I finally used the black tank flush (BTF) feature on my camper. I used my RV drinking water hose as the service bay hose lacked the threaded connector. Now, I'm wondering, should the BTF drinking water hose be dedicated to this function and a non-BTF drinking water hose acquired?
Is there any chance of contamination from hooking up to the BTF? I'm sure others have considered this. My old camper did not have such a system so this is new to me. Thanks for any advice.
* This post was
edited 05/10/08 11:51am by WesternRoamer *
WesternRoamer wrote: I finally used the black tank flush (BTF) feature on my camper. I used my RV drinking water hose as the service bay hose lacked the threaded connector. Now, I'm wondering, should the drinking water hose be dedicated to this function and a new drinking water hose acquired?
Is there any chance of contamination from hooking up to the BTF? I'm sure others have considered this. My old camper did not have such a system so this is new to me. Thanks for any advice.
I don't take any chances and we use a dedicated for fresh water and another hose for everything else including flushing the black water tank.
Linda B.
2006 31' Fleetwood, TiogaSL - The Big Bus
2008 Saturn Vue (Toad)with US Gear UBS
& Demco baseplate and tow bar.
Traveling with Robin(friend)and Liz(cockapoo)
I'd use different hoses, it's used in a not very clean environment. We keep a short non-white hose (~10') just for that purpose, and store it in the bay with extra sewer fittings, gloves, etc.
Well, I got to tell you, I am in a different school than the others. I have a black tank flush on the side of my trailer, and I have attached the fresh water hose to it many times. The connection has a back flow preventer built in, and it juts sprays water into the black tanks via a long hose. I don't see as problem, and apparently it isn't I am am still here and yet to be sickened. And to all those who will respond with, "I don't want to eat/drink at your RV." I say.... YOU ARE NOT INVITED!
wayne_tw wrote: And to all those who will respond with, "I don't want to eat/drink at your RV." I say.... YOU ARE NOT INVITED!
haha. now here is a guy that understands how things work. yes, absolutely correct, there is no risk for using a fresh water use to flush a black tank.
But that being said, i still use a different hose because (a) why not keep my fresh water hooked up while flushing perhaps, right? in fact, keep them both hooked up in case you need to flush again, why move hoses (b) i dont have to deal with the stares of people as they see me flush with my white hose, and (c) what if the back flow fails?
i have a white hose (fresh) and a grey colored hose (flush). cant mix them up
I always use different hoses for those functions. I don't even keep them near each other in the rig. The drinking water grade stuff has its own storage separate from anything "dirty". I also wear rubber gloves when handling the dookie gear and wash my hands afterwards.
I appreciate the input. I have the Swan Industries, San-T-Flush SFS-250 system. While the camper documentation included an installation diagram and a paragraph regarding how to flush the tanks it does not address the hose sanitation, per se.
However, the installation diagram includes a vacuum breaker and a check valve, which I presume, is intended to guard against backflow. In addition, the plumbing installation keeps the vacuum breaker and check valve at a high point, well above the maximum BT water line. It looks installed that way in my camper, although I can't see everything from the access door.
The hose connection is exposed outside but it is capped to protect the threading. Space is an issue in the camper and if I don't need another hose I would prefer that solution. Others?
Actually the chances of someone getting sick from their fresh tank is probably higher if they never sanitize it. But as said before, the cost of a short hose isn't that expensive to buy 2. You have to keep in mind that if you are hooking up to a fresh water supply under pressure that any flow in that hose should be one way. When you flush out the black tank you are not pressurizing it or filling it completely are you? Then there should be little chance of bacteria getting into the connecting hose. If you want to continue using the same hose for fresh water use just submerge the whole hose in a bucket of bleach solution for about 10 minutes. Probably a good idea to do that once in awhile to keep it sanitary anyway.
The same holds true for changing any water supply filter you use every so often, because if it sits holding moisture for long periods of time it could start to harbor bacteria. Normal hookup water sources are treated, but to what levels?
City water sources usually have a goodly amount of chlorine in them and running a large amount of City water thru a filter and hose before hooking up to your tank is always sound practice.
All of this falls under good practices that people often don't think about or ignore.
It's a little like a cafe worker knowing the santitation rules, but not applying them. Sooner or later it comes back to haunt the cafe owner and customers. People don't very often get sick by eating out, but it isn't unheard of either.
Dave & Sue,
DINKS and dedicated to having fun as much as possible.
05 GMC LT crewcab dually
07 Northern Lite 10.2 CD SE, highly optioned version...
A lot comes on a SE.
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