Sanitizing The Fresh Water System; Troubleshooting The Fresh Water System; Clogged Water Filter - Fleetwood 1990 Southwind Owner's Manual

tanks measure the levels at various points in the tanks.
To check tank levels:
• Press "WATER" or "HOLDING TANK 1" or "2"
rocker switches. HOLDING TANK 1 is the black
water (toilet waste) tank, and HOLDING TANK 2
is grey water (sink and shower wastes).
*
The "E" or empty indicator light will always be
lit. If the tank is full, all lights will be on. Lights
are sequential, and indicate level in approximately
14
tank increments. If the tank selected is approx-
imately Y,-full, for example, lights "E",
"14 ",
and
"y,"
will be on.
*
Erroneous indications can be caused by:
a. Water with low mineral content. Level is
measured by a very low level electrical signal
traveling through the liquid. Some water, very
low in mineral content used in the fresh water
tank, may not conduct the signal properly. This
condition may be infrequent, but can exist.
Check the panel reading when the fresh water
tank is filled.
b. Material trapped on the sides of the holding
tanks may give a full reading when the tank is
actually empty.
NOTE: If the sensor probes mounted in the
tanks get coated with grease, the monitor
panel may indicate falsely or not at all.
Avoid pouring grease, oils, or similar
substances down drains or the toilet. If this
is unavoidable, the holding tank(s) should be
washed out with a soapy water solution.
Sanitizing The Fresh Water System
Sanitize the fresh water tank and piping at least once
a year, and whenever the motor home sits for a pro-
longed period. This will help keep the tank and lines
fresh, and will discourage the growth of bacteria and
other organisms that can contaminate the water supp-
ly. Use a chlorine/fresh water rinse as follows:
1. Prepare a solution of 1/4-cup household liquid
chlorine bleach (5% soldium hypochlorite) to one
gallon of water for each 15 gallons of tank capacity.
2. Close drain valves and faucets, pour chlorine solu-
tion into the fresh water tank filler spout, and com-
plete filling with fresh water.
3. Turn water pump switch ON. (Be sure you have
12-volt DC power.) Open all faucets individually u'ntil
water flows steadily, then turn off. This will purge
any air from the lines.
4. Top off water tank with fresh water and wait three
hours.
5. Drain the entire system by opening all fresh water
tank valves, faucets, and plumbing line drain valves.
22
6. Flush the system with drinking quality 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,
the faucets, and drain valves. You can now fill the
tank with fresh water, and the system is ready to
use.
Troubleshooting The Fresh Water System
Water system problems usually fall into two categories:
inherent system problems, and problems caused by
neglect. System problems are usually the result of road
vibration, and campsite water pressure variations. Pro-
blems of neglect usually stem from failure to clean filters,
improper winterization, and poor battery maintenance.
Most water system problems can be avoided by cons-
cientious 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 thread-
ed fittings. If necessary, tighten or clean and tighten
the fittings. 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 sur-
faces thoroughly and reinstall the fitting.
Connections at the water tank, pump and valves are
made with special clamps. They can be replaced with
standard aircraft type hose clamps.
Leaks caused by freezing damage can be prevented
by proper winterization of the system. See WINTERIZA-
TION section of this manual. Freezing damage is usual-
ly 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 RV Service Center.
Clogged Water Filter
Dirt, mineral scale, or organic matter are filtered out
of the fresh water system by an in-line water filter on
the inlet side of the water pump. If you suspect a clogg-
ed filter, it is easily removed and cleaned.
Inspect the filter after the first 90 days of use, clean
it if necessary, and inspect annually thereafter.
• Loosen the clamp at the inlet end of the filter.
• Pull the water line off the filter.
*
Unscrew the filter from the water pump.
*
Turn each end of the filter and pull apart.