SANITIZING THE FRESH
WATER
SYSTEM
Sanitize
the
fresh
water
tank
and piping at least
once a year, and whenever
the
motor
home sits for
a
prolonged period. This
will
help keep
the
tank
and
lines fresh, and will discourage the
growth
of
bacteria
and other organisms
that
can contaminate
the
water
supply. Use a chlorine/fresh
water
rinse as follows:
1.
Prepare a solution of
1/4·cup
household liquid
chlorine bleach
(5% sodium hypochlorite)
to
one
gallon
of
water
for
each 15 gallons
of
tank
capacity.
2.
Close drain valve and faucets, pour chlorine
solution
into the fresh water tank filler spout,
and
complete filling
with
fresh water.
3.
Open all faucets individually
until
water
flows
steadily, then
turn
off. This
will
purge any air
from
the
lines.
Be
sure
the
water
pump
has
power
and is
turned
on.
4.
Top
off
water
tank
with
fresh
water
and
wait
three hours.
5. Drain and
flush
the
entire system
with
potable
water
(drinking quality)
by
opening fresh water
tank
drain valve and faucets.
6. Remove any
lingering chlorine taste
or
odor
by
preparing a solution of one quart vinegar and five
gallons
of
water. Pour
this
solution into the fresh
water
tank
filler spout,
after
closing drain valve
and faucets. Complete filling
with
fresh water.
7. Repeat steps 3 and 4 above.
8. Drain
the
tank
again, flush
with
potable water
with
all faucets open,
then
close
tank
valve and
faucets and
refill. The
system
is
now
sanitized
and ready for use.
THE
WATER
PUMP
The on-board fresh
water
system
is
pressurized by
a
self-priming, 12-volt DC pump. The
pump
operates
automatically when a faucet
or
valve
is
opened. When
the
faucet
or valve
is
closed,
the
pump
shuts off. A
built-in
check
valve prevents back
flow
and protects
the
pump
and fresh
water
tank
from
excessive
city
water
system pressures up
to
200
psi. The
pump
stroke
will
overcome air trapped in
the
lines
thus
preventing air lock.
At
free
flow
the
pump
draws
approximately 7
to
7-1/2 amps, and can run
dry
for
extended periods
without
damage. A 10-amp fuse
protects
the
pump
circuit, and is located on
the
electrical
distribution
panel.
See ELECTRICAL
SYSTEM.
20
THE MONITOR
PANEL
The monitor panel allows you to conveniently check .
the approximate levels in the fresh water
tank
and the
holding tanks. Electrical probes installed in
the
tanks
measure
the
levels
at
various
points
in
the
tanks.
1.
Press "WATER" or "HOLDING TANK 1
OR
2"
rocker
switches.
Holding
tank
1 is
the
black
water
tank, and holding
tank
2 is gray water.
2. The
"E"
or
empty
indicator
light
will
always
be
lit. If
the
tank
is full, all lights
will
be on. Lights
are
sequential, and indicate level in approximately
1/4
tank
increments. If the
tank
selected is
approximately 1/2-full,
for
example, lights
"E",
1/4, and 1/2
will
be
on.
3. Erroneous indications can be caused by:
a.
Water
with
low
mineral
content.
Level is
measured by a very
low
level electrical signal
traveling
through the liquid. Some water, very
low
in mineral
content
used in
the
fresh
water
tank
may
not
conduct
the
signal
properly.
This condition
may
be infrequent,
but
can exist. Check the panel reading
when
the
fresh
water
tank
is
filled.
b.
Material trapped on
the
sides
of
the
holding
tanks
may give a full reading
when
the
tank
is actually empty. Use of a spray
to
wash
out
the
tank
following
dumping
should help
prevent
this
condition.
TROUBLESHOOTING
THE FRESH
WATER
SYSTEM
Water system problems
usually
fall
into
two
categories: inherent system problems, and problems
caused
by
neglect. System problems
are
usually
the
result
of
road vibration, and campsite
water
pressure
variations.
Problems
of
neglect usually
stem
from
failure to clean filters,. improper winterization, and poor
battery
maintenance.
Most
water
system problems
can
be
avoided by conscientious maintenance.
Leaks
Vibration, flexing and
twisting
while
traveling can
work
pipe
fittings
loose. CheCk all plumbing for leaks
at
least once a year.
If
the
water
pump
runs
when
a faucet is
not
open, suspect a leak.
Be
sure
the
tank
drain valves
are
tightly
closed.
Leaks
occur
most
often
around threaded fittings.
If necessary, tighten
or
clean
and
tighten
the
fitting.
Do
not
over-tighten
fittings.
Connections at galley and lavy fixtures should
not
be
tightened
with
a wrench. They will normally seal
with
hand-tightening. If a leak persists
at
one
of
these
fittings,
disconnect
it
completely and
check
for
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