Bits in fresh water

[davidathomas42]

So I have not used my Motorhome since new year. Finally got it back from repair today.

The fresh water coming out all taps has little black bits in it. I have run about 30-40 litres through all the 3 taps while filling the fresh up (it was left mostly empty)

Its cleared a lot but there is still the odd bit pulling through.

I decided when I bough the van that with it coming up 12 years old soon I would never use the fresh for drinking water and keep stocks of bottled onboard. Its for Shower and washing pots only. But I still dont want to see black bits in water i'm showering with etc.

Other than just running hundreds of litres though it with the hose plugged into the side is there anything else anyone can suggest?

 

[gpat]

This is usually a washer that is disintegrating.

 

[Badknee]

We don’t drink out of our tank either. I use Puritabs every couple of tank fulls. Don’t use bleach or Milton as it upsets the water heater.

 

[peterc10]

Clean and disinfect the tank and lines using either food grade citric acid or diluted white wine vinegar.

 

[Riverbankannie]

I would do as Peter says above. Black bits are normally bacteria growth coming off the sides of the tank and from the pipe lines. I recommend Puriclean as a regular treatment.
You could use diluted bleach just in the water tank, that is pouring in via the filler cap, ensuring the pump is off, sloshing around on a drive and leaving for a few hours, then drain straight off via the drain tap. You still need to clean the pipes though.

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[bridgedino]

Is your fresh water tank black plastic? If so its possible its the left over shards of black plastic from when it was fitted and holes drilled to attach pipework

 

[davidathomas42]

Is your fresh water tank black plastic? If so its possible its the left over shards of black plastic from when it was fitted and holes drilled to attach pipework

It is black. I cant imagine any manufacturing bits left after 12 years though.

Ill try the Puritabs and hope that sorts it. Hopefully not a disintegrating washer as that sounds like more work.

 

[Riverbankannie]

It is black. I cant imagine any manufacturing bits left after 12 years though.

Ill try the Puritabs and hope that sorts it. Hopefully not a disintegrating washer as that sounds like more work.

Puritabs are best for ongoing purifying the water, you need a bit more oomph from the Puriclean to start off with a good clean.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Used to get that on the "Camelback" hydration back pack if you weren't methodical and meticulous with your cleaning regime. Even after a soaking with a strong milton solution usually some agitation from a purpose made pipe brush was required to shift the last bits. However, not really feasible for long pipe run. For the motorhome though the citric solution is probably best, and safest for the hot water/boiler side.
Mike.

 

[Figaro]

Puriclean and a good flush should sort out the plumbing.
Are your motorhome faults resolved now ?

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[davidathomas42]

Puriclean and a good flush should sort out the plumbing.
Are your motorhome faults resolved now ?

I am going to post about that now. Sort of.

 

[peterc10]

It is probably mould growth in the tank and pipes.

 

[davidathomas42]

I might try to run a few hundred litres warm water though it with cleaning agents in the tank. If I connect to my kitchen tap I could set a medium temperature and just leave it filling while running all taps at the same time.

Thats assuming those pumps can handle that constant flow without over heating?

 

[Landy Andy]

In theory the “bits” you are seeing are from your pump, or system after it, as normally the system has a particle filter just before the pump.

 

[dunnah01]

We have the same problem and can't find a solution. I've Puricleaned the tank and pipes twice including filler hose, neck, all tap sprinklers and shower hoses. It's much better but still some bits come through. I'm hoping it will eventually clean itself up with even more Puricleans in a few weeks time.

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[Jimbohorlicks]

We had black bits in ours,from new, turned out to be plastic turnings where the tanks had been drilled for pipework and the swarf left inside the tanks.The filter was full of bits ,even found the "washers" that are cut out when drilling with hole cutters.

 

[davidathomas42]

In theory the “bits” you are seeing are from your pump, or system after it, as normally the system has a particle filter just before the pump.

ahh..... now theres something I didn't think. quite right. nothing should get past the filter in that.

 

[donkey]

Try to retrieve a few and carefully examine them. If it is plastic they will be quite hard. If algae then very soft and if rubber, then a bit springy.
If you suspect it is algae, then leave some to soak in a weak bleach solution, they will all but disappear.

Geoff