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Topic: Outside Black Tank Monitor - Holding Tank Flusher (Read 555 times) previous topic - next topic
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Outside Black Tank Monitor - Holding Tank Flusher
Hi All you Black Tank Experts,

I would like to make the process of flushing the black tank as easy and fast of a one-person job as possible.  I have a 2007 26MB.  I'm thinking of going with a Flush King, but I would like to be able to monitor the level in the black tank, as the backfilling is occurring, from the outside.  What system would be the best, most economical, way of doing this?

Thank you very much!
Eric
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor?
Reply #1 –
Eric,

Try my method. Count to thirty then turn off the water. Flush and repeat. By the way this is California so try not to go crazy with the repeat.

I also use a wand through the top of  “thrown”.  If you want it to be super clean, good luck. Just get it to run clear through the “ Flush King”.

It does help to let the tank sit “full” with clean water and an eco friendly enzyme for a week to loosen “plaque” that has become stuck on the sensors. But that’s another story.

Good luck.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor?
Reply #2 –
Thanks for the tips.  Not a bad idea, and can't get cheaper than counting to 30 or so.  I might go high tech and use the stop watch app on my phone.  I wonder how long I can let it safely run up the Flush King, regardless of flow rate in the hose, and still be safe while getting the fullest flush...30 sec, 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, ???  Any ideas?
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor?
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
Eric,

Try my method. Count to thirty then turn off the water. Flush and repeat. By the way this is California so try not to go crazy with the repeat.

I also use a wand through the top of  “thrown”.  If you want it to be super clean, good luck. Just get it to run clear through the “ Flush King”.

It does help to let the tank sit “full” with clean water and an eco friendly enzyme for a week to loosen “plaque” that has become stuck on the sensors. But that’s another story.

Good luck.

Kent
Why "eco friendly" enzyme? Is it more effective than than other products that don't say that, or is it just a preference?
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor?
Reply #4 –
I’d start with 30 seconds. I’ve counted up a bit more but if your concerned about overflowing the “thrown” you can always peak down from the top. It won’t hurt anything and you can get a better idea of how much time you can allow the Flush King to back flush the system before turning off the water at the tap.

If you decide to use a wand, don’t leave it in the opening of the toilet bowl gate and allowing the gate to trap the wand. That can ruin the seal and you don’t want that.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor?
Reply #5 –
Eco friendly being “non-formaldehyde” digestive products. Formaldehyde is bad for the septic systems in the camp ground because it kills the enzymes they have placed in the tanks to decompose the waste.

As long as the black tank chemicals say “no formaldehyde” then your good to go. 🧐

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor?
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Morgueman  - 
Hi All you Black Tank Experts,

I would like to make the process of flushing the black tank as easy and fast of a one-person job as possible.  I have a 2007 26MB.  I'm thinking of going with a Flush King, but I would like to be able to monitor the level in the black tank, as the backfilling is occurring, from the outside.  What system would be the best, most economical, way of doing this?

Thank you very much!
Eric
I've used one for years and stay inside the LD as it fills and when the red level light comes on on the control panel, I race outside and turn off the hose. I do the same thing for the gray tank. Never have had an overflow.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor?
Reply #7 –
Most LD holding tanks are in the 28-32 gallon range. It take several minutes, with strong water pressure, to fill a tank.

I prefer in-tank flushers because they actually spray the inside walls of the holding tanks.
With most holding tanks, a Flush King just fills the tank and does not wash down the insides of the tank.
Here is our setup. It has been in use for almost 15 years.
Holding tank flusher | Flickr

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor?
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Most LD holding tanks are in the 28-32 gallon range. It take several minutes, with strong water pressure, to fill a tank.

I prefer in-tank flushers because they actually spray the inside walls of the holding tanks.
With most holding tanks, a Flush King just fills the tank and does not wash down the insides of the tank.
Here is our setup. It has been in use for almost 15 years.
Holding tank flusher | Flickr

Larry

Any particular in-tank flush product that you prefer based on effectiveness?
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor?
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
Eco friendly being “non-formaldehyde” digestive products. Formaldehyde is bad for the septic systems in the camp ground because it kills the enzymes they have placed in the tanks to decompose the waste.

As long as the black tank chemicals say “no formaldehyde” then your good to go. 🧐

Kent
Gotya...Thanks for clarifying!  ;)
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor?
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Most LD holding tanks are in the 28-32 gallon range. It take several minutes, with strong water pressure, to fill a tank.

I prefer in-tank flushers because they actually spray the inside walls of the holding tanks.
With most holding tanks, a Flush King just fills the tank and does not wash down the insides of the tank.
Here is our setup. It has been in use for almost 15 years.
Holding tank flusher | Flickr

Larry

Would I happen to be lucky enough to have one of the LD that the Flush King would actually be actively spraying right into the black tank versus a design in which the Flush King is merely used to calmly back-fill the tank?  I have a 2007 26' MB.  Thank you.
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor?
Reply #11 –
Quote from: Morgueman  - 
Would I happen to be lucky enough to have one of the LD that the Flush King would actually be actively spraying right into the black tank versus a design in which the Flush King is merely used to calmly back-fill the tank?  I have a 2007 26' MB.  Thank you.

