RV Fresh Water Tank Sensors Not Working | Issues I Faced and Overcome

As an RV owner, I know the frustration of having a freshwater sensor that’s not working. It’s like having a car with a broken gas gauge. You never know when you’re going to run out of water, and that can be a real problem, especially when you’re camping in remote areas.

I’ve had my RV for a few years now, and I’ve had my fair share of problems with the freshwater sensor. It’s either given me inaccurate readings or stopped working altogether. While working on it, I found out that in my case, the wiring was creating the mess, however, there can be other reasons behind this issue.

In this article, I’m going to share my experience with fresh water sensor problems, and I’ll explain how I have solved the problem as well as will share other reasons and solutions.

Reason 1: Clogged sensors

This is the most common cause. Over time, minerals and other debris can build up on the sensors, preventing them from accurately measuring the water level.

Solution

To clean clogged sensors, you can use a commercial tank cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water.

Pour the cleaner into the tank. Follow the instructions on the cleaner label for the correct amount to use. If you are using a mixture of vinegar and water, simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bucket.

Let the cleaner sit. This will give the cleaner time to break down the debris that is clogging the sensors. The amount of time you need to let the cleaner sit will vary depending on the type of cleaner you are using and the severity of the clogging.
Flush the tank. Once the cleaner has had time to sit, flush the tank to remove the cleaner and debris. You can do this by connecting your RV to a water source and opening the valve.
Test the sensors. Once the tank is flushed, test the sensors to see if they are working properly. Fill the tank with water and check the monitoring panel to see if the sensors are reading correctly.

Reason 2: Corroded sensors

Corrosion is a chemical process that causes metal to deteriorate. It is caused by the reaction of metal with oxygen, water, and other chemicals in the environment.

RV freshwater tank sensors are typically made of metal, so they are susceptible to corrosion. Over time, the sensors can become corroded, preventing them from making contact with the water and providing accurate readings.

Solution

If the sensors on your RV’s fresh water tank are corroded, you may be able to clean them using a wire brush. However, if the corrosion is severe, you may need to replace the sensors.

To clean corroded sensors:

Empty the tank.
Disconnect the sensors from the wiring harness.

Use a wire brush to scrub the corrosion off of the sensors.
Rinse the sensors with clean water.
Reconnect the sensors to the wiring harness.

Fill the tank with water and test the sensors.

If the sensors are still not working after cleaning, you will need to replace them.

To replace corroded sensors:

Empty the tank.
Disconnect the sensors from the wiring harness.
Remove the sensors from the tank.

Install the new sensors in the tank.
Reconnect the sensors to the wiring harness.
Fill the tank with water and test the sensors.

When replacing corroded sensors, be sure to buy the correct size and type for your RV. You can find the correct sensors by contacting the manufacturer of your RV or by consulting with a qualified RV technician.

Reason 3: Faulty wiring

If there is a problem with the wiring that connects the RV fresh water tank sensors to the monitoring panel, the sensors will not work. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:

Corroded wires: Corrosion can cause the wires to become brittle and break.

Loose connections: Loose connections can prevent the sensors from making contact with the wiring.
Damaged wires: Wires can be damaged by rodents, pests, or by being pinched or crushed.

If you suspect that there is a problem with the wiring, you can inspect it visually. Look for any signs of corrosion, damage, or loose connections. If you find any problems, you will need to repair the wiring.

Solution

If the wiring that connects your RV’s fresh water tank sensors to the monitoring panel is faulty, you will need to repair it. This is best done by a qualified RV technician.

There are a few reasons why it is best to have a qualified RV technician repair the wiring:

Safety: RV wiring can be complex and dangerous to work with if you are not familiar with it.

Expertise: A qualified RV technician has the experience and expertise to quickly and accurately diagnose and repair any problems with the wiring.
Tools: A qualified RV technician has the necessary tools and equipment to repair the wiring safely and effectively.

If you are not comfortable repairing the wiring yourself, you can take your RV to a qualified RV technician. They can inspect the wiring, diagnose the problem, and repair it quickly and accurately.

Alternative to RV’s Fresh Water Tank Sensor

If you’re having trouble with your RV’s fresh water tank sensors, there is an alternative. you can use a water flow meter instead of a sensor in a freshwater tank. In fact, water flow meters are often more accurate than sensors, especially in older RVs where the sensors may have become corroded or damaged.

To use a water flow meter in a freshwater tank, you will need to install it in the water line between the tank and the faucet. Once the meter is installed, you can calibrate it by filling the tank to the top and then adjusting the meter so that it reads correctly.

Once the meter is calibrated, you can use it to monitor your water usage and to determine when the tank is full or empty. To do this, simply watch the meter as you use water. The meter will read the total amount of water that has flowed through the line.

When the tank is full, the meter will read zero. As you use water, the meter will read a lower and lower number. When the tank is empty, the meter will read the total amount of water that the tank can hold.

Water flow meters are a relatively inexpensive and easy way to improve the accuracy of your RV’s freshwater tank monitoring system. They are also a good option for older RVs where the sensors may not be working properly.

Final Thoughts

If your RV’s fresh water tank sensors are not working, don’t panic! There are a few things you can do to fix the problem. If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting the problem yourself, you can take your RV to a qualified technician.