As with any type of water system with pipes, when it has been left without use over a period of time, it may no longer be safe for consumption. When a building or property is left unoccupied for some time, bacteria can build up in the water supply and in the pipework. It is here that bacteria and other harmful organisms can accumulate – this is true for any stagnant water in general, but within pipework biofilm may evolve. This appears either in a complete film or in small patches on pipe surfaces – biofilm describes a collection of microorganisms contained within a type of film which forms on surfaces in contact with water. Biofilm is responsible for a wide range of water quality problems and cause sometimes serious health problems, making it important to clean the pipes and sanitise any water system that has been left unused for long periods of time, before use.
It can be difficult to determine if the water is safe for use or not. Stagnant water often has a foul taste, but even if there is no noticeable taste the water may still be unsafe for consumption or for use in cooking and bathing.
This is a very straightforward task provided the static caravan was properly drained down at the end of the previous season. At the beginning of the new season, the water will be reconnected to the mains, however, to ensure that the pipes are all clean it is a good idea to close all taps and valves and then add a chemical cleaning agent such as puriclean, to the water tank. The taps should then be opened to clean any air and to allow the water and cleaning agent to run through. Most products should be left for a specified number of hours. Following treatment, the chemical agent will need to be flushed out of the water system before use. This can be achieved by refilling the aquaroll and running the taps and shower until the water runs clean. It may be necessary to repeat this a couple of times before the smell completely disappears.
Keeping the water system clean is an essential part of static caravan maintenance, which will help to not only avoid potential health risks but also keep your home from home in the best possible condition.
Our family run static caravan park is located in one of the most scenic Mid Wales valleys on a 47-acre pitch that encloses beautiful forest walks, is rich in wildlife and is complimented by a wide range of park facilities. The Fir View team have years of combined collective experience in static caravans and their maintenance. For more help on static caravan maintenance, safety or for general advice, get in touch today.
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