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ARFFMAN · 04-20-2020, 09:57 AM

I have a 2004 DS and want to introduce Bleach into Fresh water tank for sterilization. I have followed the printed instructions located next to valve A and B in the Water Bay , But I can't get pickup tube to create a suction to siphon the bleach water mixture. I close line A, open line B (pickup tube) Close off water heater lines. Then turn on Fresh Water Pump and Open facets. During this process, I never create any suction from pickup tube. I'm sure I'm missing a simple step. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

NorthernDriv · 04-20-2020, 10:06 AM

Instead of Bleach, one could use Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide.

sgwyble · 04-20-2020, 10:18 AM

Easiest way is to remove the filter cartridge and add the bleach through the filter housing

rg neumann · 04-20-2020, 11:54 AM

I have tried to follow the instructions, called Newmar in frustration and they said that the instructions were incorrect and to add the bleach directly to the water filter cartridge. Surprised that the instructions haven't been changed in that many years (we have a 2015 Dutch Star)

rfg9585 · 04-20-2020, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARFFMAN

I have a 2004 DS and want to introduce Bleach into Fresh water tank for sterilization. I have followed the printed instructions located next to valve A and B in the Water Bay , But I can't get pickup tube to create a suction to siphon the bleach water mixture. I close line A, open line B (pickup tube) Close off water heater lines. Then turn on Fresh Water Pump and Open facets. During this process, I never create any suction from pickup tube. I'm sure I'm missing a simple step. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

When I last did this, 9 months ago..., I recall having to open the city water fill valve also. In any case whatever you do don't do what I did and use pure bleach, as I burnt up my pump and had to replace. A good youtube is also provided by rvgeeks as I recall.

Skip426 · 04-20-2020, 12:03 PM

Do you hear the 12 volt pump running ??

Possible valve " B " is defective.

Is your valve arrangement like this ? As mentioned the tank fill valve has to be opened , but if you opened taps then the pump should have run the bleach solution to the open tap.

Pine Stump · 04-21-2020, 06:36 AM

I just put bleach in the hose for city fill adding 50 gallons or so... then drive then run some water in coach... then dump tank then add fresh water... Lots of videos on web and like RV Geeks...Just my 2 Jay

RayJr · 04-21-2020, 06:58 AM

OK I guess I'll chime in. Why are we doing this? I've been traveling, camping, in a motor home for 45 + years and never put anything in the water tank other then water. OK I do live in a rural area with a well but I remember an old profit "if it ain't broke don't fix it" JMHO.

Dav L · 04-21-2020, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RayJr

OK I guess I'll chime in. Why are we doing this? I've been traveling, camping, in a motor home for 45 + years and never put anything in the water tank other then water. OK I do live in a rural area with a well but I remember an old profit "if it ain't broke don't fix it" JMHO.

A very standard thing to sanitize the water system, especially if there are gaps of use (winterizing) between uses that allows more time for bacteria to grow.
If you use your system regularly then no need. Just like no need to sterilize the sticks and bricks domestic water system. Even on the sticks and bricks, it is common to sterilize the well system periodically even with use. Well water is even more reason to sterilize as it has more bacteria since not treated at all. My S&B is on well too.

If you or your family haven't gotten sick - ok. No biggie for you then.

Some folks won't wear a mask and hug everyone on the street and not get covid. But once in a while one will and it might kill them. Similar thing.

Gordon Dewald · 04-21-2020, 08:10 AM

I have had success by emptying the water hose and pouring the appropriate amount of bleach into it. Then hooking the hose up with the valve set to tank fill.

TechWriter · 04-21-2020, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARFFMAN

I close line A, open line B (pickup tube) Close off water heater lines. Then turn on Fresh Water Pump and Open facets.

Try closing the faucets.

TechWriter · 04-21-2020, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorthernDriv

Instead of Bleach, one could use Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide.

If it's 3% hydrogen peroxide, it won't disinfect. If it's 35% hydrogen peroxide (which will disinfect), then it will be expensive and dangerous.

If you just can't stand using bleach, try 1 quart of Purogene which will disinfect and is very safe.