When the holding tank is empty and the dump valve is wide open, if you can see the back of the tank, a Flush King will work fine.  The 23.5'-24' Twin/King is the only model I know of that has this arrangement on both tanks.

If the valve has a section of pipe leading away it to the holding tank, especially there are any turns, the flushing action will be limited.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor?
Reply #12 –
Quote from: Morgueman  - 
Any particular in-tank flush product that you prefer based on effectiveness?

Look at the photo link above, it has the details.
Amazon.com: Camco 40126 Tornado Rotary Tank Rinser with Hose: Automotive

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor?
Reply #13 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Look at the photo link above, it has the details.
Amazon.com: Camco 40126 Tornado Rotary Tank Rinser with Hose: Automotive

Larry
Thanks Larry...I really appreciate the link to the product on Amazon.  I had looked at the pictures from the link, but couldn't (and still can't) find where the details you mentioned are noted...I'm only able to view the pictures.  I'm sure I'm not doing something very obvious.
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor?
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Morgueman  - 
Thanks Larry...I really appreciate the link to the product on Amazon.  I had looked at the pictures from the link, but couldn't (and still can't) find where the details you mentioned are noted...I'm only able to view the pictures.  I'm sure I'm not doing something very obvious.

If you click on the Flickr photos, some have additional information.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor?
Reply #15 –

Eric-

I converted the LD to SeeLevel tank monitors. These were more accurate, and told me pretty clearly how fast the tanks were filling with the Flush King. I just had to stand by the door, then scoot around to shut off the water hose when the meter read around 85 percent. (Note: The was a mode that kept the display alive, so I would not have to keep pressing the "Test" button). In the latter days, I put a garden-hose shutoff valve in the hose such that it would be located right at the door, so I could cut off the water without the scoot.

On our current coach I use an inexpensive garden-hose water meter. Here's one model at Amazon. I have bought similar ones at some of the big-box home-improvement stores.

As Larry says, effective in-tank flush systems are worthwhile. The one in our current coach, combined with the tank shape (especially the slope of the tank bottom) is not that effective. I use it, but for end-of-season tank cleaning I much prefer the Flush King.

Mark H

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Former owner, 31-foot gas Class A
Former owner, 1997-8 mid-bath
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor?
Reply #16 –
All the motorhomes I have had I have installed the Camco-40123-Quickie-Flush-Preventer which is a non-rotary in tank spray nozzle. I tried the rotary one Camco makes but the spinning sprayer broke off after a while. Others had this same problem with the rotary sprayer. I added a few more small spray holes to the fixed spray nozzle and added three additional stainless mounting screws to the flange attached to the tank.  I am also fortunate to have the Rear Bath where I can just look down through the toilet into the black tank to see the true level of the water. No guessing required. This system has worked well for many years. I have a ball valve attached to the end of the dedicated water hose for quick-connect attaching to the flush inlet for controlling the water flow into the tank.  I have posted photos of the installation in my LD Forum photo album: "Coachmans Enhancements to Monty."   I turn on thee sprayer while dumping, then close the dump valve and let the tank partially fill again and dump again. Sometimes maybe three times until the water (viewed through the clear plastic adapter attached to the dump nozzle) runs clear. 

 
2026 Coach House 27' "Casa Azul"
2010 RB "Monty"  &  2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor - Holding Tank Flusher
Reply #17 –
Quote from: l1v3fr33ord13  - 
Eric-

I converted the LD to SeeLevel tank monitors. These were more accurate, and told me pretty clearly how fast the tanks were filling with the Flush King. I just had to stand by the door, then scoot around to shut off the water hose when the meter read around 85 percent. (Note: The was a mode that kept the display alive, so I would not have to keep pressing the "Test" button). In the latter days, I put a garden-hose shutoff valve in the hose such that it would be located right at the door, so I could cut off the water without the scoot.

On our current coach I use an inexpensive garden-hose water meter. Here's one model at Amazon. I have bought similar ones at some of the big-box home-improvement stores.

As Larry says, effective in-tank flush systems are worthwhile. The one in our current coach, combined with the tank shape (especially the slope of the tank bottom) is not that effective. I use it, but for end-of-season tank cleaning I much prefer the Flush King.

Mark H
Love the hose water meter idea!  Didn't know these exist...Thanks!
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
 
Re: Outside Black Tank Monitor - Holding Tank Flusher
Reply #18 –

I use one of the Camco flush wands

I shortened the PVC a few inches so it would fit in the "sewer" without crimping and breaking the clear plastic tubing.
At home I hooked it up and timed how long it took me to fill a 5 gallon bucket to giver me a baseline time to avoid overfilling.
(Confession time:  I was flushing a TT with separate black and grey water valves and BW flush inlet.  After filling the BW tank part way, I opened the valve [grey].  An brown cascade from the roof vent alerted me to my error  :-[  :-[  :'( ).
A lesson I'd rather have learned second hand.

Could not install flush system on the 31 IB - end away from the drain is next to wheel well.  Sides between frame and skin.  Oh well.

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE