MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: macca_75 on April 15, 2014, 08:06:03 AM
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Hey all,
Picked up our new trailer and I am currently preparing it for it's maiden voyage.
It has a 70L SS water tank - how do I (or do I need to) clean it before first use? Is there a bottle of something I tip in along with 70L of tap water, drive it around a bit and then empty?
If so, what's the bottle called and where do I get it?
Thanks in Advance.
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interested also :laugh:
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Done hundreds of times, mostly for plastics.... But
Google a product called Tank Clean. Basic bicarb also does the job. For a brand new stainless tank I would be happy just to flush it through.
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Thanks - available at BCF $15 for enough to treat 180 litres.
http://www.bcf.com.au/online-store/products/Tank-Cleen-Water-Tank-Cleaner-200g.aspx?pid=203602#Cross (http://www.bcf.com.au/online-store/products/Tank-Cleen-Water-Tank-Cleaner-200g.aspx?pid=203602#Cross)
Couldn't be easier.
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Bicarb or Milton will clean it although you could just fill it drive it around the block and then empty. I bought a BEST filter, they say by filling using the filter will assist in keeping the tank clean.
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Would dissolving 1kg of Bi-carb in 20 litres, adding to tank and then topping off to until full do the trick? More or less Bi carb? Would I be correct in assuming Bi-Carb is the same strength as the commercial product?
Cheers
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That would be fine macca
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Homebrew beer fermenter cleaner(Pink Stain), Keg and Line cleaner, bleach, miltons bottle cleaner, rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Baz.
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We've always used Miltons and its worked well in the past, this reminds me we are over due for a clean and flush....
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I use Milton tablets also. Seems to work for us.
Regards
Jas
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What ever you decide, make sure you take it for a tow around the block or for a few kms to shake it around a little.
Peter,
iPad with IOS 7.1 using Tapatalk HD
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I've never cleaned mine. I just drain them when garaged and refill before I leave, never had a problem.
Cheers
Leigh
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Starbrite water conditioner is my weapon of choice.
(http://www.starbrite.com/cache/com_zoo/images/915.A1_9ab72ed31dd775750136fe210c9d2ac4.png)
I've been using it for many years. A little goes a long way, as in 1 level teaspoon does 100 old fashioned gallons.
These guys ...
https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_itemdetail.asp?cat=133&item=85033&intAbsolutePage=1 (https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_itemdetail.asp?cat=133&item=85033&intAbsolutePage=1)
Just add a smidgen to the tank when filling, or you can use a more concentrated mixture for flushing the system.
Remember when flushing out the system to flush the "entire" system. Pump it through the taps and such, then give the entire system a good rinse out too.
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Water doesn't go off. Keep the sunlight out and nothing grows in it. So why flush, or clean, or add chemicals?
KB
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Water doesn't go off. Keep the sunlight out and nothing grows in it. So why flush, or clean, or add chemicals?
KB
I agree. I don't do anything with mine, other than top it up when needed.
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Water doesn't go off. Keep the sunlight out and nothing grows in it. So why flush, or clean, or add chemicals?
I agree. I don't do anything with mine, other than top it up when needed.
The question was "how do you clean a water tank ?" We're simply answering that question.
And just quietly ... water and tanks can become contaminated, so having a remedy for these circumstances is not a bad idea, in fact its probably a good idea.
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It's a new tank. Does it need cleaning? I would have thought a flush would be sufficient.
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It's a new tank. Does it need cleaning? I would have thought a flush would be sufficient.
I always give the new system a good flush, but I use the Starbrite conditioner to do so. After that, I give it another rinse through with fresh water.
I use the water conditioner quite sparingly, adding it (in minute amounts) less often than not. But after spending many years in and around boats, where fresh drinking water isn't always easy to source, I continue to adhere to a proven process when maintaining the water supply. Its probably over cautious. Each to their own hey.
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If you only 2/3rds fill the tank, there will be more sloshing!
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The question was "how do you clean a water tank ?" We're simply answering that question.
ACE :D
KB
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full it with vodka take it for a drive to shake around drain vodka in glass end empty glass down throat - repeat until empty the star all over again
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full it with vodka take it for a drive to shake around drain vodka in glass end empty glass down throat - repeat until empty the star all over again
Maybe not vodka but I like your thinking!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Water doesn't go off. Keep the sunlight out and nothing grows in it. So why flush, or clean, or add chemicals?
KB
It was suggested to me to give it a clean before I use it.
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I've never cleaned mine. I just drain them when garaged and refill before I leave, never had a problem.
Cheers
Leigh
Simalar I keep them full and drain and refill before leaving. Don't drink the water anyhow, always carry bottled water for that.
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It was suggested to me to give it a clean before I use it.
