2. Open the “fresh tank
drain” valve. All
permanent fresh water
tanks can be drained by
one of two types of drain
valve: a white plastic
drain is attached to the
exterior wall (open
valve to drain) or a valve
located inside the RV
adjacent to the water
tank (this knob turns 45°
to open or close).
3. Open the “low point
drains.” These valves
are placed near the
floor and may be
located under
cabinets, dinettes,
sofas, beds, or in
storage areas. As
their name indicates,
they will be at the lowest point of water
lines. A label is placed on the outside of the
travel trailer to indicate where the drains
are located. The drains will typically need
to be opened from inside the trailer. Once
the label is found on the outside of the
trailer, go inside to find the corresponding
location of the drains.
4. Turn ON the water pump and allow it to run
as needed.
5. Operate the toilet flush lever until water
stops flowing.
6. Open all faucets, including the outside
shower faucet.
7. Make sure your "water heater bypass"
valves are open.
8. Relieve the water pressure using the P&T
valve BEFORE removing the water heater
drain plug. Otherwise, if there is any water
pressure present the water will spray out of
the opening when the drain plug is
removed.
When you are finished draining the fresh water
system, reverse these steps and dump the
grey and black water holding tanks at an
appropriate facility or according to local public
codes.
SANITIZING THE PLUMBING SYSTEM
Potable water systems require periodic
maintenance to deliver a consistent flow of
fresh water. For your personal safety, the
plumbing system should be sanitized when
your RV is new, at the beginning and end of
each season and when the water system
becomes contaminated (or approximately
every three months of use).
How to sanitize
1. Level the RV and drain the fresh water
system.
2. Prepare a chlorine solution using 1/4 cup
of household bleach (sodium hypochlorite
solution) to one gallon (3.785 liters) of
water in a container. Prepare one gallon of
solution for every 15 gallons of tank
capacity. This will result in a residual
chlorine concentration of 50 ppm in the
water system.
If a 100-ppm concentration is required as
discussed in step 13, use ½ cup of
household bleach with one gallon of water
to prepare the chlorine solution. One
gallon of the solution should be used for
each 15 gallons of tank capacity.
3. Turn the "water heater bypass" valves to
the BYPASS position.
53
SECTION 8
PLUMBING SYSTEM
WARNING
Failure to sanitize the potable water system
could result in death or serious illness.
WARNING
Chlorine is poisonous. Always recap the
household bleach bottle and clean utensils
and containers after use.
Fig. 8.6 Low
point drains
Fig. 8.5
Exterior fresh
water drain
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