What is the process to clean RV tank sensors?

Oct. 22 2022 RV Tips By Sophia James

RV tank sensors are straightforwardly used to know when your tanks are empty. But many people don’t realize the fact that they also need to clean. Even if you clean the tank sensors but maybe you don't know the exact way how to do the job. But fortunately, it's easier than you think and you can regularly maintain your RV tank sensors that will work better for a longer time. Now first the question arises what are tank sensors?


What are tank sensors?

When the holding water tanks are full the army tank sensors let you know. Mostly you have sensors for both black and grey water tanks. When you need to empty your tanks these sensors tell you and if these sensors don’t work properly then anyone can guess that they are full. Over flowing tanks is not something that you want to deal with every day. In addition to your black and grey tank sensors, there can also be a sensor for a freshwater tank. This fresh water tank only holds clean drinking water so you don’t need to clean this tank’s sensors. To keep your drinking water safe it is a good idea to regularly clean your freshwater tank.


How do RV tank sensors work

These sensors give five different types of readings. You can expect to know when the tank is empty, ¼, ½, ¾, or full on most types of RVs. Each one of these sensors is present on the tank sidewall. The full sensor is found almost closest to the tank's bottom while the full sensor is present at the top. When your tank is at a specific level then the sensor gets activated which results in turning on your monitoring panel's light that indicates. After that, you will know how much space is left in your tank and when you should drain all the water by paying attention to these indicating lights.


Suggestions for cleaning your RV holding tank sensors

When gunk builds up the tank sensors stopped working the solution to this problem is to clean out all the tanks. There are different ways to go about this you can follow the following suggestions to clean your tank.


  • Use a tank-cleaning wand
  • There are many types of commercial products that can be used for cleaning purposes of your RV tank sensors. Usually, a tank cleaning wand is used for cleaning purposes of the Black water tank. The Wand gives high-pressure water that planes all the sidewalls of your tank sensors.
  • Use an enzymatic tank cleaner


You can also use an enzymatic tank cleaner. When you are dealing with the substantial waste these enzymatic cleaners do the heavy lifting. This Cleaner helps in breaking down the waste into small substances. After that when you dump your tank's water these smaller substances also flush out with that water to prevent sensor issues and clogs.


Soak your tank with dishwasher detergent

Before your next road trip, you must add a cup of dishwasher detergent for example cascade in water tanks. The sensors identify how much water should be in your tanks but you should not feel it more than halfway. While using a dishwasher detergent you should make sure that you are using a detergent that is designed to be used as an automatic dishwasher. There are two reasons for using dishwasher detergent it will not form up and it also contained very effective softening agents. That’s why detergent will help to break down oils and grease and also helps in softening the other residue so that it comes from the walls of the sensor.


Have your RV holding tank power cleaned

The last option to clean your clogged tank sensors is to have the tank power washed. It’s just kind of a colonic for your recreational vehicle. You can also call an RV technician who will use a specially designed high-pressure washer that will insert up through your tank dump valves. One most important thing that can block your tank sensors, Even it is the non-penetrating kind that levels right through the tank walls and it is a mineral which is called struvite. This mineral crystal is made up of ammonia, magnesium, and phosphate which are present in wastewater. It’s just that you have to clean your water tank sensors unless it becomes a big problem for you. Actually, cleanliness is something that is very important to prevent different diseases and to protect your children and family from infections.


RV dealers in Tennessee, Arkansas and Alabama are always eager to provide you best RV services. Make an appointment in our company and enjoy the services of professionals.