Go for it mate :cheers:
KB
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How do people drain their tanks? Do you have a drain valve or just undo the pipework?
On my last camper, it felt like the the barb was going to break off whenever I touched it, I used to just turn the pump on until it was empty.
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usually ya take a hose off..
But if you don't like doing that then do it once, then install a "T" pice with a tap so you can just turn the plastic tap, yes you still have to lie under neath the van and possible get wet. or you could put a small length of hose onto the "T" piece..
Some tanks do havea separate drain outlet, but not too many do.
Peter,
iPad with IOS 7.1 using Tapatalk HD
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Found this link - thought it would be handy
http://www.bestwaterfilters.com.au/tank-cleaning/ (http://www.bestwaterfilters.com.au/tank-cleaning/)
Tank Cleaning
Cleaning Tanks
Silver and Hydrogen Peroxide
The best solution to clean your tanks when you are unsure of the condition or bacterial content. This uses non-offensive, easy to source items which are highly effective and nontoxic.
Using Colloidal Silver and Hydrogen Peroxide for cleaning the tanks and pipe work in your Recreational Vehicle.
The safest way to kill bacteria and remove dirt, etc from your tanks and pipe work without resorting to chlorine is to use Colloidal Silver and Hydrogen Peroxide (Mouthwash).
SILVER + HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
Where to get it –
Ø Colloidal Silver, you can get this from a health food store. It comes in liquid form in a brown glass bottle.
(Or if you have any one of the B.E.S.T. Water Filters that produces silver, this will substitute for having to purchase the Colloidal Silver.)
Ø The Hydrogen Peroxide is available from your local Chemist. Try to get the strongest percentage, 5% is usually stocked and sometimes you can find 12% - this is the best to use. (If you cannot get either of these, then the 3% will still work, just not as quickly.)
How much to use –
You have to work out how much water your tank/s hold, and make sure they are almost full. (You will be adding an extra litre of water when you add the water/silver/hydrogen mix, so make sure the tank is not overflowing with water.)
Ø For each litre of water, you will need to add 2ml. (It does not matter if you put too much silver into your water, as this is not harmful. The amount given above is your guide to the minimum required. You can put a whole bottle of Colloidal Silver into the tanks if you prefer.) (If using a B.E.S.T. Water Filter, skip any reference to adding silver and simply fill the tanks through the B.E.S.T. Water Filter as this will add a small amount of silver from the unit.)
Ø For each litre of water, you will need to add 2ml of Hydrogen Peroxide. (Again this a guide to the minimum required.)
How to use –
Ø In a bucket, add approximately 1 litre of water. Add the Colloidal Silver to the water, and then add the Hydrogen Peroxide to the water. Give it a stir, and then add the mix to your tank/s.
Ø This will need to sit in your tank/s for a minimum of 20 minutes. For very dirty tank/s, you may need to stir up the water to dislodge any biofilm that may have formed inside them. To do this, simply take a bumpy, shaky 20-minute drive!
You can leave this solution in your tanks for as long as you like (2 weeks or even 2 months) if you want to make sure it has worked effectively.
IMPORTANT NOTE:You need to make sure the breathing holes are clear before you put the solution in your tank/s to allow air to release. When you add Colloidal Silver and Hydrogen Peroxide together, they react and create millions of tiny air bubbles that will release from the water. An extra measure is to turn off your pump and turn on your kitchen/bathroom taps to allow air to escape from there. This is especially important if you are planning to leave it sit in the tanks for an extended period.)
How to finish –
Ø Drain the water from your tanks. Depending on how dirty the water is coming out, you may have to flush clean water through your tanks to remove any dirt, clumps of biofilm, etc that may be laying in the bottom. When you are happy with the colour of the water draining away, fill up your tanks ready to go!
Have a great trip!!!
Note- we do not endorse the use of pre-mixed silver and hydrogen peroxide as an ongoing treatment because of the aggressiveness of the high levels of hydrogen peroxide and the low levels of silver. The premix is OK for a shock treatment only and must be handled with care.
These mixtures often have levels of 35% Hydrogen peroxide. The chemist is only allowed to sell 12%.
Because the silver has already activated the hydrogen peroxide, once the container is opened it starts to lose its effectiveness.
Note. Once you start filling your RV tanks with a B.E.S.T. RV Water Filter, there will be no need to repeat this treatment.
On the other hand, if you are using a domestic filter either for filling or under the sink, this process should be used regularly.
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How do people drain their tanks? Do you have a drain valve or just undo the pipework?
On my last camper, it felt like the the barb was going to break off whenever I touched it, I used to just turn the pump on until it was empty.
We put a tap on the tank. Copied the idea from this one:
http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=4689.125 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=4689.125)