[Sentoa] Holding Tank Gauges

[Mark & Susan Perlick]

Once or twice a season I have needed to clean the sending unit for our
holding tank due to unreliable operation.  My current routine is to
disconnect the wiring connector, remove the sending unit, and place it in a
plastic bucket (takes 5 minutes).

Outside the boat, I soak the sending unit (tank portion only of course) in
vinegar.  I don't claim to understand the chemistry, but the results are
very satisfactory.  After about an hour, I hose off the now loose residue,
and reinstall.  Alternatively, a scrub brush working off the swim platform
works well.

I have considered pumping the holding tank and then adding 10 gallons of
vinegar followed by an hour on the water to slosh it around and then another
pumpout to try to clean the tank, but have not yet done so.  If it works as
well as on the sending unit, it should be effective.  I am, however,
interested in other's experiences.

We like Thetford AquaChem for tank treatment between pumpouts, but we are on
the Great Lakes and consequently, no overboard discharge.  Anyone
considering AquaChem should buy it at the camping department of Walmart
rather than the boating stores.

Mark Perlick
Steadfast NT37-050