Waste water indicator fault

Waste water level indicator on the Sargent ec480 control panel has worked since we got our WXL in the summer showing various levels that changed with use and emptying (25,50,75%).

In the past week it is only showing full, with alarm going off despite me emptying it, good drainage flow and no sludge in drain water. I have had dishwater tablets through in approx half full tank and a long (65 mile) drive out yesterday. Drained again this morning but still showing full.

Any suggestions on next steps?

We will be using the van for day trips throughout winter as wife has limited mobility and the option to go out for the day while staying isolated is one we don't want to miss, so don't intend to drain down and winterise, instead will be parked on drive sheltered on two sides, hooked EHU with tank and internal heating on.

Thanks in advance

A well talked over subject on this forum.....search waste level indicators  if you want to read all comments.
Personally, with issues of incorrect readings, I tried dishwasher tablets without result, it was suggested to try soda crystals (available in supermarkets) which I did but found it needed a couple of rinse throughs after which produced a result.On a similar point,problems with freshwater readings were suggested to use citric acid which for me also produced results.
Maybe try a good rinse following your current attempt before moving on to another one.

I actually ignore the waste indicator.

You can do a couple of things apart from trying to clean the sensors, keep a check on how much fresh water you use or wait for the foul water to come up in the sink or shower tray
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Richard

There are 5 wires run from the EC500 to 5 studs in the tank. If the wire connected to the bottom stud is connected to any one other the 25% is indicated, two 50%, 3 75%, 4 100%. The connection can take place in the tank, on the outer surface of the tank or anywhere in the wiring loom (I've experienced damp in an underfloor connector). The indication could also be the result of a faulty EC500.

Update

I did two things and problem is now fixed.

1. Wiped down outside of waste tank where wires are attached but didn't seem to make any difference

2. I make my own surface cleaning solution with washing up liquid, vinegar and water which is brilliant for cooker, shower worktops and glass in th house. As a result I poured about 500ml vinegar down sink drain, followed by a couple of squirts of washing up liquid and ran water until fresh water tank went from full to 50% (starting with empty waste tank), this should have filled waste tank to over 50%. Went for a short run then left for s couple of days over weekend. Just been for another short run. Waste level showed 75%. Emptied and now shows 25%. Happy with result.

So can add vinegar to previous list of cures

white wine vinegar is oft mentioned as a cure in situations like this. mildly acidic, cuts grease and grime.

It was only reading posts like this that I discovered there actually was one! Still don't use it either!

Having used the "white vinegar" which comes in very cheap 1 litre bottles in France for many years I have now moved over to a few tablespoons of citric acid dissolved in warm water which is even more effective. a 5kg tub from Amazon is dirt cheap!

Butthat just deals with hard water scale - you still need a degreaser for the waste tank.

rgermain wrote:I actually ignore the waste indicator.

You can do a couple of things apart from trying to clean the sensors, keep a check on how much fresh water you use or wait for the foul water to come up in the sink or shower tray
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Richard

I've heard this sort of comment on here before, surely this doesnt really happen?
...I would hope there was a proper waste tank overflow that was made use of before that happened....

are you saying you could be emptying the washing up bowl in the kitchen and, if the waste tank was (nearly) full (which you might not realise due to the useless guage) it somehow siphons up into the shower tray? 

Hmmmmm, thats not nice, especially if thats followed by rinsing the sink and more water flows into the shower tray....what if that were to overflow?

I think our old Swift had a row of smallish holes punched along the top edge of the waste tank which acted as a breather and an overflow....due to a useless guage, i once let the tank overfill and this was when i realised there was a way out for excess water.

if i had a van that didnt have this sort of escape route, id make one rather than risk the above. the row of holes was a simple solution, surely better than washing up water appearing in the shower?