White Substance on Small Screen Next to Water Fill

[JohnnyE_]

Took my TT out for its spring check-out and de-winterization. I filled up my fresh water tank and after a day or two, I went back to my fresh water fill and noticed a white substance over the small vent screen right above the fill. Didn't smell like anything and had a toothpaste consistency. I took an old toothbrush and cleaned it off with a running hose.

Anyone know what this is? I filled the tank all the way up until water gushed out. Maybe calcium build-up?

Thanks.
Johnny

[Lynnmor]

If you are able to see the back side of that hose and maybe disconnect it, you often can find biological stuff growing in that vent hose. Bleaching the tank usually doesn't reach up to sanitize the fill and vent hoses. I've had some that could only be fixed by replacement. Others just drink the filthy stuff.

[NYCgrrl]

"White stuff" tends to not be mold.

[JohnnyE_]

Lynnmor wrote:
Now right there is the reason that we have such ignorant designs. You just were informed that someone had a white substance in that vent, and it was likely mold. Well at least you won't need cream for your coffee.

You think it is mold? I did not do the bleach deal in my fresh water tank. Perhaps I need to do that.

[Lynnmor]

brirene wrote:
With all due respect, if I'm going to worry about what my tank is exposed to through that tiny opening covered by a screen, I might just as well stay home. Much better chance of coming into contact with all kinds of nasty bacteria just walking around the campground.

Now right there is the reason that we have such ignorant designs. You just were informed that someone had a white substance in that vent, and it was likely mold. Well at least you won't need cream for your coffee.

[brirene]

With all due respect, if I'm going to worry about what my tank is exposed to through that tiny opening covered by a screen, I might just as well stay home. Much better chance of coming into contact with all kinds of nasty bacteria just walking around the campground.

[Lynnmor]

3oaks wrote:

Lynnmor wrote:
Those fresh water tank vents should be outlawed. That scum, bird droppings, wash water, rain and whatever else, goes right in your drinking water. I put my intake and vents behind a locking door.

When you sanitize a stupid system like this, use plenty of bleach and fill the tank so it overflows both the fill hose and the vent. Let it set for at least half a day.

:?

Just what we need. Another LAW to OUTLAW something useful. :S

"intake and vents behind a locking door." Isn't that where most are located right from the manufacture? :h

I guess you don't get out much. Most are as the OP stated, right there exposed to whatever comes along. There are all kinds of plumbing codes and some of them actually make sense. This exposed vent is something that should not exist. 😛

example

[3oaks]

Lynnmor wrote:
Those fresh water tank vents should be outlawed. That scum, bird droppings, wash water, rain and whatever else, goes right in your drinking water. I put my intake and vents behind a locking door.

When you sanitize a stupid system like this, use plenty of bleach and fill the tank so it overflows both the fill hose and the vent. Let it set for at least half a day.

:?

Just what we need. Another LAW to OUTLAW something useful. :S

"intake and vents behind a locking door." Isn't that where most are located right from the manufacture? :h

[Lynnmor]

Those fresh water tank vents should be outlawed. That scum, bird droppings, wash water, rain and whatever else, goes right in your drinking water. I put my intake and vents behind a locking door.

When you sanitize a stupid system like this, use plenty of bleach and fill the tank so it overflows both the fill hose and the vent. Let it set for at least half a day.

[JohnnyE_]

darsben wrote:
Sniff the white powder.. If you get high you have a rocky mountain high. Put residue in baggy and dispose of according to your conscience. If you do not get high see post by Greydennyhawk

Could be a bird perfectly aimed his **** directly at that fill vent.

[darsben]

Sniff the white powder.. If you get high you have a rocky mountain high. Put residue in baggy and dispose of according to your conscience. If you do not get high see post by Greydennyhawk

[JohnnyE_]

Greydennyhawk wrote:
Step 1:If calcium, try this: put a bit in a plastic cup of vinegar, if it foams up, that's what it is.
If it doesn't see step 2

Step 2: try step 1 again.

Copy. I'll give it a go and see if it is calcium.

[Greydennyhawk]

Step 1:If calcium, try this: put a bit in a plastic cup of vinegar, if it foams up, that's what it is.
If it doesn't see step 2

Step 2: try step 1 again.