Common RV Tank Sensor Issues Handled by RV Masters

Are You Experiencing Issues with Your RV Tank Sensors?
Why Does This Happen?

You rely on all parts of your RV to work properly; however, there might be issues that arise with your RV tank sensors from time to time. One of the most common problems that we encounter regarding RV tank sensors at RV masters involves sensors that are incorrectly reading “full” when the tank is actually empty or only partially filled. Why is this the case?

RV Tank Sensors Are Detecting Residue Buildup

Often, we find that RV tank sensors are reading full incorrectly not because the sensors are broken but because there is a lot of residue that has built up on the sensors themselves. If you know that you dumped your tank before you left the last campground but the sensors are still reading full, the sensors are probably not broken but are reading improperly because they are dirty. Especially when it comes to the black tank, the likely culprit is toilet paper and other biological waste sticking to the sensor causing it to read as if the tank is still full or partially filled.

How Do RV Tank Sensors Work?

Most RV tank sensors complete a circuit using a low voltage electrical system. The sensors are mounted on the sidewall of the tank at the top. Each sensor head is placed on the inside of the tank. Then, the sensors descend in a line along the body of the tank itself. If the tank is empty, then no sensors are covered and the gauge reads empty. Gradually, as the tank fills, more sensors are covered until the tank is full. This is how the tank sensors read the contents of the tank and report it to the driver. If the sensors are coated in grime then they may trip the electrical circuit of the sensors unnecessarily, leading to an incorrect reading. Even non-RV approved toilet paper could lead to an incorrect reading. This can be solved by cleaning the sensors with a specialized cleaning product.