Flushing the fresh water tank

[Ranger429]

I've read the threads on sanitizing the fresh water tank but what I want to know is how to flush it. I have some small particles floating in the water so there must be something inside the tank. I've already drained it and am wondering how to get it all out. Do I just continue to fill it, drive it around to slosh it and then drain several times or is there another method?

[Shadowcatche]

Good question, depending on your tank inlet or drain you might use a new

Valterra RV Flexible Holding Tank Wand
RV Flexible Holding Tank Wand Valterra A010187VP
Or make up something using a length of hose.

[Buford B]

Where are you seeing these floating particles? Kitchen, bath or both? Check your supply line first. Verify that they are coming from the tank. Try to catch some particulate at the tank drain. If you find it in the drained tank water then one solution may be to fill and drain at the same time until you get clean water. If you cannot find particulate at the tank drain but still get it at the output then check for a clogged or deteriorated filter in the system.

[Ranger429]

First noticed it at the kitchen sink. I drained all fresh water today and trapped some in a water bottle. I poured the water thru a coffee filter and can see the particles of dirt? or whatever it is. I can't seem to find a water filter of any kind on this coach, 03 Revolution.

Shadow I don't think that the wand would work. The tank is to far out of reach to get it in there to spray it out.

[Buford B]

Check your supply water. Are you turning the pump on? If so check the screen at the pump.

[Ranger429]

All of the supply water I have put in it has come from my house and has been run thru a water softener. It has to be stuff inside the tank that is coming free from the side of the walls.

Anyone else have any ideas?

[Rocky 2]

Remember to drain your water heater also. If you have an anode type water heater, inspect it. It may not be the source of your "dirt" but you might as well check the entire system while you are at it. Fresh water tanks are generally white. Can you see the fresh water tank in your model? Good luck.

[Jerry0312]

If the particles look like dirt, it sounds to me like you have a water filter breaking down on you. The dirt looking particles could very well be the carbon in the filter.

[The General]

Hello Ranger429,

Check your manuals for a whole house water filter. I have one factory located in the water hookup closet. In it, there is a filter that can get clogged and must be replaced or you will get debris in your fresh water system.
Find it then let us know

Steve

[Ranger429]

Well I decided to go another route. I pulled the tank, quite a bit of work, but am happy I did. There is no filter that I have found inside the coach anywhere. The whole bottom of the tank is lined with black and brownish particles. The inside of the fill hose was pretty disgusting as well. I'm going to order a new tank and lines and install an inline filter that I can change. I will feel much better once it is all done. I don't think there is any way to clean that tank enough to be able to make the water drinkable.

This is the only "filter" that I came across. It is on the bottom of the tank for the supply line to the coach. I am glad we took a 5 gallon jug of water on our trips with us for drinking and brushing our teeth.



I had to pull out the slide out tray brackets to get the tank out. There wasn't enough room to drop the tank with them in. The metal bracket holding the tank up probably weighs in around a 100 pounds.

[The General]

Ranger429,

I'm wondering how chlorine would affect that little filter and if it cleaned up, what would it do for the tank. SOP for me is at the beginning of RV season: all tanks including plumbing system and hotwater tank, get totally
filled with 1gal. chlorine to 15 gallons H2O mixture and all are completely full. Drain next day and flush with fresh water. You're done.


Steve

[The General]

Nice rig and photos, Ranger429

[Ranger429]

Thanks General. I think the little filter would clean up no problem but I'm not sure about the inside of the tank. There is no way to reach all areas of the inside of the tank thru the fill hose location. I also have no idea how the prior owner cared for the tank, meaning wether or not he even sanitized it. This debris could be years old and judging by the inside of the hose it is going to require scrubbing to get it off. I think my best bet at this point is to just replace the tank.

[The General]

Go forth my son!


Steve