socket size for fresh water drain plug

[romanf17]

I recently was made aware that you are supposed to maintain the freshwater tank by draining it periodically and cleaning is with bleach.

What socket size is needed to open the drainplug at the bottom (2018 AI GT 24 4wd)? Anything else needed to do the job (other than bleach), and is using Clorox ok?

TIA

[mbubbaca]

Camco RV Water Heater Drain Plug and Wrench Kit | Designed for RV & Camper Water Heater Drain Plugs | Fits 7/8" & 15/16" Drain Plugs | Angled Design Allows You to Reach Tight Spots (11633)
This tool from Amazon. Don't use straight bleach.

[Wazbro]

On trailers there is a drain valve for the fresh water tank, not a drain plug, may be different for Interstates. Yes Clorox is ok, actually I read several years ago that Clorox was the only bleach approved at that time for use sanitizing drinking systems.

[StogieMan]

The thread on our 2015 AIGT fresh water tank is a male 3/4 NPT thread. This shut off valve is an easy way to drain your fresh water tank without screwing and unscrewing the plug. These work great and I always have a few on hand and replace them around every third year. Pretty inexpensive and helps avoid stripping the plastic thread on the fresh water tank and very convenient. Just add a small piece of 3/8 OD vinyl tubing and you’re good to go.

We drain or fresh tank before the beginning of the season and the end of the season according to Airstreams guidelines below using bleach.

Sanitizing

Potable water systems require periodic maintenance to deliver a consistent flow of fresh water. Depending on use and the environment the system is subject to, sanitizing is recommended prior to storing and before using the water system after a period of storage. Systems with new components, or ones that have been subjected to contamination should also be disinfected as follows:

1. Use one of the following methods to determine the amount of common household bleach needed to sanitize the tank.

a. Multiply “gallons of tank capacity” by 0.13; the result is the ounces of bleach needed to sanitize the tank.

b. Multiply “Liters of tank capacity” by 1.0; the result is the milliliters of bleach needed to sanitize the tank.

2. Mix the proper amount of bleach into a container of water.

3. Pour the correct amount of solution (water/bleach) into the Fresh Water tank and fill with potable water.

4. Open all faucets (hot and cold) allowing the water to run until the distinct odor of chlorine is detected.

5. The standard solution must have 4 hours of contact time to disinfect completely. Doubling the solution concentration will allow for contact time of one (1) hour.

6. When the contact time is completed, drain the tank. Refill with potable water and flush the plumbing of all sanitizing solution.

Good luck and hope this helps.

https://www.freshwatersystems.com/pr...13250109702187

[romanf17]

Originally Posted by StogieMan

The thread on our 2015 AIGT fresh water tank is a male 3/4 NPT thread. This shut off valve is an easy way to drain your fresh water tank without screwing and unscrewing the plug. These work great and I always have a few on hand and replace them around every third year. Pretty inexpensive and helps avoid stripping the plastic thread on the fresh water tank and very convenient. Just add a small piece of 3/8 OD vinyl tubing and you’re good to go.

We drain or fresh tank before the beginning of the season and the end of the season according to Airstreams guidelines below using bleach.

Sanitizing

Potable water systems require periodic maintenance to deliver a consistent flow of fresh water. Depending on use and the environment the system is subject to, sanitizing is recommended prior to storing and before using the water system after a period of storage. Systems with new components, or ones that have been subjected to contamination should also be disinfected as follows:

1. Use one of the following methods to determine the amount of common household bleach needed to sanitize the tank.

a. Multiply “gallons of tank capacity” by 0.13; the result is the ounces of bleach needed to sanitize the tank.

b. Multiply “Liters of tank capacity” by 1.0; the result is the milliliters of bleach needed to sanitize the tank.

2. Mix the proper amount of bleach into a container of water.

3. Pour the correct amount of solution (water/bleach) into the Fresh Water tank and fill with potable water.

4. Open all faucets (hot and cold) allowing the water to run until the distinct odor of chlorine is detected.

5. The standard solution must have 4 hours of contact time to disinfect completely. Doubling the solution concentration will allow for contact time of one (1) hour.

6. When the contact time is completed, drain the tank. Refill with potable water and flush the plumbing of all sanitizing solution.

Good luck and hope this helps.

https://www.freshwatersystems.com/pr...13250109702187

Do you mean you replaced the standard plug with the shutoff valve in the picture you attached?
How do you add the bleach to the fresh water tank?

[StogieMan]

Originally Posted by romanf17

Do you mean you replaced the standard plug with the shutoff valve in the picture you attached?
How do you add the bleach to the fresh water tank?

Yes, I removed the Airstream provided plug and installed this valve instead. I just mix the bleach water in a water bottle container and pour it into the fresh water fill.

[airmaine]

If you also want to sanitize the water heater tank, you will allow the bleach water to enter the tank inside the trailer (bypass valve adjustment), and remove the plug after sanitizing outside and drain; then repeat when you flush thoroughly with fresh water. Make sure you release the pressure before draining.

[Titus]

I cross-threaded the fresh water drain plug, such that it took several attempts and lots of teflon tape to install it without a leak. So I bought a fitting that had male NPT on one end and male hose threads on the other.

https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Adapte...%2C169&sr=8-28

I leave this new fitting permanently installed and remove a female hose cap by hand when I want to drain the tank.

https://www.amazon.com/Rocky-Mountai...s%2C170&sr=8-8