13 2027 Zephyr Plumbing and Bath Features
Sewer Panel Spyder® Screen:
The Spyder® screen (Figure 13-1) is located on the sewer control board inside the sewer bay compartment on the driver side of the motorhome. Touch the screen to wake it from sleep mode. The Home screen displays the Fresh, Gray, and Black water tank levels, which match the tank readings shown on the passenger‑side tank monitor.
The Home screen also provides control icons for the hose reel retract, water pump, road lights, and dock lights. When an icon is active, it will illuminate blue, indicating the function is turned on.
Hose Reel Operation:
To use the hose reel, manually pull the hose out and connect it to the appropriate water source. When finished and ready to stow the hose, disconnect it from the water source. Press the Hose Reel Retract icon (Figure 13-2) on the Spyder screen; the icon will illuminate blue and the hose will automatically retract into the reel.
Water Pump, Road Lights, and Dock Lights:
To activate the water pump, touch the Water Pump icon (Figure 13-3). The icon will illuminate blue, indicating the pump is operating.
To turn on the road lights, touch the Road Light icon (Figure 13-4); the icon will illuminate blue and the road lights will activate.
To activate the dock lights, touch the Dock Light icon (Figure 13-5). The icon will illuminate blue and the dock lighting will turn on.
Tank Dump Operation:
To access tank dump controls, touch the Dumps icon (Figure 13-6) located next to the Home button at the bottom of the screen. The icon will illuminate blue, indicating the Dumps page is active. At the top of the Dumps page, the Fresh, Gray, and Black tank levels are displayed.
The tanks are equipped with electric knife valves:
- To open the Black Tank valve, touch the Open Icon (Figure 13-7) above Black Dump.
- To close the Black Tank valve, touch the Close Icon (Figure 13-8) below Black Dump.
- To open the Grey Tank valve, touch the Open Icon (Figure 13-9) above Grey Dump.
- To close the Grey Tank valve, touch the Close Icon (Figure 13-10) below Grey Dump.
To operate the macerator, touch the Macerator Icon (Figure 13-11). The Icon will illuminate blue while the macerator is active. The macerator will run for approximately one to one-and-a-half minutes, then automatically shut off.
NOTE: Always open the Black Tank valve first, followed by the Grey Tank valve to help flush residual waste from the sewer hose. Never open tank valves unless a sewer hose or macerator discharge line is securely connected.
NOTE: Do not run the macerator without a proper discharge hose connected or attempt to restart it repeatedly after automatic shutoff, as damage to the macerator may result.
Screen Settings and Cleaning Mode:
To adjust screen settings, touch the Settings icon (Figure 13-12), which will illuminate blue and open the Settings screen.
Under Theme, the display can be changed to Dark mode by touching the Light icon (Figure 13-13), or returned to Light mode by touching the Dark icon (Figure 13-14).
Screen brightness can be adjusted within either theme by selecting Screen Brightness (Figure 13-15) and sliding the control left to increase brightness or right to decrease brightness.
To clean the screen, touch the Cleaning Mode icon (Figure 13-16). A 30‑second countdown will begin, preventing accidental activation of controls while the screen is being cleaned. If Cleaning Mode is selected unintentionally, return to the Settings screen by pressing and holding the Hold to Cancel icon (Figure 13-17).
NOTE: Use only a soft, non-abrasive cloth to clean the screen. Do not use harsh chemicals or excessive moisture.
KITCHEN SINK:
The kitchen sink (Figure 13-18) is a built-in double sink with flip-out drawer at the front. Wash the sink only with mild detergents and water and use a soft cloth for subsequent drying and polishing.
Bathroom Fixtures and Accessories:
Solid Surface Shower and Sinks:
The motorhome is equipped with a solid surface shower enclosure (Figure 13‑19) and solid surface bathroom sinks (Figure 13‑20). Solid surface materials are durable and non‑porous; however, proper care is required to maintain their appearance.
Clean these surfaces regularly using mild, non‑abrasive household cleaners, such as liquid dish soap and warm water, or cleaners specifically formulated for solid surface materials.
Do not use abrasive pads, scouring powders, steel wool, or cleaners containing bleach, ammonia, or harsh solvents, as these products may dull or damage the surface finish.
