To put this delicately, you have to keep track of how much “stuff” is in your holding tank or the “stuff” may overflow and end up on your floor. Sure, you could reach in, or do it the old-fashioned way with a stick, but neither of those is really a good idea. And, if you have a black or opaque gray holding tank, you can’t just peep in with a flashlight either. Your best bet is to have a holding tank sensor; the style you choose will depend on your needs and your preferences.

 External Sensors   An external sensor mounts outside of the holding tank and then lets you know what is going on inside with an easy to read sensor panel. Alerts let you know when it is time to empty the holding tank. An external sensor has many benefits including:

•  No need to remove and clean
• No damage to parts because it is outside of the tank
• No need to reach into the holding tank to maintain, remove or clean
• No special tools needed for installation

 Standard Length Rod Sensor

 For holding tanks that are 36” deep or less, this rod sensor is easy to install and use. It can be used in metal walled tanks and is available in lengths from 6 to 36 inches. There are no moving parts to these rods, so there are minimal damages, and only minimal cleaning is necessary. Installation is simple and can be done without special tools or knowledge.

 The standard length rod sensor is perfect for both fresh and waste water tank monitoring.

 Extended Length Rod Sensor

 If your tank is deeper than 36 inches, you will need the extended length rod sensor which comes in sizes from 36 to more than 48 inches long. There is virtually no difference between the standard length and extended length rod sensors other than in their size.

 Monitoring your holding tank is easier than guessing and finding out that you were off for any reason. Before you wake up to most of the holding tank’s contents on your floor, install a sensor to keep track of how things are going.

 Before installing a holding tank sensor, make sure that you speak to a knowledgeable dealer who can help you make the right choice for you and your personal needs.

External Tank Sensor

It’s a very necessary fact of life; we all have to do it at some time. Whether we use the old-fashioned, water-wasting toilets or the more eco-friendly composting type, we all have to go.

For an RV owner, the choices are a little more limited, especially in areas where water is at a premium and no one is willing to spare any for your toilet! Most RV owners just use a holding tank model which can cause more than a few problems.

First, there is always the problem with smells from the holding tank. Second, there are the problems that come from trying to keep it clean; harmful chemicals are hard on the users and even harder on the environment. Holding tanks can become overfilled and clog the surrounding framework of pipes. They can become difficult to empty when it comes time to do so. The problems are endless.

To find the right type of cleaning products you need to look not only at ingredients, but at their effectiveness as well. After all, a product is not eco-friendly if you have to continually buy it.  Look for a product that not only performs the way that its advertisements claim that it will, but that have other benefits as well.

To be truly eco-friendly, a holding tank cleaning product must be:

• Biodegradable
• Non-toxic
• Non-damaging to plastics, metal or other non-organic materials
• Acceptable at dump stations
• Highly effective without needing a ton of the product
• Formaldehyde free
• Odor controlling

We all know what the holding tank is there for; we do not need to discuss that further. We do need to know that the right products are available, the ones that can not only eliminate odors, but help break down waste products so that your holding tank is more effective without leaking, overflowing or clogging.

We also know that trouble can brew when you do not maintain your holding tank correctly, so prevent that by using the right products for the job. Make sure that you are being both eco-aware and a good consumer. Do not skip details just to make a green buy. It is not truly a green product if you have to use more than is recommended, if you have to continuously buy it or if it just does not work as promised.