Layover and water tank

[knotflying]

Usually after a layup the tank water takes a while to be potable. Even though you do your best to get all the water out there is still some that remains in the tank. I was thinking of adding a strong dose of chlorine with water and then running it out through the lines. Anything laying behind will have the chlorine in it and I assume it will not get stagnant and smelly because of the chlorine. Then when I am ready to use it again I will put a few gallons of water in and run it out and then fill up the tanks. Anyone see a problem with this?

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Mike:

I've done this before and it works however I've found I need to fill up, empty, fill up, empty a couple times...maybe three times before the taste is gone. I've also heard of people that have used cheap vodka to do the same thing, which would not require a lot of fill and emptying of the tank. I personally don't know if this works, I've only read about people that have done it.

Jim F

 

[Scuffy]

No problem for me. I drain down the water tank until the spigots starts spitting a little air. Then I just add enough RV antifreeze and turn on the faucet to hot and cold until the drain shows pinkish. Then fill up the water tank about halfway when you are ready to go and flush it out. Then fill it up and use it to wash dishes etc. When you don't smell the antifreeze anymore you are good to go ahead and start drinking it. We just carry bottled water for drinking and making coffee tea etc. I use the bottled water for ballast on the starboard side as we have a generator. :mrgreen:

 

[Todd]

OK to use chlorine. Buy a good brand of unsented bleach and use 1/2 teaspoon for each ten gallons of water.

No need to overdose as it only takes longer to remove the smell and taste. The above is sufecient to disinfect the water. I like to fill tank completely and run the boat to slosh it around in the tank a bit before draining.

 

[knotflying]

Thanks for your input guys. I'll give it a shot. Jim, I heard about the vodka also. Maybe with a little quinine water and a twist of lime and then who needs water. Since I have two tanks, maybe I will make the back tank designated for happy hour! :lol:

 

[Lenny and Louise]

Mike,
if you do that, don't use the cheap vodka

 

[Barry Cohen]

Add vanilla extract to the final drain. Somehow it neutralizes the smell and taste of the chlorine.