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Plumbing Systems
SANITIZING THE FRESH WATER SYSTEM
To ensure complete disinfection of the potable water system, it is recommended that the following
procedures be followed on a new system, one that has not been used for a period of time, or one that
could have become contaminated. This procedure is also recommended before long periods of storage
such as over winter.
To sanitize your freshwater system, follow this procedure:
1.
Drain water lines, freshwater tank and water heater. Close all valves and replace water heater
anode/drain plug when complete. Set water heater by-pass valve to the
'normal flow'
position to
allow sanitization of the hot water tank and by-pass valve assembly. If you have installed a water
filtration system, its filter can be removed at this time.
2.
Prepare a chlorine solution using 1 gal. (3.8 L) of water and 1/4 cup (60 ml) household bleach
(sodium hypochlorite solution). With tank empty, pour chlorine solution into the tank. Use 1 gal
(3.8 L) solution for each 15 gal. (57 L) of tank capacity. This procedure will result in a residual
chlorine concentration of 50 ppm in the water system. If a shorter time period is desired, create a
solution of 100 ppm by using 1/2 cup of household bleach with 1 gal. of water.
3.
Complete filling the tank with potable water. Turn on water pump. Open each faucet and run
water until a distinct odor of chlorine can be detected in the water discharged. Do not forget the
hot water taps, showers, and toilet.
4.
Allow the system to stand for at least 4 hours when disinfecting with 50 ppm residual chlorine. If
a shorter time period is desired, a 100-ppm chlorine concentration should be permitted to stand in
the system for at least 1 hour.
5.
Drain the entire system including hot water heater tank, freshwater tank, and water lines. Close
all drain valves and replace anode/drain plug in water heater.
6.
Flush the system with fresh water as described in step #3 (omitting the chlorine solution). Repeat
as necessary until the smell of chlorine is gone. If you have installed a water filtration system, its
filter can be replaced at this time.
7.
When flushing is complete, close all drain valves, replace anode/drain plug in water heater and
don't forget to drain gray and black holding tanks if you used them to contain the flushing water.
The system is now ready for use.
WASTE WATER SYSTEM
The wastewater system in your RV is essentially two separate systems. A gray water system that
consists of the drain lines and holding tank for wastewater from the sinks and shower or tub and a black
water system which includes the drain line and holding tank for toilet waste.
Do not turn on the water heater with the by-pass valve in 'by-pass
mode' without water in the water heater tank. Damage to the water
heater and heating element may occur if the water heater is turned
on without water in its tank. This type of damage is not covered
under warranty.