I was just reading about people's grey water tank filling up first. I have the opposite problem, where my black fills first. The tank's sizes are 20 grey and 15 black. I only use the toilet at night; do dishes outside but dump the water inside in the bath sink usually.
My sensor does not read accurately either for the black tank so that doesn't help.
I am not physically able to pull a tote to the dump station so any suggestions?
My sensor is also worthless, always reading full even when it isn't. The sensor is sometimes a little better for a while after a good fresh water tank flush, but that doesn't last long. I usually rely on looking down the toilet with a flashlight and the flush valve open to see how full it really is.
If it appears to be full, it could be the sensor lying to you. Or, it you see it in the toilet, it could be a mountain of solids under the toilet causing a blockage. The solution to this is to use lots of water.
Because using lots of water in the black tank is a good thing (usually), the manufacturer of your RV could have helped you by routing some of the drains to the black tank instead of the gray tank. In my Winnebago, the bathroom sink drains into the black tank. It is entirely possible that your shower or kitchen sink empties into the black tank.
I did have a problem a while back with a mountain of solids in the black tank making a 1/4 full tank look and act like a completely full tank. The fix was to flush it out completely with the tank flushing system, then make sure I always had lots of water in the tank. After I dump, I fill and flush the toilet four or five times to start off with lots of water in the tank. Each time I flush, I follow with another toilet bowl of water. Since doing this, I have had no problems with the black tank.
Tom and Lynne
Tom is an Electronics Engineer, Lynne a retired teacher.
old rig is a 1988 Winnebago Superchief, just back from being on tour with the Blue Turtle Seduction (band)
new (our dream rig) is a 2003 Foretravel 38' U295
I have a quick-i-flush on my black tank. I use a couple cups of fabric softener down the toilet about every 4-6 dump and use the blue stuff. My sensors always work.
If you are still filling the black too fast, either use less water when flushing, use the campground's facilities a little more, or find a campground with full hookups.
Bath sink is sometimes connected to black tank instead of gray tank. (see above)
Pour your dishwater down the kitchen sink, and see if problem goes away before getting involved in other more complex possibilities. (you could also trace the piping to see how it's routed)
If you are still filling the black too fast, either use less water when flushing,
Mike
Boilermakers Local 592
Don't think that is a very good idea. I think we all know why
Fred & Jodie, dogs, Zoey & Bella
2007 Nissan Titan, 5.6L Big tow, Equli-z-er Hitch
2007 Forest River Salem 27RB LE
Member Titantalk.com
Nights camping 08 (43)
Rallies/Gatherings
IL
WI
Our Endura routes some of the grey water into the black tank. If you are at a full hook-up site, leave the grey tank open. Close it when you shower or do dishes just prior to dumping the black tank so you have rinse water. This way you aren't dumping grey water into the black tank if it is so designed. If you are dry camping then I would suggest doing as the others recommended-don't dump your dishwater into the bathroom. Also, some campgrounds have large sinks outside the restrooms-if you are physically able to carry the items over, you can always wash dishes there.
BTW, our sensors don't work worth spit, either. You also may have tp or dried matter stuck on a sensor. A good cleaning, either the Calgon method or a cleaning wand through the toilet may help.
On some rigs the bath sink is plumbed into the black tank because most people don't use enough water in the toilet, so maybe yours is that way?
Deen - Vancouver, WA
'02 Dutch Star 4090 (41+', triple slide)
435/1200 ISC Cummins/Banks PowerPak
'08 Honda Civic/dolly
'05 Honda Odyssey/dolly
NRA Benefactor Life Member
FMCA f47302s, Life Member: Good Sam, Newmar DP Owners Group
51st yr of RV'ing
Thanks for the info; I do use Calgon normally but I did wonder about the bathroom sink going to the black tank.
I only have the kitchen sinks. the shower/tub, toilet and bath sink....that's the extent of my water sources.
This past trip I used the CG showers, but did dump my dish water, just me this last time,in the bath sink because it has better drainage. I'll have to try using the kitchen sinks.
How would I trace my piping; I have a 22' unit and things are tight.
My Winnebago definitely dumps the bathroom sink into the black tank. When I am about to dump, I turn it on and let it run till the black tank is 2/3 full.
Bobbo, Linda and the furry kid (German Shepherd)
'07 Winnebago Outlook 31C on a Ford E450 Super Duty Chassis
NRA Life Member
Near N35 12 17 W89 50 57
The only way to realy tell if your bathroom sink goes into the Black tank is to emplty both tanks until no more water comes out of either. Close both valves, now dump 2 or more gallons of water in the Bathroom sink. Now open the black dump valve and if two gallons of water comes out, guess what? it is dumping into the black tank. If no water comes out of the black tank, then open the grey tank and see if two gallons comes out. This test can also be done with the kitchen sink and then with the shower so you will know which drains where. One of those clear sewer hose short extensions makes this test a lot easier as you can see the water come out when you do each test. My guess is because you are filling the black tank too fast, that indeed the bathroom sink is draining into the black tank.
Othertonka
2004 Southwind 32VS
2002 CRV Toad
U. S. Gear Unified brake system
Retired Fire Captain, SFD
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