Shower Features and Accessories:
Typical shower features and bathroom accessories may include:
- Shower grab handle
- Rain-style shower head
- Handheld shower wand
- Flip-down shower seat
- Shower skylight
Availability of these features may vary by floorplan or model configuration.
The shower grab handle is provided to assist with stability when entering, exiting, or standing within the shower.
If equipped, the flip‑down shower seat is designed to provide seated support while showering. Raise the seat to the stowed position when not in use.
WATER PUMP:
The water pump is self-priming and totally automatic, operating on demand whenever water is required. The water pump is used to pressurize the freshwater system when the unit is not connected to city water. The switches are located in various conveniently located areas throughout the motorhome where water is accessible, or on the Spyder Controls System.
To start the pump:
1. Fill or partially fill the fresh water supply tank.
2. Open the kitchen and bathroom faucets.
3. Turn the water pump ON by touching the Water Pump icon on the Spyder® screen. The icon will illuminate to indicate the pump is active. Allow water to flow until the plumbing system is fully pressurized, including filling the water lines.
4. Close each faucet after it delivers a steady stream of water (close the cold-water faucet first). Leave the hot water faucets ON until they also deliver a steady stream of water. This procedure will ensure that the water heater is filled with water.
The water pump will stop running once all faucets are closed. The water pump is now ready for automatic operation. The pump will run when a faucet is open and stop when a faucet is closed. If water does not flow when a faucet is turned ON while using the demand system, use the following troubleshooting chart:
All water must be drained from the freshwater system when the unit is not in use for extended periods. Use the hot and cold low point drain valves (Figure 13-21) located on the sewer control board to drain the hot and cold water lines. For more detailed information regarding the water pump, refer to the water pump manufacturer’s brochure available in your motorhome Tiffin Knowledge Base Owner’s Hub.
CITY WATER CONNECTION:
When connecting the motorhome to city water, use the retractable water hose manufactured for potable water service—this will ensure that the hose selected for use will not alter the taste of the water.
When city water fill valve (Figure 13-22) is opened, water is supplied to the freshwater system including the fresh water tank, hot water heater, faucets, and toilet. Turn ON the water supply and open all the faucets to clear any trapped air within the plumbing lines within the motorhome.
Once any air pockets have purged from the water lines and water flows freely, close all the faucets. The city water supply is pressurized; therefore, the water pump is not needed when the water system of the vehicle is connected to the city water system.
NOTE: If city water pressure is more than 60 psi, Tiffin Motorhomes recommends using a water pressure regulator to prevent damage to the motorhome.
FILLING THE FRESHWATER TANK:
The freshwater tank is normally filled from the city water connection. The blue handle city water tank fill valve (Figure 13-21) determines whether the city water is going through the water system or into the freshwater tank. Since there is no automatic shut-off when filling the freshwater tank, check the level from the monitor panel while filling the freshwater tank on the motorhome.
The excess water will be vented from an overflow in the vent pipe onto the ground when the capacity of that tank has been reached. This pipe is installed in the freshwater tank to prevent possible tank rupture from inadvertent overfilling.
All the water must be drained from the freshwater system when the motorhome is not in use for an extended period.
WATER FILTER:
This unit is equipped with a water filter (Figure 13-23), which must be removed before disinfecting the fresh-water system.
First, remove the water filter and then replace cover to allow the sanitizing solution access to the faucets. As installed, the filter will remove chlorine, dirt, and other matter.
The filter will also eliminate most phenol (or similar) odors and tastes while delivering sparkling, taste-free water for drinking and cooking.
The water filter is located in the sanitation compartment on the outside of the motorhome. The water filter is not guaranteed to remove the tastes and odors of iron and sulfur. To remove these impurities, you need to chlorinate the water. Replacement filters are available that will filter iron and sulfur. Ask your dealer or RV supply center about purchasing an iron and sulfur filter.
If you are traveling in an area where the water has high iron and sulfur content, add one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to every 10 gallons of water in your tank—this will precipitate the iron or sulfur so that the filter can remove those impurities.
