Connecting services
36
Guidance on cleaning portable water tanks
and the water system in motor caravans
The water systems, and in particular storage
tanks, in Caravans or Motorhomes are
susceptible to contamination by bacteria if care
is not taken with their use and cleaning.
The symptoms caused by bacterial
contamination are not purely limited to gastro-
intestinal diseases, but may also manifest
themselves as ear, nose, throat, eye or skin
infections. It is therefore important that you
carry out the following procedure prior to using
the Caravan or Motorhome each time, even if
you boil or filter all water you use for drinking.
Separate Water Containers
1. All water remaining in the container should be
disposed of so that the container is empty.
2. The outside of the container should be
thoroughly cleansed and washed down to
remove any dirt, dust or other contaminant.
Water at a suitably hot temperature
containing an appropriate detergent is
recommended for this purpose.
3. Water should be put in the container,
swirled around, then emptied out.
4. The container should then be totally filled
with water containing an appropriate
sterilant solution and allowed to stand for
the recommended contact time (e.g. Milton
for 15 minutes).
5. The solution should be emptied from
the container.
6. The opening of the container should be
cleaned thoroughly with an appropriate
prepared wipe impregnated with a sterilant.
7. The container should be inverted whilst
stored overnight (if possible).
8. The container must be filled with mains
water only and mains water only should be
used for the above cleaning procedure.
9. On no account should garden hoses be
used to fill water tanks.
For Systems:
1. Drain down the system (open all taps
to allow air in, enabling the system to
drain quickly).
2. Remove any water filters fitted, and
replace with a short length of hose or
empty filter cartridge (this will ensure the
filter is not affected by the disinfectant/
sterilant solution).
3. Fill the system by using the pump with a
disinfectant/sterilant solution (check that
the solution at full strength appears at
all taps/showers). Allow to stand for the
recommended period of time.
4. Drain the system completely.
5. Thoroughly clean the outside of all taps/
connectors with a cloth soaked in the
disinfectant/sterilant.
6. Flush the system through with clean drinking
water until no traces of disinfectant/ sterilant
can be detected at any tap.
7. Replace the filter. Suitable sterilising
chemicals are available from your Caravan
or Motorhome dealer, accessory shop,
chemist or home-brew shops. It is not,
however, recommended to use bleach or
sodium metabisulphite.
This guidance has been prepared with the
kind co-operation and assistance of The
Environmental Health Department of The Borough
Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.
Warranty
Products are guaranteed from the date of
purchase against defects in materials and
workmanship. If the unit proves faulty, return
it to your supplier with proof of purchase and
purchase date. Please note that frost damage
is not a valid warranty claim. The manufacturer
retains the right to repair or replace the unit.
The manufacturer cannot be held responsible
for claims arising from incorrect installation,
unauthorised modification or misuse of the
product. The above does not affect your
statutory rights.
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