Water filters

Cajun · November 11, 2020, 09:29:05 AM

I have a cartridge filter I use when filling my fresh water tank. Once I fill the tank I empty the cartridge of water and let dry. I was thinking if I mount the filter permanently in the RV I would have a hard time draining it.

Guess my question is, if filter left for long period of time without draining would there be some kind of issues with bacteria build up or something like that? It would be nice to leave a filter in place and not have to mess with it.

nhlakes · November 11, 2020, 06:41:59 PM

I use the standard blue camco cartridge. First time I use a new one I write the date on it and replace it the following year after I dewinterize and santize the tanks. I store it standing up in a bucket so the water drains out after use. Have not died yet.

We use the tank water to brush teeth, wash and shower, but usually do not drink it.

Merlin · November 11, 2020, 08:01:04 PM

It's hard to find good data on this for a universal yes or no on filter care. I think (but don't know) that whether you keep a filter installed or not might depend on the type/quality of the filter and the type/quality of the water going in. During my working life I spent my days on many different water quality issues in the Great Lakes region and I can say for certain water quality parameters of what comes out of pipes varies a LOT. As a result, I filter every drop of water that goes into my camper with a high quality in-line filter like the Camco KDF which is stored dry after each use and changed at the start of every camping season. I also flush the filter before hooking it up for each use. I sanitize my entire water system for winter storage to prevent algae or bacteria from getting a hold. It takes several full system flushes each spring to get the chlorine out. I do drink water from the kitchen faucet and have a Brita faucet filter there which is also new each season. So, more than you wanted to know and no answer to your question.

charliem · November 12, 2020, 11:19:48 AM

IMHO the fixed mounted filter has several problems. The inability to easily drain it may introduce a mold growth problem but it also complicates the winterization process if you use the antifreeze method. You will have to add antifreeze to the city water port since the pump will not fill that line. It will have to be under pressure to fill the filter; another complication and more antifreeze. Another issue is filling the FW tank. If you want that water filtered too you still need a hose mounted "blue" filter. Much easier to just use one Camco blue filter each year. BTW, be sure to flush the filter before each use, unless you like drinking charcoal

Cajun · November 12, 2020, 12:31:53 PM

Quote from: Merlin on November 11, 2020, 08:01:04 PM
It's hard to find good data on this for a universal yes or no on filter care. I think (but don't know) that whether you keep a filter installed or not might depend on the type/quality of the filter and the type/quality of the water going in. During my working life I spent my days on many different water quality issues in the Great Lakes region and I can say for certain water quality parameters of what comes out of pipes varies a LOT. As a result, I filter every drop of water that goes into my camper with a high quality in-line filter like the Camco KDF which is stored dry after each use and changed at the start of every camping season. I also flush the filter before hooking it up for each use. I sanitize my entire water system for winter storage to prevent algae or bacteria from getting a hold. It takes several full system flushes each spring to get the chlorine out. I do drink water from the kitchen faucet and have a Brita faucet filter there which is also new each season. So, more than you wanted to know and no answer to your question.

Been using the blue filter also, I don't think there will be an easy solution for what I want and might be best to just keep using the blue filter.
I'll take it none the less. I'm always open to any option. I'm a know it all that knows little.

Pinstriper · November 13, 2020, 12:20:31 PM

I do as the above. New blue camco at least every season, sometimes twice if it has been sitting for more than a month. We run a Pur filter on the faucet. I drink from it, Mrs. P declines.

Our freshwater tank is only used to flush at the dump station, anyway. She brings 10gal of water from home for drinking/cooking anyway even if we have campsite water. For boondocking we would use the fresh tank for washing hands, but just to get the dirt off, and then hand sanitizer. Boondocking dishes are mostly disposable to conserve water, and pots/pans get water from the fresh tank and then heated on the stove - helps clean the pot better, provides hot water and also kills anything in the water.

Cajun · November 17, 2020, 10:47:31 AM

Quote from: Pinstriper on November 13, 2020, 12:20:31 PM
I do as the above. New blue camco at least every season, sometimes twice if it has been sitting for more than a month. We run a Pur filter on the faucet. I drink from it, Mrs. P declines.

Our freshwater tank is only used to flush at the dump station, anyway. She brings 10gal of water from home for drinking/cooking anyway even if we have campsite water. For boondocking we would use the fresh tank for washing hands, but just to get the dirt off, and then hand sanitizer. Boondocking dishes are mostly disposable to conserve water, and pots/pans get water from the fresh tank and then heated on the stove - helps clean the pot better, provides hot water and also kills anything in the water.

Pretty much the same thing I do. Paper plates as much as possible and for pans, a little bit of water then heated on the stove. Great minds think a lot.

stu1965 · November 17, 2020, 12:26:29 PM

I've been using the standard blue filter on the outside, but anything we cook with or drink, we then run into the Big Berkey. I've been using it in the house as well and no longer buy bottled water. Nice to save that 1200 a year !

Sylvain · November 17, 2020, 09:19:22 PM

This year we installed a Acuvatech water filtration system in our CC. It is such a great improvement! We can drink any water from any campground eventhough it is not potable. The system has a advanced filter which removes chlorine, lead, etc and has a UV lamp that kills the bacteria. It is not a cheap upgrade but it is sooo worth it! The filter is easily removable for winter storage or can be replaced every season. This system also has a dedicated faucet.