Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 11-27-2018, 08:02 AM   #1
AJH
Member
 
City: New Bern
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 15
Fresh water system

Have just purchased a 1989 48' Californian and am new to the liveaboard community. The previous owner (for whatever reason) never used the on board fresh water system. At this point the tank is empty an am looking for the correct procedure to pre-clean and fill. Are there any valves between the fill point on the boat and the tank? Do you have to prime the pump? if so how? What solution should be added to flush/clean the tank? Any other questions i should be asking?

Like i said i'm a newbie!!
AJH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-27-2018, 08:31 AM   #2
Enigma
 
RT Firefly's Avatar
 
City: Slicker?
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 16,565
Greetings,
Mr. AJH. There are numerous threads dealing with water systems that explain the procedure much better than I can but before you start THAT process might I suggest you fill the tank with just water first. IF there are any problems you'll only be dealing with water and not the conditioning solution.



This will be an excellent exercise in "bonding" with your new mistress. This may be a 2 person job initially. Put a hose in the fill pipe and turn it on. Immediately look at and listen to as many bits and pieces of the water system you know about and have access to. Look and listen for any leaks. Trace out all your water lines and make a diagram including any valves or unions/joints.

The water pump may or may not need priming depending on it's location and the length of time it has been out of service.
Wear your "wet" gear.


__________________
RTF
RT Firefly is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 11-27-2018, 08:32 AM   #3
Valued Technical Contributor
 
DavidM's Avatar
 
City: Litchfield, Ct
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,785
Peggie Hall who may chime in here, recommends the following procedure: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...TQKRsXkefqoftC


There should be no valves in between the deck fill fitting to the tank. Fresh water pumps should self prime when you energize the pump and open a faucet. Air will blow out for a few seconds until water begins to flow.


Make sure that you rinse aluminum water tanks well. Aluminum will be corroded by bleach left behind but not significantly during the disinfecting period recommended.


David
DavidM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-27-2018, 11:41 AM   #4
Guru
 
HopCar's Avatar
 
City: Miami Florida
Vessel Name: Possum
Vessel Model: Ellis 28
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,307
A few years ago Practical Sailer Magazine did extensive testing of how to clean a water system. They recommend Puriclean. I think it is bromine instead of chlorine. It causes bacteria Film to come off the tank walls where it can be flushed out. Chlorine just kills it.
Clean Tabs Ltd | Water Purification | Water Purification Tablets | Water Tank Cleaning | Water Treatment | Drinking Water Disinfection
__________________
Parks Masterson
Retired from Hopkins-Carter Marine Supply
HopCar is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:34 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012