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Old 06-21-2018, 11:27 AM   #1
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"Dirt" In Hot Water

I've been flushing a lot of water through my pipes to make sure they are cleaned out (not sure how good of a job the dealer did) and I wanted to sanitize with some chlorine, too. I ran the chlorine through my system and let it set overnight. While flushing it out I noticed some black silt settling in the tub. Could this be the anode in the water heater going bad? This is a new 2018 camper.
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Old 06-21-2018, 11:33 AM   #2
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More likely simply debris from construction.
It isn't uncommon to find shavings, plastic and dirt in new plumbing from the factory.

The other thing to consider is the water going in... are you filtering it?
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Old 06-21-2018, 12:02 PM   #3
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It's coming out of my in-laws' house. They live next door and have a flat spot to park it in. I've never noticed dirt in their water. Also, it seems like it is only coming out of the hot.
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Old 06-21-2018, 12:02 PM   #4
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"Dirt" In Hot Water

My guess is that the black silt is charcoal particles from a new water filter.

I’ve never seen black particles from an anode rod... only whiteish.
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Old 06-21-2018, 12:13 PM   #5
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I haven't connected a water filter yet. BTW, how necessary do you think they are? I haven't bought one yet. We were planning on eating/drinking with only bottled water. I'm planning on camping for the first time with it this weekend.
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Old 06-21-2018, 01:20 PM   #6
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I haven't connected a water filter yet. BTW, how necessary do you think they are? I haven't bought one yet. We were planning on eating/drinking with only bottled water. I'm planning on camping for the first time with it this weekend.
Like you, we drink from bottled water. However, I think a water filter is necessary. I’ve found sand in the bottom of my filter casing a few times. Glad I didn’t put it through my water pump.
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Old 06-21-2018, 01:20 PM   #7
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filtering water, etc

I fill fresh water at several sources including a spring, and well fed system at a forest service fire camp, and even at home. I never drink the water from my tanks, although I do sanitize it, since we bathe in it, and wash dishes as well.
We drink and cook with bottled water only.
Mostly because although the water and tank has been sanitized, I just don't like drinking chlorine, and other by-products, and also don't care to trust most water supply sources. For instance, Lakeview OR, has the absolutely worst looking water, that looks alike coffee.
We obtain drinking water that is filtered and has no chemicals in it.
At the end of the day, it is personal preference. All of our RV's have had filters on them except our current one, so I hook up the blue pre-entry filter to the hose, run it till it is clear, then attach to the RV.
Water hoses are stored separately from sewer drain pipes and flush hoses.
good luck starting out, lots to learn!
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Old 06-21-2018, 01:22 PM   #8
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I haven't connected a water filter yet. BTW, how necessary do you think they are? I haven't bought one yet. We were planning on eating/drinking with only bottled water. I'm planning on camping for the first time with it this weekend.
Do you know if the trailer has a factory water filter? Many do.
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Old 06-21-2018, 02:03 PM   #9
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I'm very particular when it comes to the water system. My oldest son, who is now 12, was hospitalized with E. Coli when he was 6. His kidneys nearly shut down because it progressed into HUS. It was during Christmas and he was getting a blood transfusion while opening his presents. I never want to experience something like that again. We think we traced the source to our well as it tested positive for E. Coli. I now maintain a chlorine injection system in my basement. All the chlorine is removed by a large carbon filter. We don't like to drink chlorine, I even filter what I drink during the day at work. I now have another son who is almost 4 so I want to make sure the system is sanitary. That's why I was thinking of letting city/chlorinated water enter the pipes at campgrounds. But, if the water tends to have junk in it at many campgrounds then I guess I better get some kind of filter. From the sounds of it at least a 2 -stage filter may be in order: 1.) Particulate 2.) Carbon. If it was practical it sounds like reverse osmosis might be in order. Anyway, I digress and I think I am getting away from the original topic.

The impression I am getting so far is that I just need to give it a little more time. Also, if there is an integrated filter where are they typically located?
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Old 06-21-2018, 02:19 PM   #10
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Hi Escott,

Welcome! Just a FYI, you stated intent to run chlorinated water through the system and use a carbon filter. The carbon will remove all the chlorine so it would need to be installed only at your point of use (i.e at the faucet) if that was your intent.
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Old 06-21-2018, 02:23 PM   #11
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Factory installed filters can be anywhere.
Different models, different places... same models, different places.

Some are in easy to access compartments, some behind drawers or doors, some behind false panels where you can hardly reach them to service the cartridge.

You are going to have to do some investigative work.

Your dealer should have covered all this in your PDI/Customer Orientation on a 2018 unit.
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Old 06-21-2018, 02:51 PM   #12
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Instead of carrying bottles and bottles of water, I keep a zero water pitcher and keep it full.
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Old 06-21-2018, 04:06 PM   #13
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was there water sitting in the hot water tank for any length of time? Reason for asking is if the water sitting in the water heater was high in iron it could have reacted with the aluminum heater tank.
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Old 06-22-2018, 07:26 AM   #14
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I suppose it's possible that water was sitting in the tank. I get the impression that it was sitting on the dealer's lot for a while.
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Old 06-22-2018, 07:30 AM   #15
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If you have a tank with an anode rod, it isn't an aluminum tank.
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Old 06-22-2018, 07:56 AM   #16
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Just a couple of thoughts. Did you flush your fill hose before putting water in your rig? One drop on the ground and you've introduced particles into your system. Flushing your system completely before use, along with adding chlorine keeps the system as clean as any. It takes a little bit to flush all the chlorine. Did you fill into your water tank, or were you connected to your city water inlet? With a new rig, as others have stated, you can expect some construction debris. When not using, drain the system down as far as you can to minimize any algae or other growth. Flush thoroughly before each use and go. We use ours for cooking and coffee or tea. Don't drink directly out of the tap generally, but anything boiled is usually fine.
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Old 06-22-2018, 11:20 AM   #17
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Maybe it is construction debris. I notice it a lot more in the tub, just a little in the bathroom sink, and I had a hard time finding any at the kitchen sink.
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Old 06-24-2018, 11:09 AM   #18
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You can of course buy any number of simple filters online but it is verry easy to run over to Home Depot or Lowes, grab the plumbing guy and build a two stage filter for your RV for under $100.

All the parts and fittings are right there in the plumbing section. You just need a sedimate filter and a carbon filter when you are all done. You will be amazed at what they pick up.
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Old 06-24-2018, 11:37 AM   #19
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Flush out the water heater, remove the worthless water filter permanently, and you are good!
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Old 06-24-2018, 12:17 PM   #20
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We use a PUR filter that goes on the faucet. Unit is like $20 with a filter cartridge. Switch it on for drinking water and off for dishes, etc. Problem was that the quick connect adapter that screws on in place of the faucet aerator did not fit the original rv kitchen faucet. So, I replaced the cheap rv faucet with a good Delta goose neck faucet. No chlorine or tank taste.
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