Quote:
Originally Posted by ttrost65
I know many say to use a chlorine solution to sanitize your water lines and tank, but getting the chlorine taste out can take quite a bit of rinsing. Since I'm a homebrewer, I have sanitizing products that impart no taste and some don't even need to be rinsed. There are several products out there that you can find at any online brewing store. Star San and Saniclean are a couple that I use quite often.
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As a wine maker, I know what you are saying. However, my issue with this method has more to do with finding the correct concentration of sanitizer to a variable quantity in the fresh water tank. Also the amount of contact time with the surfaces are very different.
Additionally, the acids used in Saniclean and Star San (Phosphoric Acid 50% -
http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927393 - and Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid 15% -
http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9923881) are highly toxic and corrosive if you get the mixture wrong.
Working with a 1 gallon dilution and glass and nylon items to be sanitized (wine and beer making) it is easier to manage. Trying to accomplish the same feat in your camper's plumbing might not be as easily accomplished. I also don't know what the long term impact of that acid will be on your fixtures and plumbing (especially springs in the check valves).
Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite 5%), on the other hand, is safe at the concentrations used for sanitization (although contact with undiluted bleach can cause chemical burns when put it on your skin straight -
http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9925000). Only 3/4 cup of bleach is required per 45 gallons of water.
How Much Bleach Should Be Used to Sanitize a Water Tank? | eHow.com
The chlorine taste/smell (if objectionable) can be eliminated by adding 1 gallon of clear vinegar per 20 gallons of water, let sit 24 hours; drain and refill with fresh chlorinated water from your house.
To make water safe to drink adding just 1 1/2 teaspoons of bleach per 45 gallons will do it.
How to Disinfect Drinking Water - HealthLink BC File #49b