Don’t Let Faulty Tank Sensors and Leaks Ruin Your Durham County RV Adventure

RV holding tank problems can turn a perfect camping trip into a nightmare. Whether you’re exploring the scenic beauty of Durham County’s Triangle RV Park or enjoying the natural wonders near Jordan Lake, malfunctioning sensors and tank leaks are among the most frustrating issues RV owners face. Understanding how to address these common problems can save you time, money, and stress during your travels.

Understanding RV Holding Tank Systems

In most cases, an RV tank sensor is mounted on the inside of your tank but some models are mounted on the exterior. Sensors are typically situated in several spots vertically on your tank wall, and the number of sensors varies from model to model. When the level of water in your tank reaches each sensor, they act as conductors, completing a circuit and lighting up that level reading on the sensor monitor box. Most RV fresh, black, and gray water tanks are made of spin-cast or rotocast high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Common Sensor Issues and Their Causes

Sensors are just circuits that are waiting to be completed by the water level. This means that anything that is covering the sensor (even if it’s not water) can cause the circuit to report tank contents have reached that level when in reality, they have not. This problem is fixed by cleaning the debris off the sensors.

If your RV black tank sensors are giving false readings, residue buildup is often the culprit. Black water tank sensors misread because poop and toilet paper are caked on the sensors and gray sensors misread because they become layered with grease and oils. Hair and hygiene products like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste will end up inside your gray tank as well (which can cause nasty odors); the combination of these items and food grease can make for a powerful concoction of slime that can easily cause tank sensors to misread.

Identifying Tank Leaks

One way or another, leaking water will find its way to the ground, so any time you’re parked on dry pavement and you see signs of a puddle or active dripping under your rig (of what appears to be clear water) means you have a problem. In some situations, though, leaks can be a bit slower and sneakier. In these instances, you might notice that your sensors show a decrease in water even if you haven’t been using any. If you’re not sure where all your water’s going, a leak is likely the culprit.

Professional Repair Solutions

For Durham County travelers dealing with persistent tank issues, professional help is often the best solution. RV holding tanks are typically made from polyethylene plastic, which does not adhere well to most adhesives. Therefore, you’ll need to use a special glue that is compatible with polyethylene plastic if you plan to patch the tank. Access may be the biggest obstacle here and may require a fair amount of creativity or professional help.

When DIY solutions aren’t sufficient, seeking professional rv repair in durham county, NC becomes essential. Stream RV, located in Creedmoor, NC, stands out as a trusted partner for RV owners in the Durham area. Trusted, integrity, and respect are the bedrock of our company, and we’re proud to say that these values are translated into the services we provide our customers.

Stream RV: Your Durham County RV Repair Experts

At Stream RV, we make buying an RV simple and stress-free with expert guidance and personalized service. As a small independent dealership, we take pride in offering high-quality, carefully selected RVs, including rare and hard-to-find models. Stream RV offers personalized service and repair for all types of RVs, campers, motorhomes, food trucks, travel trailers, 5th wheels, and horse trailers. Don’t get lost in the shuffle dealing with large high-volume dealers – we are locally owned and operated and strive to address the individual needs of each customer.

Located in Creedmoor, NC, we are only 25 minutes from the “Triangle” formed by Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Catch a flight to Raleigh-Durham International airport (RDU) and you can be at our place in under 30 minutes! This strategic location makes Stream RV easily accessible for Durham County travelers who need reliable holding tank repairs.

Cleaning and Maintenance Solutions

Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing sensor issues. Cleaning black tank sensors is an easy process using Restore-It; repeating the process may be necessary to remove stubborn waste from the sensors. Cleaning grey tank sensors is an easy process using grease-eating Dawn Ultra dish soap.

For gray tank sensors, fill your tank with water (as high as the highest misreading sensor). Pour 20 ounces or more of Dawn Ultra down your RV’s kitchen sink line (if you think you’ve added enough, add a little more; the more you add, the tougher it will be on grease). Let this sit in the gray water tank and pipes overnight while you sleep. In the morning, open your gray tank valve and dump the tank.

When to Replace Sensors

When sensors still misread after multiple cleanings, they may have mineral deposits on them or the wiring that connects the sensor may be damaged. In both cases, the sensors will need to be replaced to read accurately. When sensors DO misread, it is usually a matter of needing to clean the holding tank to remove any debris or build-up from on or around the sensor. However, sometimes even with extensive cleaning, RV sensors can still misread. When this happens, there is usually an issue with the wiring or with the controller that shows the liquid level in the tank.

Warranty and Quality Assurance

Stream RV stands behind their work with comprehensive warranties. We source quality parts and complete the repair or service as soon as possible to get you back on the road right away. We warranty our workmanship for 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. We work with insurance companies and warranty providers to make the repair process as easy as possible for you.

For Durham County RV enthusiasts who want to enjoy the area’s abundant camping opportunities without worrying about holding tank issues, Stream RV provides the expertise and reliability you need. We have the knowledge required to work on both new and old models. We work on Forest River, Keystone, Jayco, Heartland, Dutchmen, Coachmen, Grand Design, Chinook, and many other brands. Don’t let sensor problems or tank leaks cut short your adventures in North Carolina’s beautiful Triangle region – trust the professionals who understand both your RV and your travel needs.