SECTION 7 –
PLUMBING
7-6
NOTE: If you do not have an in-line cartridge
filter, see City Water Hose/Tank
Disinfection following this procedure for
an alternate method of adding bleach
solution to your tank.
1. Remove the filter cartridge and pour 1/4 cup
of household chlorine bleach (sodium
hypochlorite solution) for each 15 gallons of
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, use 1/2 cup of household bleach for each
15 gallons of tank capacity).
The bleach will be
drawn into the tank when the city water is turned
on.
2. Fill the tank completely, then open each faucet
in the motorhome 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 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.
City Water Hose/Tank Disinfection
As an alternative way to disinfect your tank,
connect a city water hose to your motorhome 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 household 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 water line or a separate drinking
water faucet with filter.
•
Superchlorination does not affect city water
usage, only the fresh water tank.
SHOWER HOSE VACUUM
BREAKER
After using the shower, you may notice water
dripping from the shower faucet assembly. The
dripping results when vacuum in the shower hose
(after closing the shower faucet) slowly releases
WARNING
Chlorine is poisonous. Do not misuse.
Recap bottle and clean all utensils after
use.
