Kevin Masterson is an expert on Weekend Warrior Toy Haulers and an RV enthusiast.
If it will be awhile until you use your Weekend Warrior Toy Hauler again, or your water is starting to taste musty, it is time to drain the water lines, and possibly sterilize the system. Draining the water is a simple job. Here's how to go about it:
The first step is to drain the water heater. Go to the outside compartment where the water heater is located. Make sure all power to the water heater is OFF! The drain plug, or petcock, is normally located in the bottom left hand corner. Remove the plug, then open the pressure relief valve on top of the water heater to assist draining. Depending on the size of the water heater this can take a few minutes, so you can have a drink, or do some other tasks while the water runs out.
Once the water heater is completely drained, locate the low point water line drains. This is usually the hardest job because manufacturers often put these in the oddest places. There will be two, one each for the hot and cold waters lines and are always located at the lowest point in the water system. With luck, the manufacturer's preventative maintenance book has a good illustration showing where they are. Alas, this isn't often the case, so be prepared to do some hunting the first time. Once found, open these and let the water drain out. It is usually a good idea to open the taps at the sink to allow the water to thoroughly drain.
Finally, open the drain for the fresh water holding tank and drain all of the water from it. Run the water pump on for a moment to force any remaining water out. Do not let the pump continue to run dry once the water stops draining or you can burn out the motor. Draining is done! You can close all the drains. If it has been a long time since you used the RV again, it is a good idea to sanitize the system. This is also something you can do if the water has been tasting or smelling bad.
Make sure all the water is out of the system, then close all the valves, then make a mixture of a cup of bleach for each 15 gallons of water of the capacity of your holding tank (ie a 30-gallon tank will need 2 cups of bleach), Pour the solution into the fresh water tank. Then fill the fresh water tank completely full of water. Turn the water pump on, open all hot and cold faucets and run the water until you smell the bleach at each faucet. Then close the faucets and turn off the water pump. Let the system sit for at least twelve hours but no more than eighteen.
Drain the entire system and re-fill the fresh water tank with clean water. Open all of the faucets and run the water until you no longer smell any bleach. Once this is done it is safe to use your RV's water system.
In all, it takes around 45 minutes of real work spread out over about 24 hours. An easy job for a weekend warrior toy hauler!
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
A Much Needed Break
By: Kyle Yocky | 03/07/2009This is about a vacation I took, that showed a good sign for the economy
Campervans: Hello to a great trip
By: greengirl sydney | 01/07/2009United States, New Zealand, Australia and united kingdom are countries where campervanning or campervan rental has been the conventional concept of camping and experiencing the scenic beauty of nature and places that possess heavy concentration of historical architectures.
Factors of 2001 Volkswagen Euro van
By: kusuma | 27/06/2009Volkswagen minivan was introduced in 1960 because it was durable and cheap to run. Many Americans loved this type of vehicle. Volkswagen Mini van was invented in 1950 or some 33 years before Chrysler Corporation introduced its first minivan and took credit for creating this type of vehicle.
1999 Volkswagen Euro van specifications
By: kusuma | 27/06/20091999 Volkswagen Euro van has 2.8 liters 6 V front transverse engine with 81 mm bore, 95 mm stroke, 10 compression ratio, cast iron block, light alloy head, double overhead cam and two valves per cylinder. It has Multi-point injection fuel system with 80 liter fuel tank. 1999 Euro van model has four disc brakes including two ventilated discs.
Ways to Choose Car Insurance
By: Salem Hassan | 23/06/2009Everyone who owns a vehicle and is a responsible person realizes that an insurance policy is a necessity and also required by law. Many insurance companies advertise on TV. How do you know how to choose a car insurance company?
Want To Make A Solar Panel For Your RV?
By: Kieran Gracie | 23/06/2009Most RVs have on-board generators, but these tend to be noisy and smelly. These days solar panels are often fitted to provide all or most of your electrical requirements without hammering your battery, and these panels are very easy to make at home, even for the total novice. Here is some guidance to help you make your own RV solar panels.
Ways For Stress Free Entertaining
By: Bob Irwin | 20/06/2009Do you get stressed when you know you need to host some important function or gathering? Just the thought of entertaining can be very nerve racking, however it doesn't have to be. It all depends on the way that you approach everything is what will make a difference.Drop the high class, everything need to be flashy and expensive idea. You need to entertain in your budget and your abilities. You need to also have fun, so be yourself. If you spend most of your t...
Tips For Towing Your Travel Trailer Safely
By: E. Widmer | 19/06/2009There are many things to take into consideration when towing a travel trailer. The following are tips to make your journey safe and hassle free.