water tanks

[alesiav]

We bought a used rv. When I tried to fill the potable water, it just spit it out. Are the tanks full? Should we sanitize the tanks and then drain? If so, please tell me how. There are two hose coming from the front of the rv on the underside. Also, when I tried to shut the cold water off after the pump, it leaked. The water pump is in the battery storage compartment over a bundle of wire. I plan to shield the wire with rubber tubing unless someone has a better idea.

[first5thwheel]

You should be able to open all compartments and be able to view the potable water tank. If you can get a good look at it, they normally are what plastic and you can see the water level. If it is completely full, that could explain why water spat back at you. Do you have a fresh water indicator inside the 5th Wheel that is registering full? My only other thought would be, if the potable water tank is empty and water came back out of the fill hole that possibly something may be blocking the fill hole causing an obstruction. This is unlikely, but worth checking out. As far as sanitizing goes, you can buy water sanitizer and use that. I just simply used a weak chlorine bleach solution and rinsed the tank very well before refilling it with fresh water. I do not know if this is recommended as, bleach is potent. What do other forum members do when they sanitize can you reply and let us both know?
As far as your pump, leaking that should be addressed. You certainly do not want water leaking on wires. It would be a good idea to keep the wires dry at any cost even though they are coated; water and electricity even if it is 12 volts do not mix.
Hope you figure it all out, and the forum is great for giving additional suggestions. I learn something new every time.

[alesiav]

Cannot see water tanks. There are two hoses in the front and two hoses in the rear that I assume they are drainage hoses since they are under the carriage. There is a test panel in the kitchen but I am not sure it works. It has E, 1/4,1/2,3/4, F. The panel is green at E. The battery lights are lit, red yellow and green. Since the battery is fully charged, this is why I don't think the test panel works. I am going to send a small tube down the potable water to see where it gets wet. ( kinda like a dip stick) Does anyone have a better way?

FYI: Commercial bleach is usually a 5.25 % concentration. Depending on how much water is stored will determine the strength you made. Bleach is the same thing as the liquid chlorine that you put in your pool. Check internet on proper concentrations.

[first5thwheel]

Wow what a bummer you cannot physically view the entire water tank. Regardless I would drain it disinfecit using your (FYI tip)chlorine suggestions and refill it with fresh water.

Good luck...keep us posted as to how you make out.

[Senior Chief]

There should be an air inlet tube coming up out of your tank as well as the pipe going down into it- this allows air to escape as the water level in the tank rises.

Check to make sure this tube is not kinked or blocked.

Unless draining the water into the gutter is a problem for you, go ahead and open the drains to the fresh water and let the water out of the tank.

[Ray,IN]

Sanitizing your RV fresh water system explains the procedure in detail. Open the small drains below the RV belly and drain the fresh water system (not the holding tanks) as much as possible. Then proceed with the sanitizing procedure.