Community Forums

Durango Dave · 07-05-2017, 06:17 PM

Hi, i installed a new blue and white filter today outside, im hooked up to RV park water now. This time after i changed the filter to a new one, i got about 5 sec of black water out of the sink (cold water)

Is that normal?

Thanks

dons2346 · 07-05-2017, 06:23 PM

Sounds like you installed a charcoal filter. You should have run some water thru it before installing.

AFChap · 07-05-2017, 06:24 PM

Yes, when installing a new charcoal filter. Most tell you on the label to run water through it for a minute or so before using it.

KSagal · 07-05-2017, 06:25 PM

I do not get black water out of my sink spigot. I use a filter on the hose to the camp water, but do not get black water at all.

I also drain all my hoses when done, I do not coil them. I make it a point to hang them, and let them drain.

Black water says to me that the water was most likely sitting for some time, growing cultures of one sort or another. I cannot imagine someone purposely putting black water into their potable water systems.

It is also possible that the black water you speak of was sitting in the camp hoses before you hooked up. This may depend on when the last time that spigot was used before you.

One trick I do all the time, but do no longer think of it much, is that before I hook up my camper hose to the campground spigot, I run the water from that spigot first. I watch to see that what comes out is clear.

I did find one time some years ago, the water was brownish for a few seconds before it turned white (clear). Perhaps it was worse for you this time, and that was the source of your black water.

Good luck.

Edit: While I was typing, better answers about charcoal filters were mentioned. Great idea. I use a paper filter with the charcoal in-bedded in a multi level filter media.

Gigattime · 07-05-2017, 10:52 PM

X3 on Charcoal filters. If that is what you have/used, then perfectly normal.

saddlesore · 07-05-2017, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigattime

X3 on Charcoal filters. If that is what you have/used, then perfectly normal.

Yup, I put the Camco blue filter with charcoal @ the faucet, then turn the water on (not hooked up to rv hose just yet) and rattle the filter for a minute or so to expel any loose charcoal before hooking up to the coach supply hose.

Dtwallace · 07-05-2017, 11:34 PM

Every time, unless it's filtered out by a secondary filter, a new charcoal filter will do that.

I even made the mistake of drinking it with charcoal in it once, I'm still here, no ill effects.

DTW

lynnmor · 07-06-2017, 07:37 AM

Always flush the new or used filter and hoses before attaching to the RV. Shaking the filter while flushing will remove some loose media.

MSHappyCampers · 07-06-2017, 10:06 AM

Yes, that's normal. We always run the water for at least 30 seconds after changing a filter. If it's the Camco blue in-line filter outside, I run it before connecting to the MH.

KSagal · 07-06-2017, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dtwallace

Every time, unless it's filtered out by a secondary filter, a new charcoal filter will do that.

I even made the mistake of drinking it with charcoal in it once, I'm still here, no ill effects.

DTW

I ate my steak last night off the BBQ like that. Tasted pretty good actually.

Luckyme1980 · 07-12-2017, 06:25 AM

Assuming this is the under sink, or in line carbon based filter, it is perfectly normal to get some "carbon fines" (what we call it in the water business). Harmless, and disappear after a couple gallons of flushing through a new filter. These "fines" are normally very small, and pass through your Faucet screen.
For in line filters, like installed on outside hose supply, you can run a couple gallons through them prior to hooking to RV to flush.
There are different types of carbon filters, some impregnated (solid) have no fines. The type that when unused, if you shake it and can hear some carbon movement will need a little flushing.