This feature in Pumper reports noteworthy conversations that take place at the Pumper Discussion Forum, an online forum for industry professionals found at www.pumper.com. Pumper Discussion enables exchange of information and ideas on septic and drainfield installation and maintenance, trucks and equipment, portable sanitation, chemical and additives and much more. Information and advice in “Overheard Online” is offered in good faith by industry professionals. However, readers should consult in depth with appropriate industry sources before applying such advice to a specific business situation.

Question:
What does everyone use to monitor liquid levels in the truck tank? My truck has a sight glass, which once dirty is useless. Any other ideas?

Answers:
Sight glasses and keep cleaning them.

Small PSI gauge and do the math?

I have always used sight glasses and kept them clean, which has worked great. But in my area everyone charges by the gallon, which has led to more than a few people lying to customers and at the disposal site about gallons. So four or five years ago, on my last four trucks I had the Moro Accu-Level installed. It’s a very nice piece. You’re able to show customers exactly what’s on your truck before you get started and after you finish. It leaves no questions in anyone’s mind. I like it so much that I didn’t even have sight glasses installed on my last truck.

I like a sight tube in the front and sight glasses on the back of the tank, which gives you two ways to check your level, show your customers how much you are taking out if they ask, and know how much is in the tank when your truck is parked on a grade.

The sight tube uses clear food-grade hose with couplings on each end for easy cleaning. If you live in freezing country make sure the bottom elbow is mounted so it drains back into the tank when empty. The electronic gauges work well but the sonar they work on does not work unless vacuum is relieved. Sonar does not work in a vacuum.