7-5
SECTION 7 –
PLUMBING
tank capacity into the empty filter canister,
then screw the canister back onto the filter
base.
This solution will result in a residual chlorine
concentration of approximately 50 ppm in the
water system.
(If a 100 ppm concentration is
desired as discussed in Step 3, use 1 cup of
household bleach for each 30 gallons of tank
capacity).
The bleach will be drawn into the tank when
the city water is turned on and the Fresh
Water valve is turned to Tank Fill position.
2. Fill the tank completely, then open each faucet
in the coach and run the water until a distinct
odor of chlorine can be detected in the water
discharged. Do not forget the hot water
faucets.
3. Let the system stand at least 4 hours when
disinfecting with 50 ppm residual chlorine.
(If
a shorter time period is desired, then a 100
ppm chlorine concentration should be
allowed to stand in the system for at least 1
hour).
4. Drain the fresh water tank.
5. Install the filter cartridge into the filter
canister, then refill the tank with fresh water.
6. Open each faucet again and run fresh water to
flush chlorinated water from the lines. Run the
water until there is no odor of chlorine
detected in the water discharged. Do not
forget the hot water faucets.
(You may need to leave a hot water faucet
open for some time to flush the water heater
with clean water. You may also want to turn
the water heater off until this is done to avoid
wasting energy trying to heat “unused”
water).
7. Water system is now disinfected.
NOTE: An alternate way is to connect a city
water hose to your coach and pour the
bleach into the other end of the hose
using a funnel. Hold the hose upright to
avoid draining the bleach.
Connect the hose to a city water hydrant
to force the bleach into the tank and fill
the tank with water.
This method has the additional benefit of
disinfecting the city water hose at the
same time.
Continuous Tank Disinfection
(Superchlorination)
Some RVers like to ensure continuous
sanitation of their fresh water tank by
“superchlorination”– maintaining an effective
low level of chlorine in the tank at all times.
•
Add 1 teaspoon of chlorine bleach (sodium
hypochlorite) to your tank for each 10 gallons
of tank capacity. When you fill the tank, this
will result in a 6.7 ppm level of chlorine,
which should kill harmful bacteria and slime-
forming organisms.
•
Chlorine may be removed from drinking
water by the cold water filter at the galley
faucet (if equipped) or by installing an
activated carbon water purifier at the galley
sink cold waterline or a separate drinking
water faucet with filter (if equipped).
•
Superchlorination does not affect city water
usage, only the fresh water tank.
WARNING
Chlorine is poisonous. Do not misuse.
Recap bottle and clean all utensils after
use.
