RV CONCEPTS
RV WaterAid™
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if I need your system?
A: That depends on your needs. If you have a pop-up camper your water use will be so low you don't need our system - a single inline filter is for you. However, larger RV's and boats where dish washing and showering are in use, an RV WaterAid™ is needed to allow maximum water flow to all the water outlets in the vehicle. A full-timer should realize about 7 to 9 month's of use for a set of filters (considering all the dish washing, showering, and toilet use).
Q: I feel like my filters aren't lasting long enough.
A: Remember, a filter cleans the incoming water for you to drink. The dirtier the water, the harder the filter works and the shorter it's life span. It is doing it's job of protecting you from something bad that was in the water. If it wasn't for the filter, that stuff would now be inside of you and your children. Don't worry about having to get more filters - be glad the filters are doing their job for you.
Q: The filter system leaks a little when I turn the supply water on.
A: Sometimes a small object like a tiny stone or plastic scrap gets under the rubber seals, the hose connections, or the filter attach points. These all use rubber seals. Remove the seal and be sure no foreign matter is in the way. Reassemble, making sure everything is tight enough, and clean. If the seals are damaged, you can replace them with new ones. The seals are common garden hose seals that can be purchased at any hardware store.
Q: Can I place this unit inside my RV or boat?
A: Yes, as long as you make sure that if something leaks no water damage will be done to your RV or boat.
Q: I store my RV or boat during the winter months. What must I do for the filter system?
A: The entire filter system should be disassembled, drained, and allowed to dry out. This will keep the system fresh for your next use.
Q: Occasionally I travel into snow country. How do I use the filter system when it's 20 degrees outside?
A: You don't. Everything will freeze up outside. You should be using your holding tank during this time. You should use the filter system to refill the holding tank and then disassemble and drain the filters and hoses until the next time.
Q: After putting it all together, where do I put the filter system?
A: Anywhere and in any position you want. Just keep it out of harm's way.
Q: What should I do when I haven't used the filters for a couple of days?
A: Activated carbon filters by design are very good at cleaning the stuff that remains in the incoming water (from the tap). When the filters aren't used for a time, the bacteria that is always in the water will eat the trash that the filter has captured and an algae bloom can occur inside the filter, especially if the filter is left in the sun. At these times, before drinking the water it is prudent to flush out the filters and your lines by letting the water run from the kitchen sink for a few minutes, to freshen everything up before consuming. The older the filters are, the more trash the filters will have caught and proper flushing becomes more important. Water usage every day will normally prevent a bloom from occurring.
Q: How do I know when to change the filters?
A: If while taking a shower the water becomes unbearably slow from the shower head, or if you find yourself growing old waiting for the sink to fill, then you should consider changing out the filters. This is assuming the supply water pressure is normal.
Q: What kind of water supply hose should I use?
A: A good quality white RV water hose. They are made of materials that won't leach plastic byproducts into the water (because of the chlorine in the water). You shouldn't use your granny's old green garden hose.
