Community Forums

Fredlef · 04-27-2014, 08:24 AM

I see a lot of posts about the water/plumbing system where people say that they just use the tank water for flushing, washing and use bottled water for cooking and drinking. Just wanted to solicit opinions on this. When I had my boat I did it this way but I didn't overnight on my boat - although I could have. We are going to FT and my plan has been to use the tank water for everything. Curious about what most people do.

Thanks,
Fred

hookedOnRVin · 04-27-2014, 08:40 AM

If you're going FT, I would recommend sterilizing the tank and lines. After that I wouldn't have any concerns about the water cleanliness. We aren't FT yet so we sterilize our system after each winter storage. I'm comfortable using the tank water for everything on the first trip; however after it sits for a bit before the second and future trips I tend to worry about bacteria. We use bottled water on any remaining trips for the season ( except for brushing teeth). Once we go FT we would use the tank water for everything since it wouldn't sit stagnate for any period of time. Not sure if this helps but I'll kick in my two bits anyway.

thrushl · 04-27-2014, 08:45 AM

We do everything with the water in our tank. In fact, ours is more pure than any water (bottle, city, or well) we put into it. If you are concerned about your tank water, contact to Rick at RV Water Filter Store (Water Filter Replacement Cartridges Reverse Osmosis Membrane Filters).

I don't mess around when it comes to drinking water so I filter, Ultra Violet light, and Reverse Osmosis. Over kill for many, but I like the peace of mind and don't want to mess with bottle water.

Clean your tank every six months or so and you be good. Many only sanitize once a year. I guess it depends where you get the water and the quality of it...

Steve Ownby · 04-27-2014, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fredlef

I see a lot of posts about the water/plumbing system where people say that they just use the tank water for flushing, washing and use bottled water for cooking and drinking. Just wanted to solicit opinions on this. When I had my boat I did it this way but I didn't overnight on my boat - although I could have. We are going to FT and my plan has been to use the tank water for everything. Curious about what most people do.

Thanks,
Fred

Hey Fred,

We have been FT for 7 years now and we use water from our tank without reservations. I have a two filter system installed which filters all water as it enters the coach from either the tank or shore hook up. Also have a final filter in the frig for ice and cold water. This way I'm not trying to remove chlorine with a charcoal filter before storage. As I use my tank water regularly, I have not sanitized in years. Our water supply in this country is extremely safe. It is a good idea to spray the campground hose bib with a Clorox solution prior to hookup since you done know the routine of the guy who was there before you.

Fredlef · 04-27-2014, 08:53 AM

Thanks everybody - we pick up on new Allegro 31SA in two weeks and the more I read the more I find out things I need to know that I don't - appreciate your input.

Fred

BFlinn181 · 04-27-2014, 09:13 AM

Potable (adj) safe to drink; drinkable.
synonyms: drinkable, palatable, fit to drink, pure, clean, safe, unpolluted, untainted, uncontaminated

scenic route · 04-27-2014, 07:02 PM

We sanitize our tank and then filter all water coming into the RV. We use an under the sink filter hooked up to a small elevated faucet for drinking, cooking and making coffee.

I always taste test campground water after I run it for 20 seconds or so before I hook up. If it's not up to snuff, we use on board water until we leave(we stay 1 night if this happens). It's only happen twice so it's really not an issue.

Fredlef · 04-27-2014, 07:10 PM

Good info Jan and Bob thanks.

Fred

Clay L · 04-28-2014, 11:43 AM

For many years I have used a spray bottle containing bleach and water as mentioned above to spray the hose bib before connecting my hose. One thing to note - as soon as you add water to the bleach it starts to deteriorate so it is a good idea to replace it often. Here is some info on the subject: http://www.med.cornell.edu/ehs/faq/b...cal_safety.htm How long does diluted and undiluted bleach last? For the answer to this question, see the clorox@casupport.com email to the Director of WCMC EHS dated February 6, 2003: Thank you for asking about the shelf life of Ultra regular CLOROX liquid bleach. When bleach and water are mixed together to create a cleaning or disinfecting solution, the solution is only good for 24 hours. The temperature of the water does not affect the cleaning or disinfecting abilities of the solution. After the 24 hours, the solution begins to lose needed disinfecting properties. Therefore, it is recommended that for disinfecting purposes, the solution is made fresh daily. Our bottles do not have an expiration date, however, they do have a production date. Once you understand how to read the production date, you can decipher the shelf life of the bottle. Please look below for a chart explaining our production codes. CODE PLANT YEAR DATE MD21002 MD2 1= 2001 002nd day of year A90288 A9 0= 2000 288th day of year We recommend storing our bleach at room temperatures. It can be stored for about 6 months at temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. After this time, bleach will be begin to degrade at a rate of 20% each year until totally degraded to salt and water. Storing at temperatures much higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit could cause the bleach to lose its effectiveness and degrade more rapidly. However, if you require 6% sodium hypochlorite, you should change your supply every 3 months. I hope this information is helpful. Again, thank you for giving me this opportunity to discuss our product. Sincerely, Mary Brylinski Product Specialist

Ray,IN · 04-28-2014, 09:41 PM

Clay posted the facts about bleach. Those reasons are why I use Sodium Dichlor dry crystal, chlorine. I repackage it in an air-tight plastic bottle to carry in the RV. One teaspoon in 100G water makes a sanitizing mixture for the entire Rv plumbing system. 1/2 tsp in 100G water insures unknown water quality is safe to drink. I bought 1lb of Sodium Dichlor about 5 years ago and still have over half. It is available from swimming pool supply stores. Get an MSDS when buying, read it, and follow recommended precautions. This pdf helps with calculations for using either household bleach or Sodium Dichlor.

Nuclear · 04-28-2014, 09:56 PM

After my time in Iraq I am religious about clean water and overall hygiene. I never got sick but so many others did. Even rinsing your mouth after brushing, was done with bottled water. Ok...I might be able to compromise on rinsing here in the US, but a good sterilization is a must for me.
I'm interested in Ray,IN's usage of sodium dichlor as a means to sterilize pluming.

Nuclear · 04-28-2014, 10:01 PM

Opps! I need to add a warning...be extremely carful of mixing chemicals! Such as ammonia and chlorine...deadly mistake.

catonine · 04-29-2014, 07:07 PM

I sanitize my tank once each year. I have always used the bleach:water method to disinfect the tank and lines and never had any problem. If you fill up from a city or county or other water system that chlorinates the water you should be good to go. If using wells and systems that do not add chlorine you may need to disinfect more often. Just my 2 cents worth.

Ray,IN · 04-29-2014, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuclear

After my time in Iraq I am religious about clean water and overall hygiene. I never got sick but so many others did. Even rinsing your mouth after brushing, was done with bottled water. Ok...I might be able to compromise on rinsing here in the US, but a good sterilization is a must for me.
I'm interested in Ray,IN's usage of sodium dichlor as a means to sterilize pluming.

Here is how it's done, bottom half of page: How to sanitize your RV fresh water system.