How to clean a caravan water system

How to Clean a Caravan Water System

Keeping your caravan’s water system clean is essential for safe and fresh drinking water on the road. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a caravan water system; water tank, pipes, and taps effectively.

Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution

1. Fill the Water Barrel: Start by filling your caravan’s water barrel with clean water.
2. Add Puriclean: Use the appropriate amount of Puriclean (or a similar water purification cleaner) based on the instructions on the packaging. Puriclean effectively removes bacteria, biofilm, and other contaminants from the tank and water lines.
3. Let It Sit: Allow the solution to sit in the water barrel for the time recommended by the manufacturer.

Step 2: Draw Water Through the System

1. Attach the Water Barrel: Fit your water barrel to your caravan so the water pump can pump the solution.
2. Draw Solution Through the Taps: Turn on the taps one by one, starting with the cold setting, and let water flow until all the air has bled out. Then repeat for the hot setting. This will ensure that the Puriclean solution reaches and cleans every part of the water system.
3. Allow It to Stand: Let the Puriclean solution sit in the system for an hour or as directed on the product label to clean a Caravan Water System.

Step 3: Flush the System

1. Drain the System: Fully drain the caravan water system, including the water barrel and any other containers.
2. Flush with Fresh Water: Refill the water barrel with clean water, then draw it through the taps to rinse out any remaining Puriclean solution. Pull through about a litre or two from each tap, both on hot and cold settings.
3. Final Drain and Bleed: Drain the system once more, then bleed air out again to ensure clean water is running through all lines.

Common Issues with Air in Taps

When you start to notice air in your taps, it usually stems from one of these three issues:

1. Drain Down Valve Left Open: Make sure the drain down valve is fully closed.
2. Floating Pipe in Water Barrel: If the pipe in the water barrel floats to the surface, it can cause air to enter the lines. Here’s a tip to avoid this:
   • Place the pump pipe directly in the water barrel without connecting it to the caravan.
   • Move it up and down quickly a few times to help submerge it fully.
   • Now attach the connector to the caravan.
3. Worn or Incorrect O-Rings on Connector: The O-ring(s) on the side connector of the van may be worn, split, or of the wrong size, causing air leaks. To ensure an airtight seal:
   • Check that the O-rings are correctly sized and slightly protrude from the pipe.
   • Apply a lubricant to the O-rings—silicone grease is popular, but some prefer olive or vegetable oil for a food-safe option.

Tips for Bleeding Air from Taps

When bleeding air, always start with the tap farthest from the water barrel, typically in the bathroom. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Cold First, Then Hot: Open the cold tap halfway; don’t open it fully, as this can pull more air into the line. Once the cold water runs clear, do the same for the hot side.
2. Repeat for All Taps: Move to each tap in sequence, including the shower and sink, repeating the process of half-opening each tap until all air is out of the system and water flows smoothly.

Following these steps ensures your water system is free of bacteria, contaminants, and air. This routine keeps your water safe and fresh and prevents common water issues while you’re out on the road.