Community Forums

Moreyel · 09-28-2022, 09:52 PM

I just bought a 2011 Excel Windsor.
In the owners manual, I’m following the directions to sanitize the potable water system.

It shows to prepare a Vinegar solution and ‘pour’ it into the potable water tank filler spout. Since this unit does not have a separate tank fill, does this mean I need to figure out how to put it into the tank where the fresh water hose screws in?

Thank you

MrMark52 · 09-29-2022, 03:53 AM

Some coaches allow for connecting a water hose for both coach water and fresh water tank filling.

Others have a separate fill port for both where the fresh water fill is just an open gravity fill hose with a cover and the other is for a hose connection.

Either way, the easiest way to add a sanitizer is to pour the sanitizer into an empty hose, then connect it to the hose port and turn the water on.
Or, if flowing to a gravity fill hose, pour the sanitizer in the hose and screw some means to shut the water off on the end of the hose. Close the shut-off, turn the water on, pick up the hose and insert into the gravity fill port, then turn the water on.

I’m surprised they are recommending using vinegar to sanitize. Normally, sanitizing is done with straight everyday household bleach (not the scented kind).
Vinegar is usually used to help neutralize residual bleach odors after it’s use to sanitize,

kdauto · 09-29-2022, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moreyel

I just bought a 2011 Excel Windsor.
In the owners manual, I’m following the directions to sanitize the potable water system.

It shows to prepare a Vinegar solution and ‘pour’ it into the potable water tank filler spout. Since this unit does not have a separate tank fill, does this mean I need to figure out how to put it into the tank where the fresh water hose screws in?

Thank you

Don't you have a method to "bucket fill" your fresh water system using the inlet valves? Our 2006 5th wheel will suck it from a bucket or tank. Easiest way for us is to use a cup of bleach diluted in 4 liters of water, put that in a jug or bucket and we suck it right from there, then proceed to fill the tank and let sit a few hours before draining and flushing once or twice.

**Camp CA** · 09-29-2022, 08:53 AM

Welcome to the forum!!

Another option is to hook up to a clean water source and flush through then smell and taste the water after a good flush. Do you have an inline water filter? If you do, then remove the filter and add sanitizer then flush through with shore water.

In the meantime, you might find this article on santizing rv freah water systems helpul: https://www.rvingknowhow.com/sanitiz...ithout-bleach/

SailorSam · 09-29-2022, 09:14 AM

I'll agree, vinegar really isn't the product for sanitizing the system. Plain bleach is, neither scented or "low splash". The cheap stuff will do just fine.

Vinegar IS good for cleaning scale out of your water heater. Drain the WH and then fill with a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar. With the WH empty, new water will first go to fill it - open the pressure relief valve to encourage water to fill the tank. Then let sit over night and drain again, open the pressure relief valve before draining to relieve the pressure that WILL build up. Rinse well.
Several u-tubes available on the web for the de-scaling process.