTIONALITY: Dissolves tissue, sludge and soap scum buildups, restoring level holding tank sensor operation fast.
UTILITY: Prevents buildups on probes and tanks when used regularly.
CONVENIENCE: Formulated to work with gray and black water tanks.
SAFETY: Level Gauge Cleaner is 100% biodegradable.
More from Dustin
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You can (and I did!) use any type of tank/sensor cleaner that you want. The problem will occur the next time you use and fill the black tank. I was nervous as a newbie and trying everything until I learned how to determine the blank tank level. Dump, rinse, use lots and lots of water and no issues with my sensors not working properly for the last three years! I clean our tanks with Dawn dish liquid, so economical and less frustrating!
Just want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving from a grateful Canadian who had our Thanksgiving last month!
Please explain your procedure for cleaning your tanks and how much Dawn you use. What type of RV and how big are your tanks?
Hi Robert,
I have a 2020 Montana 35′ 5th wheel. I have installed a “blade valve” at the end of my discharge tube. After dumping the black tank, I close the blade valve and open one of my grey water valves so that my grey water back flushes the black tank. Then close the grey, open the black to help with flushing the tank. Works great!
After all tanks are empty, I put about 5-10 gallons of water into the black tank along with about 1 cup of Dawn detergent. Normally that’s it! Every few months I do the same, but fill the black tank 90% full and drive around to slosh the liquid all over the inside of the tank. Empty the tank, and all good!
Thank you
Thanks, Leonard, one of our good friends to the north.😊 We hope you have a wonderful day, too, even though it’s not officially Thanksgiving up there. Take care.🤗 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank you
I don’t care what you do, or what you use. Tank sensors are a joke. Even the fancy schmancy after-market tank sensors are questionable at best. We’ve learned over time how long we can go with both tanks when boondocking. Even the freshwater sensors are inaccurate (how can THAT be?). Listen to the sounds from your tanks for clues.
Thanks for info.
Dustin, I’ve used and will continue to use Thetford’s product. It helps, but is far from a ‘solution’ to the problem. The missing ingredient for us is agitation. We are seasonally stationary and without the mechanical bounce, the sensor level cleaner softens, but doesn’t flush the sensors clean. And the OEM built-in black tank flush really doesn’t do anything in regards to the sensors.
My best solution so far is to install a shut-off to the toilet, bring in Camco’s flexible wand with its spinning power washer, and equip it with a flush wand valve prop. I have always been able to return, temporarily, full function to tank sensors.
Thank you for sharing with us.
I use the “Geo method”. A cup of Calgon, a cup of Dawn, and 5 gallons of water.
You’d be surprised how little sloshing takes place as you drive. There is a youtube video for that too.
Dawn is really not recommended as it makes tons of suds that are not drained out and will cause a soap scum build up on the walls and bottom of the tank. It’s a great grease cutter but you should really think about using a liquid laundry detergent (Oxy-clean) that not only has very low suds but also is designed to work in cold water. Just a heads-up for you.
No chemistry needed, after I dump the black tank I add water for five (timed) minutes. Then dump the tank again. Grey just gets dumped when full. After 11 years of this, the original sensors are still reasonably useable. I think the critical function is not letting them dry out. We are full time so the tanks are almost always in use.
Thank you, Dustin!
Thanks for reading. You’re very welcome.