I've checked all the connections and added RV toilet treatment multiple times over the last few months. No luck. I'd rather not try replacing it and end up cracking the tank. I thought about adding a reader to the side of the tank, but I only have access to the top side. Any ideas?
I have 2008 Hunter 45 DS. The black water tank level indicator is no longer working.
- Thread starter Roger Holloway
- Start date
Can you be more specific with “no longer working”?
no clue what that means. Can’t flush? Can’t empty? Leaking?
no clue what that means. Can’t flush? Can’t empty? Leaking?
The head works fine. The level indicator doesn't work. I don't know when the tank is full and needs to be pumped out. It was working 6 months ago but now is stuck on empty and doesn't move at all.
I've been looking for a device that is battery powered, Bluetooth to my phone to an app to show my black water tank level that doesn't require any wires or that doesn't require direct access to the tank. I'm looking for a radar like device that will sit on the top of the tank since I have very limited access to any part of the tank other than the top.
What kind of tank level indicator? i can only assume you have an internal indicator float as you mentioned finding an external replacement.
Internal float indicators eventually stick. The environment in which they work isn’t where internal floats survive well. But at least now I understand what you meant.
External level sensors work based on capacitance, not radar. No such thing as the latter. And they require only 2 wires. They “sense” level, not distance. It’s not always easy but there is generally a way to access one side on which to mount a capacitance sensor with a little effort.
Internal float indicators eventually stick. The environment in which they work isn’t where internal floats survive well. But at least now I understand what you meant.
External level sensors work based on capacitance, not radar. No such thing as the latter. And they require only 2 wires. They “sense” level, not distance. It’s not always easy but there is generally a way to access one side on which to mount a capacitance sensor with a little effort.
I've been reading about these using AI and online. What do y'all think about this method?
Ultrasonic sensors that mount on top of the tank are your best option. They work by sending a sound pulse down through the tank wall and measuring the reflection off the liquid surface—no penetration, no wires into the tank, no contact with the contents.
Floatr — This is probably the closest to what you're describing. It's a purpose-built marine/RV tank level sensor that uses ultrasonic measurement, mounts externally on the tank, and connects via Bluetooth to a phone app. No wiring into the tank, battery powered. It's been gaining traction in the liveaboard community specifically.
Ultrasonic sensors that mount on top of the tank are your best option. They work by sending a sound pulse down through the tank wall and measuring the reflection off the liquid surface—no penetration, no wires into the tank, no contact with the contents.
Floatr — This is probably the closest to what you're describing. It's a purpose-built marine/RV tank level sensor that uses ultrasonic measurement, mounts externally on the tank, and connects via Bluetooth to a phone app. No wiring into the tank, battery powered. It's been gaining traction in the liveaboard community specifically.
For the present, remove the sensor from the top of the tank and see if it's only stuck. Major PITA but they can be cleaned up and returned to service for "Who knows how long ? "
Took me two months after buying the boat new before investing in a capacitance sensor.
Took me two months after buying the boat new before investing in a capacitance sensor.
Peggie Hall has mentioned many times that she has an estimate of how many gallons per day per person is used when pumping a head. It's in her book or could be found with a good search here and on other boating forums that she frequents.
For reference, when living aboard we fill a 30 gallon holding tank in about 7 days. This living aboard and not staying marinas. That's about 2 gallons a day per person.
Seeing that it is reading “empty”, it could be stuck in sludge on the bottom of the tank.
I got this “Sludge Build Up Removal” process. It’s a simple process of cleaning that only involves some of your time and some readily available household ingredients. And it works!
Try this and see. Worth a shot.
2 Cups of Calgon Water Softener…..to 1 Gallon of Hot Water
1 Cup of Liquid Laundry Detergent……to 1 Gallon of Hot Water
Pour both solutions into the tank through the deck fill. You’ll need a funnel.
Let it sit for 4 hours or more. Taking the boat for a ride won’t hurt the process and helps, if you want to.
After…..Go to the Pump Out Station, fill the tank with water, pump it out.
Rinse the tank with fresh water and pump out again.
I actually forgot where I got it from. It’s written on a small piece of paper I keep folded up with other “things that work” I have collected, but, I really believe Peggy Hall gave me the process.
Try it, might save you some work.