If you are at a site where the unit is connected to a city water supply, you will not be able to chlorinate the system because the water flows straight to your faucets and not through the freshwater tank. Filters must be changed every 6-12 months depending on the quality and quantity of water that is used in your motorhome.
FRESHWATER LINES:
Check all plumbing connections for leaks at least on an annual basis. If the water pump runs when all faucets are turned OFF, check for a possible leak. Be sure that the drain valves are closed. Connections at the kitchen and bathroom faucets normally seal by hand-tightening them and then making an additional half-turn with a wrench.
If a fitting leak persists, disconnect it completely and visually inspect it for mineral deposits or foreign material stuck on the sealing surfaces. Clean the surfaces thoroughly and reinstall the fitting. Take the motorhome to an authorized Tiffin Motorhomes service center for additional repairs if the water system continues to leak.
Follow the winterizing instructions given in Chapter 16 to reduce risk of leaks caused by cracks from freezing pipes. Left unchecked, freezing damage can be extensive and expensive.
SANITIZING:
To ensure complete disinfecting of the freshwater system, Tiffin Motorhomes recommends that the following procedures be performed on a new system, on one that has not been used for a length of time, or one that might have become contaminated. This procedure is also recommended before long periods of storage, such as during the winter months:
1. Drain the freshwater tank by opening the drain valve. All faucets should be in the closed or OFF position.
2. Prepare a chlorine solution using one gallon of water and one-half cup of chlorine bleach (5% sodium-hypochlorite solution). Prepare enough of the chlorine solution to administer one gallon of solution for every 15 gallons of tank capacity. For sanitizing this unit, prepare 4½ gallons of the chlorine solution. This mixture puts a 50 ppm (parts per million) residual chlorine concentration in the water system that will act as a quick-kill dosage for harmful bacteria, viruses, and slime-forming organisms. Concentrations greater than 50 ppm might damage the water lines and/or the tank.
3. Once the freshwater tank is empty, close the drain valves in the water tank.
4. Pump the chlorine solution into the tank by taking the hose attachment and attaching it to the pump and then put in the chlorine solution. Close the valve from the fresh water tank to the pump and open the valve from the solution to the pump. Turn the tank fill valve from “city water” to “tank fill.” Turn ON the water pump until all the solution is pumped into the fresh water tank.
5. Turn OFF the water pump. Open the valve from the tank to the water pump. Fill the water tank with the city water tank fill (or by using the same method as was used to put the sanitizing solution into the tank). Remove the water filter (from the drink dispenser faucet, if installed). Open each faucet, in turn, including the kitchen faucet, bath faucet, and inside and outside showers, turning ON both the hot and cold faucets and flushing the toilet until all the air has been purged from the pipes and the water runs freely. The entire system will then be filled with the sanitizing solution.
6. Allow the 50-ppm disinfecting solution to stand in the system for at least four hours.
7. Drain the system and flush it with freshwater. The water system needs to be flushed with water repeatedly, if necessary, until there is no chlorine taste or smell left in the system. To remove any excessive chlorine taste or odor that might remain, prepare a solution of one quart of vinegar to five gallons of water. “Rock” the tank containing the solution by moving the vehicle forward and backward several times to clean the tank; then, drain that tank and refill with clean water.
WASTEWATER GENERAL INFORMATION:
The waste drainage system was designed to provide adequate and safe storage and/or disposal of waste materials. All materials used in the fabrication of this system are tested by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. The drainage system uses plastic piping and fittings connected to the sinks, toilet, and holding tanks. This plumbing permits the drainage of these fixtures to an outside termination. The motorhome should be level for best operation of both wastewater systems.
There are two, separate wastewater systems. The gray-water system is for wastewater from the sinks and shower. The black-water system is for sewage waste from the toilet.
Each wastewater tank has its own control valve, and both drain through a common sewer-drain hose.
TOILET:
All units are furnished with a mid-toilet (Figure 13-24) and some units are furnished with a mid-toilet and rear macerator toilet (Figure 13-25). Both toilets operate with water from either the fresh water tank with the water pump ON or the city water supply. Before using the mid-toilet or the macerator toilet, add water to the bottom of the tank.
Refer to owner manuals for operating instructions and refer to “Black-Water Holding Tank” instructions.
