Strange substance in holding tank...

[cljackson]

Hey Everyone,

We just picked up our "new" '99 Safari this weekend, and Carl has discovered a turqoise, white, and "sand"-colored pile of something in the bottom of the holding tank, and it was also clogging up the screens in the bathroom faucets. Everything seems to work okay, but we're just wondering what this might be. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Cheryl & Carl

[InsideOut]

Kitty litter?

Shari

[airstreamcaravel]

Hard Water Deposits?

Have seen similar debris in old plumbing.

Dave

(Good one Shari!)

[wallybyam]

I would go out and buy myself the CHEAPEST wet-dry vac that I could find. Suck the tank out then through the nasty vac away. Some of the smaller ones can be had pretty darn cheap.

Bruce

[wallybyam]

throw, not through. Sorry!

[JaceBeck]

Sounds to me like TST Max dry toilet chemicals, but that shouldn't be in the fresh water tank. Just a thought though.

[jcanavera]

Originally posted by JaceBeck
Sounds to me like TST Max dry toilet chemicals, but that shouldn't be in the fresh water tank. Just a thought though.

You know that same thought crossed my mind but I also discounted that since the fresh water was also showing evidence of this substance. I think Cheryl said that supposedly it was only used twice. It must have been hooked up to a mighty dirty water supply.

Jack

[3Ms75Argosy]

Another idea to put yourself at ease. You might want to put some of this "sand" into a container of water, and see if they dissolve. Then I'd go find the nearest water testing location and send it (or bring it if close) for chemical testing. Our water department has this feature, and I know many well systems need to be tested prior to certification for use. The yellow pages under "wells" or perhaps even "septic" will should give you some phone numbers (or even the water department? Just say you want to test your home water.)

After getting the sand out, you may want to flush your water tanks with bleach, water and baking soda. Search for "holding tank flush" or perhaps in the owners manual.
Congrats on the purchase!
Marc

[Tripp]

We have found the same substance in the faucet screens of our 77 25'. I think it is a combination of dirty water supply-previous owner not using inline water filter-and pipe corrosion. Being a newer model, it probably is a dirty water supply.

I agree though, take a sample and have it tested.


Tripp