Water Pump; Sanitizing Portable Water System - forest river Coachmen Clipper Owner's Manual

Plumbing

Water Pump

When using water from the fresh water tank, the system
must be pressurized. A self-priming 12V DC pump is pro-
vided to handle this function. A pump ON/OFF switch is
located on the backside of the dinette next to the con-
verter. Turn the switch to the ON position to activate the
pump. Once activated, the pump will turn itself on auto-
matically whenever a faucet or valve is opened, creating
a demand for water. Once the water flow is shut off, the
pump will also shut off.
Sometimes, when using the pump for the first time after
filling the fresh water tank, the water flowing from the
faucet will sputter until all the air has been cleared from
the water line. This is normal and does not indicate a
problem with the pump. When using the internal water
supply, the pump should be left on since it only runs
when there is a demand for water from the system. The
water pump is equipped with a screen to trap debris and
should be cleaned out periodically.
CAUTION
Do not turn the water pump on when using water
from an outside pressurized source.
Filling the System
If your camper is equipped with a shower, allow the
entire system (water tank, water heater, and water lines)
to fill with water before using the water heater. When
using water from either an internal or external source,
open the faucets to allow water to flow through the sys-
tem. When the flow becomes steady and free of air, turn
the faucets off. Be sure that the water heater has been
filled before lighting the pilot.
NOTE:
When using the internal water supply, you may want to
add water to the tank to replace the water used during
the initial start-up process of allowing all components of
the system to fill. This process will use a substantial
amount of water from your water storage tank.
Drainage
The sink drain is a direct connection to the drain fitting on
the side of the camper. As water is used, it should be
drained through a hose directly into the campsite septic
system, or if not available, into a bucket for proper dis-
posal (some models may be equipped with two gray
water tanks, and possibly two gray water valves).
NOTE:
Be a responsible camper. Do not allow water you have
used (water from your gray or black holding tanks) to
drain directly onto the ground.

Sanitizing Portable Water System

Sanitize the system before initial use, after extended
periods of non-use, and anytime there is a suspicion that
the system has been contaminated.
To sanitize the system, use the following procedure:
1. Place one ounce of liquid household bleach (5%
sodium hypochlorite solution) in your RV's fresh
water tank for each ten gallons of capacity. (If your
tank holds 30 gallons, put 3 ounces of bleach in the
tank.)
2. With the tank empty and all faucets and drains
closed, pour the solution into the fresh water tank.
3. Complete filling the tank with fresh water.
4. Operate the galley (kitchen) pump faucet until water
flows freely.
5. Again add fresh water to the tank until the water
level reaches the fill spout.
6. Allow the system to stand undisturbed for at least
three hours.
7. Drain the system by opening the galley faucet and
the supply tank drain cock while flushing the system
with water of drinking quality.
8. Continue flushing the system, allowing water to flow
for several minutes.
9. Close the tank drain valve and the faucet. Refill the
system with water of known drinking quality.
NOTE:
If the taste or odor of the chlorine solution used to sani-
tize the system lingers, pour a solution of 5 gallons of
water mixed with a quart of vinegar into the tank. Agitate
the solution in the tank by towing the camper then allow
it to sit in the tank for another day or two. Drain the tank,
fill and flush with fresh water, and refill with fresh water
of drinking quality.
If you are unsure of the quality of the drinking water you
are adding to your system, you can disinfect it by using
8 drops of household bleach for each gallon of water
added.
Draining the System
The water system should be drained when not in use. To
drain, proceed as follows:
1. Open the galley faucet and the supply tank drain
valve.
2. When the tank is drained, pump the galley faucet
several times to expel any water in the faucet and
supply line.
34