When using your mid-toilet, fill the toilet ¾ full of water. To add water to the toilet bowl, lift the flush handle to fill the bowl until the desired water level is reached. To flush the toilet, push the handle down, then release it.
It is important that you use as much water as possible when flushing to prevent tissue and other solids from clogging the holding tank outlet.
When using your rear macerator toilet (if your coach is furnished with one) press the ADD WATER switch to fill the bowl to the desired water level. To flush the toilet, press the FLUSH switch, and then release it.
The toilet must be cleaned regularly for maximum sanitation and operational efficiency. Clean the toilet bowl with a mild bathroom cleaner.
Do not use chlorine or caustic chemicals, such as bleach or drain opening chemicals in your motorhome’s toilet. This will damage the seals in the toilet and dump valves.
BLACK-WATER HOLDING TANK:
The “black-water” (i.e., sewage) holding tank is located directly beneath a non-macerator toilet. Before using the toilet, you will need to treat the tank with water that is mixed with an odor-controlling chemical. These chemicals are readily available at any RV supply store. Pull the toilet levers forward to allow the chemicals to mix with the toilet water. Continue pulling the toilet levers until a depth of at least one inch of solution is directly under the toilet. Release the levers. The waste tank is now ready for use.
GRAY-WATER HOLDING TANK:
The gray-water holding tank is located in the underbelly of the motorhome. It is primarily used for the drainage from the kitchen and bath sinks, and the shower.
P-TRAPS:
Each of the sink drains and the shower drain has a water trap (P-trap) to prevent holding-tank odors from entering the motorhome. These traps must have water in them to trap odors. When the vehicle is in motion, the water might splash out of the sink and shower drains. When the vehicle is stored, the water might evaporate from these traps allowing odors to enter the vehicle. If this occurs, run water from the faucet into the drain, allowing water to fill the traps again.
Use only RV odor-controlling chemicals in the holding tanks. Products containing ammonia and petroleum will damage the ABS plastic holding tanks and seals.
WASTEWATER DISPOSAL:
The motorhome is equipped with Valterra® EZ‑Valve electric waste valves that allow the black‑water and gray‑water holding tanks to be drained independently or together. The valves and macerator pump are operated through the Spyder® control panel located on the sewer control board in the sewer bay compartment.
Always drain the black‑water tank first, followed by the gray‑water tank. Draining the gray‑water tank after the black‑water tank helps rinse residual waste from the sewer hose and drain lines.
Valve and Macerator Operation:
The Valterra EZ‑Valve system utilizes electrically actuated knife valves and a macerator pump, all controlled using the Spyder® panel. Valve operation is performed electronically; no routine manual operation is required during normal use.
The sewer outlet must remain securely capped during self‑containment use to prevent leakage.
Manual Valve Override (Emergency Use Only):
In the event of an electrical failure or malfunction that prevents operation of the electric knife valves through the Spyder panel, the valves may be manually operated.
Each electric knife valve is equipped with a manual T‑handle that allows the valve to be opened or closed by hand:
- Pull the appropriate T-handle to manually open the valve
- Push the T-handle fully inward to close the valve.
Tank Draining Guidelines:
Drain holding tanks only at approved sewer connections or dump stations. Whenever possible, drain both holding tanks before traveling, as water retained in the tanks adds unnecessary weight and reduces available carrying capacity.
For proper waste evacuation, tanks should be drained when they are at least three‑quarters (¾) full. If tank levels are lower, add water prior to draining to ensure sufficient flushing of waste materials through the drain system.
Draining Procedure:
1. Remove the sewer outlet cap and securely connect the sewer hose or macerator discharge hose to the outlet fitting.
2. From the Spyder® panel, touch the Macerator icon to activate the macerator pump. The icon will illuminate, and the pump will run for approximately one (1) to one‑and‑a‑half (1½) minutes before automatically shutting off.
3. On the Spyder panel, touch the Black Tank Open icon to open the black‑water valve and allow the tank to fully drain.
4. After the black‑water tank is empty, touch the Gray Tank Open icon to drain the gray‑water tank and flush residual waste from the sewer hose.
