Disinfecting the fresh water tank

[JoyNoelle]

I have never used the fresh water tank before and I realize it should probably be disinfected. Should I fill the tank completely full with a diluted bleach solution or will.10 gallons or so work? Do I run the water through the trailer system with the pump or just let it set for a few hours and then dump it through the drain valve?

Thanks for the help

 

[ldunlap525]

My manual says you should open all faucets and let bleach solution stand for 3 hours and then drain. I am a newbie also and cannot figure out how to turn water pump on. Any help on that matter would be appreciated.

 

[Wrascal]

I recommend that you fill the tank slam full with the solution added long before its full (so as to better mix it up). Then find the pump on/off switch and engage. Open each water valve individually until you smell the chlorine, then shut it off and move to the next valve. This is not too important on the toilet but I do it just to run some water over the inside bowl surface - my dogs deserve nothing but the best!

Then enjoy life for several hours, more if you're having extra fun. Eventually do drain it all out; then fully refill the fresh tank and run this fresh water thru each individual valves once again. When the cleaner smell is gone move on to the next valve. Once all is well you may drain the tank, or not; but I would - don't want it to go dank.

 

[Wrascal]

ID525, if you post your model number someone may be able to help you. And if you post a location you may find there's a nearby member who can offer an extra set of eyes.

 

[hilltool]

My water pump switch is in the side of the refrig as part of the panel that has the indicator lights for the holding tanks and batterey charge.

 

[JackandJanet]

Just a small point: I would put about 10 gals of ordinary water into the fresh water tank BEFORE you start adding a bleach/water mix. Then, I'd dilute the amount of bleach to be used in about 1 gal of water, add that, and then fill the tank the rest of the way with water from the fresh water hose.

The reason I put 10 gals of pure water in first, is because I believe the hot water tank gets filled first, and if you start with bleach, it ALL goes into the hot water tank. At least that was my experience when I did it that way.

You really want the entire system to be infused with the water/bleach mix, and if you run the hot water after the system is full, the water/bleach mix will then go into the hot water tank to replenish its contents.

I would run the water/bleach solution through all the faucets until the fresh water is empty. Then, I'd really advise running an entire fill of fresh water out through the same faucets. If you don't, you might end up with some residual bleach taste. I know this from experience.

And, you can always taste the water from a tap before you set out to make sure all the bleach taste is gone. I'd actually advise adding back a small amount, say 5 gals, as a drive away load. It won't add too much weight.

My water pump switch is also on the side of the refrigerator cabinet. It's near the furnace thermostat, the refrigerator fan switch, the hot water electrical and gas on/off switches, and the tank fill indicator lights.

- Jack

 

[JoyNoelle]

Do just dump the gray water on the ground when cycling the bleach water and second tank through or do you go to a dump station?

 

[Wrascal]

I'm gonna play devils advocate and admit to the following ... as I live along a wooded area I've not only dumped my fresh water on the spot I've also dumped grey and black into the nearby woods. Big but ... my black tank hasn't contained anything more than #1. Paper products have gone into a trash can for disposal.

Q: does a bear S%1t in the woods?

 

[JackandJanet]

Do just dump the gray water on the ground when cycling the bleach water and second tank through or do you go to a dump station?

Joy, you can dump the grey water tank anywhere you'd like, except where there are signs saying "No Dumping of Grey Water", which I've seen in National Parks. I'm sure that is to keep people from including black water in the mix. If you're home, just let it run out on the ground, or, send it to plants for irrigation - the little bit of bleach is not harmful.

Like Wrascal, if there's anything in the black water tank, or for cleaning it out, I just dig a hole and let it go there when at home. And, it never has more than #1 in my trailer either. (I also use the blue disinfectant - contains formaldehyde) in it.) I DO empty the tanks at dump stations if available.

- Jack

 

[Garry-HILO]

Joy, you can dump the grey water tank anywhere you'd like, except where there are signs saying "No Dumping of Grey Water", which I've seen in National Parks. I'm sure that is to keep people from including black water in the mix. If you're home, just let it run out on the ground, or, send it to plants for irrigation - the little bit of bleach is not harmful.

Like Wrascal, if there's anything in the black water tank, or for cleaning it out, I just dig a hole and let it go there when at home. And, it never has more than #1 in my trailer either. (I also use the blue disinfectant - contains formaldehyde) in it.) I DO empty the tanks at dump stations if available.

- Jack

When I camped in Yellowstone you were not allowed to dump grey water anywhere except into a dump sink for grey water. Reason, the perfumes in the soap the general population uses attracts bears.