Sanitization; Waste Water/Holding Tanks - forest river Forester Owner's Manual

PLUMBING

Sanitization

Sanitize the system before initial use, after extended
periods of no-use, at least once a year during continuous
use, and if there is suspicion that the system has been
contaminated.
To sanitize the system: For more information, please
consult the individual owner's manual or on-line at
www.forestriverinc.com.
• Prepare a chorine solution using a gallon of water
and ¼ cup of liquid household bleach (5% sodium
hypo-chlorinate solution). Use one gallon of solu-
tion for each 15 gallons of tank capacity.
• With an empty tank and all faucets and drains
closed, pump into the tank, via the potable tank fill,
either with a manual or electric water pump. Or
pour 1/2 cup of bleach (1/4 cup per 15 gallons of
capacity) into the hose before connecting it to the
water source. The water source pressure will push
the chlorine and water into the tank, making the
correct solution when the fresh water tank is full.
• Completely fill the tank with fresh water.
• Switch on the water pump. Open all faucets one at
a time until all air is purged and the water flows
freely.
• Again, add fresh water to the tank until the water
level reaches the fill spout.
• Allow the solution to stand in the tank, undisturbed,
for at least three (3) hours.
• Drain the system by opening all faucets and the
fresh water tank drain valve while flushing the sys-
tem with fresh water of drinking quality.
• Continue flushing the system, allowing the water to
flow for several minutes.
Close the tank drain valve and all faucets. Refill the sys-
tem with water of known drinking quality.

Waste Water/Holding Tanks

The waste water system in your motorhome can be
described as two separate systems. A gray water sys-
tem, which consists of the drain lines and holding tank for
waste water from the sinks and tub, and a black water
system, which includes the holding tank and drain for toi-
let wastes. Each system is self-contained and allows dis-
posal of waste water at designated dump stations at your
convenience.
Components of the gray water system have drain traps,
and both tanks (black tank for toilet waste and gray tank
for sinks and showers) are vented to equalize air pres-
sure and disperse odors to the outside, caused by drain
water and waste. At times, the rocking movement of the
coach while driving may empty the drain traps of their
water and allow odors from the gray water tank to enter
the motorhome.
Residue in the drain water lines can also produce odors.
To combat gray water holding tank odors, an RV
approved deodorizing agent should be used. An agent
that dissolves grease and fats and contains a detergent
will help keep the tanks and lines clean and free flowing.
You can obtain the deodorizer at most campgrounds and
at stores that carry camping supplies.
If Connecting To A Campsite Sewer Inlet:
• DO NOT open termination valves until tanks are 3/4
full.
• DO NOT keep black water valve open while parked.
NOTE:
Solid waste is not flushed directly into the sewer system.
Only liquid waste is drained; therefore, you must allow
water to accumulate in the tank and give the chemicals
time to break down the solids before emptying the tank.
NOTE:
Always keep enough water in the waste tank to cover the
bottom. Doing so will help prevent waste from solidifying,
which will prevent the waste from being flushed from the
system. If draining the gray water tank directly into the
sewer inlet while parked, be sure to close the termination
valve for a period of time before leaving, allowing water
to accumulate in the tank for use in flushing the drain line
and flexible hose.
Each tank has a separate drain line and dump valve,
which permits dumping tanks individually or together.
Each tank should be emptied often and ONLY at dump
stations designated for this purpose. Dump stations can
be found at most campgrounds and are well marked, and
at most truck stops. Many service stations, particularly
along interstate highways, also have these facilities.
Campground directories list dumping station locations
across the nation.
If possible, dump holding tanks before a trip to reduce
the gross vehicle weight. It is very important that you
keep enough water in the black water tank to cover the
bottom to prevent hardening of any waste residue that
may remain. Never dump black water tank until it is 3/4
full. (Check the tank level on your monitor panel.) This
practice ensures that enough water is in the tank to flush
all wastes into sewer line. If necessary, fill the tank to the
3/4 mark with additional water before draining.
Never put anything in the holding tanks other than nor-
mal drain water, body waste, and biodegradable prod-
ucts. Paper wrappers, gum, cigarettes, etc., no matter
how small, should NEVER be placed into either the gray
or black tanks as doing so could cause damage to your
plumbing system and/or tanks.
NOTE:
You can find biodegradable paper products at most
stores that sell camping supplies and at campgrounds
that have a store on the premises. You can also find
chemical substitutes for deposit into the waste tanks if
you prefer.
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