Sanitizing the water system

[2Nailz]

The 2015 Owners manual doesn't reference the water filters for the sanitizing procedure. The 2016 owners manual states to remove the primary and secondary water filters. In step 16 it states to turn off the drinking water valve (Fig 6). This prevents sanitizer from entering the refrigerator and drinking water faucet at the kitchen sink.

So, I understand wanting to keep the sanitizing solution out of the filters but the lines for drinking water should be the ones you want to sanitize, right?

Our coach has the factory Samsung refrigerator (RFG237AARS). This unit has a removable filter in the upper right hand corner of the fridge compartment, a water storage tank located in the lower left corner of the fridge compartment, and a water/ice dispenser in the door. For those of you that have this setup, what is your process for sanitizing the water system? Do you include the fridge and drinking water dispenser at the sink?

Inquiring minds want to know?

[lwmcguire]

Remove the fridge filter, install the Plug that came with it

Throw away all filters you removed

Sanitize all lines/faucets

I use peroxide but many choose bleach or another oxidizing agent

Less issues with the ice maker and door water when using peroxide

Replace filters when you refill the water or hook up to city water

[brobox]

After removing the filter, I do the drinking water faucet at the sink. I always forget to do the ice maker, but it hasn't killed me yet.

[royals1212]

Just remember, if you are using bleach to bypass the aquahot if you are satanizing the hot ware lines as well. The aquahot manual has a caution called out about the bleach.

[2Nailz]

I guess I am trying to figure out a way to sanitize the fridge and then flush it all out without winding up with bleach ice. Doesn't go well with bourbon.

[2Nailz]

Originally Posted by royals1212

Just remember, if you are using bleach to bypass the aquahot if you are satanizing the hot ware lines as well. The aquahot manual has a caution called out about the bleach.

I think the concern is prolonged exposure.

The copy of the Aqua-hot manual I have states;

"If disinfecting the potable water system after de-winterizing, be sure to follow RVIA’s “Instructions for Disinfection of Potable Water Systems on Recreation Vehicles.”

Also Aqua-hot has TSB#0813150 dated August 2013 that provides guidance on disinfecting the hot water system, including the Aqua-Hot.

I think I'll bypass the Aqua-hot anyway because I don't care to drink hot water and I would surely mess something up and leave a trace of bleach in the Aqua-Hot.

[lwmcguire]

Chlorine, that is free chlorine, corrodes and will dissolve copper over time

You certainly don't want high levels in the heat exchanger

[lwmcguire]

Properly treated water doesn't present much if any issues for RV use

Untested and untreated water sources can and do

[ajsfla]

Originally Posted by lwmcguire

Remove the fridge filter, install the Plug that came with it

Throw away all filters you removed

Sanitize all lines/faucets

I use peroxide but many choose bleach or another oxidizing agent

Less issues with the ice maker and door water when using peroxide

Replace filters when you refill the water or hook up to city water

How much peroxide do you use? Do you add to your fresh water tank or how??? I'm interested in using your method

[signet63]

Originally Posted by lwmcguire

Remove the fridge filter, install the Plug that came with it

Throw away all filters you removed

Sanitize all lines/faucets

I use peroxide but many choose bleach or another oxidizing agent

Less issues with the ice maker and door water when using peroxide

Replace filters when you refill the water or hook up to city water

I too am curious how much Peroxide you use and the why? Is there a special reason for it?

Thanks,

Bill

[2Nailz]

Originally Posted by lwmcguire

Chlorine, that is free chlorine, corrodes and will dissolve copper over time

You certainly don't want high levels in the heat exchanger

From what I have read Aqua-Hot agrees with you, i.e. prolonged exposure.

[2Nailz]

Originally Posted by lwmcguire

Properly treated water doesn't present much if any issues for RV use

Untested and untreated water sources can and do

I purchased this coach just a few weeks ago used. I don't know what types of water sources it has been exposed too. External water sources are not the only threat, long periods of storage can allow bacteria and/or mold to grow.

Just trying to ensure that I do a thorough and complete job of sanitizing the water system.

[2Nailz]

Originally Posted by ajsfla

How much peroxide do you use? Do you add to your fresh water tank or how??? I'm interested in using your method

Originally Posted by signet63

I too am curious how much Peroxide you use and the why? Is there a special reason for it?

Thanks,

Bill

Ditto!

[Mwoodofd]

I drained all my Pink Anti-Freeze last weekend. I always put a little pink stuff in the fresh water tank just to protect any of the valves having water left in them. When I drained the fresh tank, I notice algae in the pool of liquid on the ground (have an image on my phone, yuk). I also checked the water pump filter bowl that is attached to the water pump, and it was full of algae.

So I used the bleach method, by-passed AH and removed all filters, put in a concentrate amount of bleach in the fresh tank, filled with water, ran to all outlets, let sit for a few hours, then pumped tank dry through most of the faucets.

At this point I attached the hose to the Potable fill and filled the tank, then flushed all the lines with fresh water. I will go back this weekend and drain the fresh water tank and refill again with fresh water. From then, I usually use it, or change it about every 30 days. We have decent water here in the DFW area, so the chlorine usually takes care of the water system.

Check that water pump filter bowl - I was shocked.