Operating instructions
Plumbing
Systems
and
Holding
Tanks
improper winterization, and poor battery main-
tenance, Most water system problems can be
avoided by conscientious maintenance.
Leaks
Vibration, flexing and twisting while traveling
can work pipe fittings loose. Check all plumbing
for leaks at least once a year.
If
the water pump
runs when a faucet is not open, suspect a leak.
Be
sure the tank drain valves are tightly closed.
Leaks occur most often around threaded fittings.
If necessary, tighten or clean and tighten the fit-
tings. Do not overtighten fittings. Connections at
galley and lavy fixtures should not be tightened
with a wrench. They will normally seal with
hand-tightening.
If
a leak persists at one
of
the
fittings, disconnect it completely and check for
mineral deposits or other foreign matter at the
seating surfaces. Clean the surfaces thoroughly
and reinstall the fitting.
Connections at the water tank, pump and valves
are made with special clamps. They can be
replaced with standard automotive type hose
clamps.
Leaks caused by freezing damage can be pre-
vented by proper winterization
of
the system.
See the
Storage chapter
of
this manual.
Freezing damage is usually extensive and may
include a burst water tank, split piping, and a
damaged water pump, toilet, and water heater.
If
you experience this type
of
damage, repairs can
best be made by an authorized Fleetwood dealer.
For your safety, the shower faucet
is
equipped
with a vacuum breaker device. This device is
designed to prevent backflow
of
water into the
fresh water system, reducing the possibility
of
contamination
of
the water supply. When the
faucet is
in
the OFF position with the shower hose
held above the faucet, water will drain out
of
the
vacuum breaker. This drainage is not a defect, but
indicates that the faucet is working correctly.
Sanitizing the Fresh Water System
As approved by the U.S. Public Health Service,
sanitize the fresh water tank and piping system
whenever the system may have become contam-
inated, has not been used for a period
of
time, or
before long periods
of
storage. This will dis-
courage the growth
of
bacteria and other organ-
isms that can contaminate the water supply.
Use
a chlorine/fresh water rinse
as
follows:
1.
Prepare a solution
of
114-cup
household
liquid chlorine bleach (5% sodium
hypochlorite) to one gallon
of
water. Use
one gallon solution for each
15
gallons
of
tank capacity.
2.
Close drain valves and faucets, pour the
chlorine solution into the exterior fresh
water tank filler spout, and complete filling
at tank with potable water.
3.
TUrn
water pump switch ON. (Be sure you
have 12-volt DC power.)
Open all faucets
individually until water flows steadily, then
turn them off. This will purge any air from
the lines.
4.
Top
off water tank with fresh water and
allow the system to stand for at least 4 hours.
5. Drain the entire system by opening all
potable water tank valves, plumbing line
drain valves, and operating faucets.
6.
Flush the system with potable water. Let the
fresh water flow through the system for
several minutes to flush out the chlorine
solution.
7. After you stop the flushing, close the tank
valve, drain valves, and faucets.
You
can
now fill the tank with potable water, and
the system is ready
to
use.
Exterior Shower (If Equipped)
A shower fixture is mounted in the exterior util-
ity compartment. The water pump must be
ON
or city water pressure must be available for the
shower to operate.
07-3