Black Water Tank Dumping; Black Water Tank Flush; Drain Systems Cleaning; Winterizing And Storage - Airstream International 2016 Owner's Manual

Maintenance

Black Water Tank Dumping

When you are in a park and connected to a sewer
outlet, keep the main holding tank dump valve closed
and empty the tank every few days, or whenever it
becomes almost full. Only by sending a large volume
of liquid, all at once, through the main holding tank will
toilet paper and other solids completely wash away.
This practice will avoid the accumulation of solids in the
main holding tank, which could lead to an unpleasant
cleaning job. Should solids accumulate, close the
dump valve, fill the tank about half full with water, then
tow the trailer for a few miles. The turbulence and
surging of the water will usually dissolve the solids into
suspension so the tank can be drained.
Draining the tanks as described will protect them from
freezing during storage. When traveling in sub-freezing
temperatures, use a winterizing solution designed for
RV use. Follow the directions on the container.

Black Water Tank Flush

The trailer has a water hose connector specifically
for flushing the Black Water Tank. To use, hook up a
hose and turn on full force. Within the t ank, a spray
head with a multiple holed head will spray the interior
surface of the tank. The vacuum breaker and check
valve will be located inside the trailer above the exterior
connection. In most models, this will place them under
the lavatory.
The gate valve should be closed for the first couple of
minutes, and then opened to let the water out in a rush.
Repeat as needed.
8-16

Drain Systems Cleaning

The only cleaning agents that can be used without
causing harm to the system are household ammonia
and tri-sodium phosphate in small quantities. Do not
use any product that contains any portion of petroleum
distillates. This type of product will attack the rubber
seals of your toilet and dump valve. Also, do not use
any dish detergent or abrasive cleaners. All products
should be marked as approved for ABS drainage
systems.

Winterizing and Storage

When storing your trailer for short or long periods,
use the same precautions as you would in your own
home in regard to perishables, ventilation, and rain
protection. In addition, for prolonged storage periods,
flush all the drain lines and the holding tanks. Also
drain the entire water system including the water heater
and the water storage tank. Instructions for draining the
water system are explained in the following paragraphs
on winterizing
The main consideration in winterizing your trailer is
to guard against freeze damage to the fresh water
system lines, tank, and pump; the waste drain system
including the traps and tanks; the water heater; and the
batteries.
To completely winterize your trailer follow this
procedure:
1 Level the trailer from side to side and front to rear.
Open all faucets.
2 Replace the galley faucet filter with the bypass pipe
(refer to Galley Faucet Filter in Section 5 - Interior).
Store filter in a warm place.
3. Turn the water pump switch to the ON position to
expel water from the storage tank
4 Open all drain valves including drain plug or valve
on water heater and exterior water service valve.
5 While the water is draining from the system, open
and flush the toilet-flushing valve. Depress hand
spray lever while holding the spray head down
inside the bowl. Depress hand spray thumb button
on the telephone shower head while holding down
inside the tub and drain all water from the flexible
hose. Unscrew the heads on both spray units and
store.
6 Turn the pump switch OFF after all water has been
removed from the storage tank.
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