5. Once all tanks have finished draining, touch the Black Tank Close and Gray Tank Close icons to close both valves.
6. Verify all valves are fully closed before disconnecting the sewer hose.
Tank Rinsing and Final Steps:
After draining, flush the holding tanks with fresh water prior to travel. The gray‑water tank may be rinsed by running several gallons of water into a sink drain. Confirm all valves are closed using the Spyder panel, and securely reinstall the sewer outlet cap.
After draining the black‑water tank, add an approved holding‑tank deodorant or waste treatment to help control odors and promote the breakdown of solids. Follow the instructions provided by the treatment manufacturer.
SEWER CONNECTION AND CAMPING:
While using the motorhome, it is important to keep the black-water holding tank gate valve always closed, except when dumping. This allows an ample amount of liquid to remain in the tank to provide a smooth flow through the gate and the drain valves when dumping.
Sufficient liquid in the tank causes a swirling action that takes any accumulated solid wastes with it. Accumulation of solid wastes in the black-water tank can be avoided by keeping the gate valve closed when connected to the sewer connection. The gray tank can be kept open while hooked to a sewer connection.
NO FUSS FLUSH:
This vehicle is equipped with a No Fuss Flushing System (Figure 13-26) for the black-water holding tank. When draining your sewer tank, attach a water hose to the tank flush connection. After the tank is drained, leave the gate valve “open” and open the water valve to allow the water to spray inside the black-water tank. This will clean the inside of the tank of any debris that might be left inside the tank. After this procedure is done, disconnect the freshwater hose and close the gate valve.
EXTERIOR SHOWER:
Your motorhome has an exterior shower (Figure 13-27) for your use and convenience outside the motorhome. The exterior shower is located in the service compartment on the driver’s side and enables you to do such things as rinse off sand or grass, muddy shoes, or bathe yourself outside of your motorhome. The faucet operates just as it would in your kitchen bathroom. There is also a soap dispenser and light conveniently located in the compartment.
AQUA-HOT HEATING SYSTEM:
The Zephyr is equipped with an Aqua-Hot heating system that provides a continuous, on-demand supply of domestic hot water, and interior zone heating where and when it is needed.
In the Zephyr, the controls for the Aqua-Hot heating system are integrated with the Spyder Controls System. To activate the Aqua-Hot heating system, select the Aqua-Hot option from the Spyder Controls System home screen. By activating this switch, a supply of hot water as well as interior heat can be provided.
The heating feature will be controlled by the thermostat mounted on the Spyder Controls System. It is operated off the furnace function of the thermostat to provide interior heat. Hot water will be supplied instantaneously and continuously at any time the diesel burner switch is activated. If interior heat and hot water are demanded from the Aqua-Hot system at the same time, hot water will simultaneously take precedence over interior heat; therefore, causing the interior heat to shut down and turn off until the water flow is turned off from water sources. Also featured in the Aqua-Hot system is an electrical burner switch (labeled Electric Water Heater). With this switch activated and shore power available, it will supply a very limited amount of hot water and limited interior heat.
The surge tank (Figure 13-28) located in the basement must be routinely inspected to make sure the antifreeze fill line stays in the acceptable zone. If the antifreeze becomes low, you must add the recommended antifreeze stated in the Aqua-Hot owner’s manual. If antifreeze is totally depleted from the surge tank, a switch will be released inside the main Hydro-Hot tank, disabling the system from operating. Antifreeze will then have to be added to the tank to reactivate the switch and allow the system to operate.
If batteries accidentally become discharged and the Aqua-Hot system is activated, the system will automatically shut down before batteries are totally discharged. Once power is restored to batteries, the system must be reset on the outside control board.
Your Aqua-Hot heating system operates off the motorhome’s sole diesel tank. Keep in mind that the Aqua-Hot fuel tube is located higher up in the diesel tank than the motorhome’s engine fuel in order to prevent complete depletion of the diesel fuel tank. BE SURE AN ADEQUATE AMOUNT OF FUEL IS IN THE TANK BEFORE DRY CAMPING.
Yearly maintenance is required on the burner portion of the Aqua-Hot heating system.
DO NOT operate the diesel-burner and/or the electric heating element without the water and anti-freeze solution in the Aqua-Hot’s boiler tank. Failure to do so will cause SERIOUS DAMAGE to the heater.
