Draining fresh water (waste of water)

[salem]

I sanitized our fresh water tank this weekend. We are normally in full hook-up sites but next week will be in a partial hook-up so we will be using our fresh water tank. I had to fill it and flush three times to get the bleach smell out. It occurred to me that I was just pouring 40 gallons of water out and letting it run down the driveway. I captured what I could in a 5 gallon bucket and carried it to the flower beds, lawn, etc. It would have been so much easier if I could have attached a garden hose to the outlet, but for whatever reason the manufacturer didn't see fit to install a hose connection. Does anyone know why they don't? I like to do my part in water conservation. I'm assuming it would be easy enough to rig something up, but that still doesn't explain why they're made the way they are.

[Grit_dog]

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
OP, I know what you're saying about wasting water, BUT, lets put this in perspective for you.

I have a very small farm in Nor Ca. On my small farm I used 5 million gallons of water in one year. Yep, 5 million gallons of water in one year.

Like I said, just putting this in perspective.

OP likely doesnt take navy showers, so he's still wasting water.
Hundred gal is so insignificant. What's that like 3 cents on the water bill?

[drsteve]

Small amounts of bleach do not harm plants. For proof, I can look at the lush, green lawn next to my pool where backwash water has been going for 18 years.

[mobeewan]

Actually for years it was called for to use 1/4 cup (2 ounces) of bleach for 15 gallons of water. That was when the concentration of bleach was at about 5 or 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. Over the last few years the concentration has increased to about 8.25 percent. That changes the amount required to about 1-1/4 ounces per 15 gallons. If you noticed you don't get bleach in the gallon size anymore and there is a yellow band on the label stating it is concentrated. So maybe that is the reason for the strong smell and taste issues.

When used for washing clothes I believe they used to call for about 1/2 cup per load now they call for 1/4 cup per load.


How bleach has changed.

"Clorox has increased the strength of bleach in the past. In 2000, Clorox increased the standard 5.25% concentration of sodium hypochlorite to 6% in their product “Ultra Clorox.” They also added sodium hydroxide. The new “Concentrated” bleach is an additional increase in concentration above the 6% sodium hypochlorite to 8.25%."

[STBRetired]

FYI If you check the label on a bleach bottle, the active ingredient is Calcium Hypochlorite. Hydrogen peroxide is only "drinkable" in very dilute solutions. Baking soda has no anti-bacterial properties, but it is great for getting rid of odors.

I sanitize my tanks once per year when I un-winterize. I use 1 cup of bleach in 50 gallons of water. I drain the bleach solution the next morning, refill with fresh water, drain that 2 days later then fill for the first trip.

[rk911]

salem wrote:
I sanitized our fresh water tank this weekend. We are normally in full hook-up sites but next week will be in a partial hook-up so we will be using our fresh water tank. I had to fill it and flush three times to get the bleach smell out. It occurred to me that I was just pouring 40 gallons of water out and letting it run down the driveway. I captured what I could in a 5 gallon bucket and carried it to the flower beds, lawn, etc. It would have been so much easier if I could have attached a garden hose to the outlet, but for whatever reason the manufacturer didn't see fit to install a hose connection. Does anyone know why they don't? I like to do my part in water conservation. I'm assuming it would be easy enough to rig something up, but that still doesn't explain why they're made the way they are.

next time use baking soda mixed in several gallons of water (forgot the mix ratio but you can find that on line), then fill the tank about 2/3...drive around the block a couple of times, let sit overnight and drain. tank should be sweet smelling.

[dewey02]

I've got a 90 gallon FW tank that I sanitize. I generally then flush once or twice. That's 270 gallons down the driveway. I sanitize just once per year. I don't lose any sleep over it. I also don't lose sleep over the 10 MPG or less that I get when pulling my travel trailer. Or that I visit places that are a thousand miles from my home to camp.

If you are going to worry about all of your impacts, you'll just make yourself crazy, and you will sit at home and do nothing.

[wildtoad]

Note to self: if it takes three times to flush out the bleach smell you used way too much bleach. For a totally empty water tank no more than 1/4 cup of Clorox per 10 gallons will do a great job of sanitizing.

[D_E_Bishop]

I don't understand how putting a valve and a male hose connection could pressurize the FW tank. Actually there is a valve now, LOW POINT drain. Just buy the fittings to go to a 3/4" IPS male to a 3/4" male hose fitting on the drain and you're good to go. If you are running a public utility water source in your tank, and the FEDs paid for any part of your utility's system, your tap water has as much chlorine in it as is recommended for a swimming pool. Check it out if you don't believe me.

[wa8yxm]

Trackrig wrote:
I seem to remember when people were talking about sanitizing tanks a week ago that someone said there was something you could put in the tank to get rid of the bleach smell to reduce the flushing. We'll see if someone pops up with it later today.
Bill

Baking soda. Foood grade baking soda (Arm & Hammer as an example) Magical stuff, does a lot of good things, that's one of 'em.

And if you don't flush it all out, No harm.. I use about half a cup dissolved in water for my 70 gallon tank, exact amount not critical. it is harmless and safe to eat (you do it all the time in many foods).

[TNGW1500SE]

I don't think I'd pour it on the flowers. Bleach is a great vegetation killer. Best to discharge it on somewhere like the driveway and let it evaporate. On a hot day just crack the valve and let it come out slow so it has time to evaporate. If you can't do that, put it in buckets and the bleach will evaporate out of the water in a week or so. You can also buy "chlorine killer" at a pet supply store that will neutralize it. People use it when adding tap water to their aquariums and bait tanks.

[salem]

Oh yeah. We took a Sunday drive out on the west side of the valley not long ago. Every river, creek, ditch, and mud hole was full to the brim. Great to finally see that again. Still though, I didn't like flushing the water down the gutter. That's just me.

[msmith1199]

salem wrote:
I sanitized our fresh water tank this weekend. We are normally in full hook-up sites but next week will be in a partial hook-up so we will be using our fresh water tank. I had to fill it and flush three times to get the bleach smell out. It occurred to me that I was just pouring 40 gallons of water out and letting it run down the driveway. I captured what I could in a 5 gallon bucket and carried it to the flower beds, lawn, etc. It would have been so much easier if I could have attached a garden hose to the outlet, but for whatever reason the manufacturer didn't see fit to install a hose connection. Does anyone know why they don't? I like to do my part in water conservation. I'm assuming it would be easy enough to rig something up, but that still doesn't explain why they're made the way they are.

Your profile says Central Valley. Have you looked at the rivers lately? Many are full to the brim and many are still in danger of flooding as the snow melts in the mountains. Your flushing of your tank isn't doing any harm.

[2oldman]

DutchmenSport wrote:
But I don't sanitize.

x2. I haven't in 15 years. Water seems fine.

We all have our own habits and qualms, so to each his own.

[salem]

Olylen: I tried doing that but the neighbors complained when I stripped down to my skivvies in the driveway.:E