SERVICES
64
SANITISING
Sanitising
Guidance on cleaning portable water
tanks and the water system in touring
caravans.
The water systems, and in particular water
tanks, in caravans are susceptible to
contamination by bacteria if care is not taken
with their use and cleaning. The symptoms
caused by bacterial contamination are not
purely limited to gastro-intestinal diseases,
but may also manifest themselves as ear,
nose, throat, eye or skin infections. It is
therefore important that you carry out the
following procedure prior to using the caravan
each time, even if you boil or filter all water you
use for drinking.
Separate Water Containers
1. All water remaining in the container
should be disposed of so that the container
is empty.
2. The outside of the container should be
thoroughly cleansed and washed down to
remove any dirt, dust or other contaminant.
Water at a suitably hot temperature
containing an appropriate detergent is
recommended for this purpose.
3. Water should be put in the container, swirled
around, then emptied out.
4. The container should then be totally filled
with water containing an appropriate
sterilant solution and allowed to stand for
the recommended contact time.
5. The solution should be emptied from
the container.
6. The opening of the container should be
cleaned thoroughly with an appropriate
prepared wipe impregnated with a sterilant.
7. The container should be inverted whilst
stored overnight (if possible).
8. The container must be filled with mains
water only and mains water only should be
used for the above cleaning procedure.
9. On no account should garden hoses be
used to fill water tanks.
For Systems:
1. Drain down the system (open all taps
to allow air in, enabling the system to
drain quickly).
2. Remove any after market water filters fitted,
and replace with a short length of hose or
empty filter cartridge (this will ensure the
filter is not affected by the disinfectant/
sterilant solution).
3. Fill the system by using the pump with a
disinfectant/sterilant solution (check that
the solution at full strength appears at
all taps/showers). Allow to stand for the
recommended period of time.
4. Drain the system completely.
5. Thoroughly clean the outside of all taps/
connectors with a cloth soaked in the
disinfectant/sterilant.
6. Flush the system through with clean drinking
water until no traces of disinfectant/sterilant
can be detected at any tap.
7. Replace the filter.
Suitable sterilising chemicals are available from
your caravan dealer, accessory shop, chemist
or home-brew shops. It is not, however,
recommended to use bleach or sodium
metabisulphite.
Do not use products that contain aggressive
agents for sterilising the water system. Always
use a product designed for use within stainless
steel tanks available from your caravan
accessory superstore.
NOTE: Never use the water heating system
when disinfectant/sterilising fluid is present.
Doing so may damage the system.
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