Introduction
This manual applies to the Vetus (permanent) plastic drinking
water tanks with built-in electric pump.
See the drawings on Page 30 for dimensions. Tolerances of +
or - 2% apply to all dimensions!
These tanks are made from low pressure polyethylene
(LLDPE).
Low pressure polyethylene is one of the most environmentally
friendly plastics; the characteristic properties are:
-
Algae resistant
-
Hardly any condensation
-
Insulating material
-
Very smooth surface
-
Indestructible plastic
-
Has no electrolysis problems unlike stainless steel
The built-in electric pump adjusts the capacity itself depending
on the amount of water drawn from the tap.
In order to do this the pump motor runs at variable revolutions;
it is controlled by a pressure sensor.
The water pressure is kept constant so that a pressure tank as
used with a booster system is not required.
Use
Starting the pressurized water system
Clean and disinfect the tank and the pipes before taking the
drinking water provision into use for the first time.
Disinfect the tank at least once a year preferably at the begin-
ning of the sailing season.
When starting the pressurized water system, ensure that there is
sufficient water in the tank.
•
Open all taps; both hot and cold water.
•
Switch the pump main switch on.
•
Close the taps as soon as the water is free of air.
•
Check connections for leaks.
Check the working of the pump by slowly opening and closing
a tap.
Cleaning
Clean the inside of the tank with water and soda. Rinse the tank
with clean tap water.
The inspection cover can be removed in order to clean the
inside of the tank. Always grease both sides of the packing
with Vaseline before putting the cover back in
place.
If it is necessary to replace the cover: Art. code:
WW03 (Inspection cover with packing)
6
050405.01
Disinfecting
When using for the first time:
Disinfect the tank by filling it with a solution of bleach in water
(1 : 1000). Circulate this disinfecting mixture through the drink-
ing water system. Remove the solution and rinse the tank with
clean drinking water.
At the beginning of the sailing season:
Disinfect the tank and prevent the growth of algae at the same
time by filling the tank with a solution of clear vinegar in water
(1 : 20). Leave the vinegar solution in the tank for at least 24
hours, the longer the better. Remove the vinegar solution and
rinse the tank several times with clean tap water.
Filling
Fill the tank with clean tap water. Always run water through the
pipes from the tap on shore or the jetty before filling the tank.
If the tank has been dry for a long time or if the water has
an unpleasant taste the cleaning and disinfecting procedure
described above must be repeated before filling the tank.
Never top up a partly filled tank but always pump the tank empty
first before refilling it. Water that has been in the tank for a long
time could be contaminated!
The water level in the tank is visible through the tank wall!
Important
Always fill a drinking water tank with fresh drinking water from
a drinking water main. Never fill the tank with water from a
fire extinguishing system.
Prevention of bacterial contamination and formation
of algae
Water contaminated with bacteria or algae has an unpleasant
taste. In order to prevent contamination by bacteria and the
formation of algae, chlorine tablets can be added to the drinking
water (e.g. Certisil®, not permitted in the Netherlands) or as
an alternative use 0.5 to 1 % clear vinegar or bleach.
Bacteria and algae develop much quicker at a higher ambient
temperature than at a low temperature.
Exposure of the tank to direct sunlight also speeds up the devel-
opment of bacteria and algae.
We advise chemical cleaning for cleaning the whole drinking
water system. Cleaning the system by means of a thermal or
chlorine method only gives a limited result for the removal of the
biofilm formed. Harmful micro-organisms such as the legionella
bacteria are not killed by this. Therefore, we advise use of the
product BioRemove for the periodic cleaning of the whole drink-
ing water system.
Drinking water tank systems 42, 61, 88 and 120 litres