PLUMBING
G - 17
G
to an unpleasant cleaning job.
Inside the Macerator hose reel utility compartment is a water hose connector
for the “black tank flush”. To use, hook up a garden hose and turn it on full
force. Within the tank a head with multiple holes will spray the interior surface
of the tank. Once the tank is about half full turn the garden hose off and flush
the water from the tank using the macerator pump.
Should solids accumulate, fill the tank about half full with water with the black
tank flush, then drive the motorhome for a few miles. Don’t wait until the tank
is packed solid. The turbulence and surging of the water will usually dissolve
the solids into a suspension so the tank can be drained. Draining the tanks as
described will protect them from freezing during storage.
Winterizing Pump
Plan your winterizing and storage ahead and be sure the holding tanks are
drained and flushed thoroughly. This is very important, as the frozen sewage
and water could seriously damage the system. After dumping tanks add a
quart or two of RV non-toxic anti-freeze to one of the holding tanks and start
the macerator pump. Run until the anti-freeze comes out the end of the pump
hose. Leave dump valves open. As extra protection, open the toilet valve and
add a quart of non-toxic RV anti-freeze to the black tank and pour a quart of
non-toxic antifreeze into a sink drain to protect the holding tanks, valves, and
pump from residual water freezing.
HEATED TANKS
The Interstate motorhome has 12-Volt heat pads installed with the fresh water
and grey water holding tanks. The black tank in installed above the floor where
heat from the furnace will keep it from freezing. The heat pads lighted switch
is located on the forward shower wall just inside the sliding cargo door. The
switch lights up when the pads are activated. The heat turns on at 44 degrees F.
and off at 64 degrees F. The heating pads consume 6-10 amps of battery power
per hour depending on environmental conditions. To conserve/charge batteries
use a 120-volt source (generator, shoreline) to operate the inverter/charger. To
conserve battery power or fuel in a remote location, RV antifreeze may be used
to protect the tanks in freezing conditions. PLAN AHEAD. In extreme cold
weather the heating pads may not suffice in keeping the tanks from freezing,
be safe and winterize.
NOTICE: In very cold weather winterizing the motorhome is recommend-
ing to prevent damage to the waste systems. Use common sense and
winterize as needed.
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