services
34
sure to have a catch pan or a rag under the
pump to prevent water from spilling. Turn the
pump off once the plumbing is empty. Leave
the fittings disconnected from the pump until
the system is ready to be used again.
Make a note on your tank filler that the
plumbing is not connected.
Be sure that all faucets are left open to protect
against damage to the plumbing.
sanitizing
Guidance on cleaning portable water tanks
and the water system in touring caravans
The water systems, and in particular storage
tanks, in caravans are susceptible to
contamination by bacteria if care is not taken
with their use and cleaning. The symptoms
caused by bacterial contamination are not purely
limited to gastro-intestinal diseases, but may
also manifest themselves as ear, nose, throat,
eye or skin infections. It is therefore important
that you carry out the following procedure prior
to using the caravan each time, even if you boil
or filter all water you use for drinking.
separate Water containers
1. All water remaining in the container should be
disposed of so that the container is empty.
2. The outside of the container should be
thoroughly cleansed and washed down to
remove any dirt, dust or other contaminant.
Water at a suitably hot temperature
containing an appropriate detergent is
recommended for this purpose.
3. Water should be put in the container,
swirled around, then emptied out.
4. The container should then be totally filled
with water containing an appropriate
sterilant solution and allowed to stand for
the recommended contact time (e.g. Milton
for 15 minutes).
5. The solution should be emptied from
the container.
6. The opening of the container should be
cleaned thoroughly with an appropriate
prepared wipe impregnated with a sterilant.
7. The container should be inverted whilst
stored overnight (if possible).
8. The container must be filled with mains
water only and mains water only should be
used for the above cleaning procedure.
9. On no account should garden hoses be
used to fill water tanks.
For systems:
1. Drain down the system (open all taps
to allow air in, enabling the system to
drain quickly).
2. Remove any water filters fitted, and
replace with a short length of hose or
empty filter cartridge (this will ensure the
filter is not affected by the disinfectant/
sterilant solution).
3. Fill the system by using the pump with a
disinfectant/sterilant solution (check that
the solution at full strength appears at
all taps/showers). Allow to stand for the
recommended period of time.
4. Drain the system completely.
5. Thoroughly clean the outside of all taps/
connectors with a cloth soaked in the
disinfectant/sterilant.
6. Flush the system through with clean drinking
water until no traces of disinfectant/sterilant
can be detected at any tap.
7. Replace the filter.
Suitable sterilising chemicals are available from
your caravan dealer, accessory shop, chemist
or home-brew shops. It is not, however,
recommended to use bleach or sodium
metabisulphite.
This guidance has been prepared with the
kind co-operation and assistance of
The Environmental Health Department of
The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and
West Norfolk.
