The key to safe and enjoyable RV travel lies in ensuring your fresh water tank is free from harmful bacteria and contaminants. Sanitizing your fresh water tank is a crucial maintenance task, readily accomplished with household bleach, water, and a bit of patience to guarantee a healthy and refreshing water supply on the road.
Why Sanitize Your RV Fresh Water Tank?
Maintaining a clean and sanitized fresh water tank is essential for preventing waterborne illnesses and ensuring the safety of your drinking water. Even if you only use your RV’s water for showering and washing dishes, bacteria and algae can still grow in the tank, potentially leading to unpleasant odors and tastes. Regular sanitization eliminates these contaminants, providing you with peace of mind during your travels.
The Step-by-Step Sanitization Process
This process outlines the definitive steps to thoroughly sanitize your RV fresh water tank.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies. You’ll need:
- Household bleach (unscented, 5-6% sodium hypochlorite)
- A measuring cup
- A funnel
- A clean water hose (designated for filling the fresh water tank)
- Optional: A water pressure regulator
- Optional: A water filter
Step 2: Calculate the Amount of Bleach Needed
The amount of bleach required depends on the size of your fresh water tank. A general rule of thumb is to use 1/4 cup (2 ounces) of bleach for every 15 gallons of tank capacity. If your tank is 30 gallons, you’ll need 1/2 cup of bleach. For a 45-gallon tank, use 3/4 cup.
Step 3: Prepare the Bleach Solution
Using the funnel, carefully pour the calculated amount of bleach into a clean container. Then, add enough water to dilute the bleach, making it easier to pour into the fresh water tank. Never pour undiluted bleach directly into the tank.
Step 4: Pour the Bleach Solution into the Tank
Locate your RV’s fresh water tank fill port. Ensure it is clean and free of debris. Slowly pour the diluted bleach solution into the tank using the funnel.
Step 5: Fill the Tank with Fresh Water
Using your clean water hose, fill the fresh water tank completely with fresh water. If you have a water pressure regulator, use it to prevent over-pressurizing the tank.
Step 6: Run the Water Through All Faucets
Turn on each faucet in your RV, both hot and cold, one at a time. Let the water run until you smell bleach coming through. Do this for every faucet, including the shower, toilet (if it uses the fresh water tank), and any outside shower. This ensures the chlorinated water reaches all plumbing lines.
Step 7: Let the Solution Sit
Once the bleach water has run through all faucets, turn them off and let the solution sit in the tank and plumbing lines for at least 4 hours. For heavily contaminated tanks, it’s recommended to let it sit overnight (12 hours). The longer the solution sits, the more effective it will be at killing bacteria.
Step 8: Drain and Flush the Tank
After the soaking period, drain the fresh water tank completely. You can typically do this through a drain valve located near the tank. Once drained, refill the tank with fresh water.
Step 9: Flush the Plumbing Lines
Run all the faucets again, both hot and cold, until the bleach smell is gone. Repeat the flushing process with fresh water until you can no longer detect any bleach odor. This may take several refills and flushings.
Step 10: Test the Water
After flushing, test the water for any residual chlorine. While a slight chlorine taste is acceptable, a strong odor or taste indicates that you need to flush the tank and lines again.
Step 11: Sanitize Your Water Heater (Optional but Recommended)
While sanitizing your fresh water tank, consider sanitizing your water heater as well. The process is similar: drain the water heater, then allow the chlorinated water from the tank sanitization to fill it. Let it sit for the same duration as the tank, then drain and flush thoroughly. Note that some water heaters have aluminum tanks, which should not be exposed to high concentrations of bleach for extended periods. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: How often should I sanitize my RV fresh water tank?
It’s recommended to sanitize your fresh water tank at least twice a year, typically before the start of the camping season and again before storing your RV for the winter. You should also sanitize the tank if you suspect contamination, such as after using questionable water sources or noticing an unpleasant odor or taste.
FAQ 2: Can I use too much bleach?
While using a slightly higher concentration of bleach won’t necessarily harm your tank, it’s crucial to follow the recommended proportions. Using excessive amounts of bleach can damage plumbing components and leave a strong, lingering odor that is difficult to remove. Always err on the side of caution and follow the guidelines outlined above.
FAQ 3: Is it safe to use scented bleach?
Never use scented bleach to sanitize your RV fresh water tank. The added fragrances can be difficult to remove and may contaminate your water supply. Always use unscented, plain household bleach.
FAQ 4: What if I still smell bleach after flushing multiple times?
If you still detect a bleach odor after multiple flushes, try adding a small amount of baking soda to the fresh water tank (approximately 1/4 cup for a 30-gallon tank) and filling it with water. Let it sit for an hour, then drain and flush again. This can help neutralize the bleach odor.
FAQ 5: Can I use vinegar instead of bleach?
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, but it is not as effective as bleach for killing bacteria and algae in your fresh water tank. While vinegar can help remove mineral deposits and improve taste, it should not be used as a substitute for bleach for sanitizing purposes.
FAQ 6: My water tank smells like sulfur. What should I do?
A sulfur smell often indicates the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas, which is produced by bacteria in the tank. Sanitizing the tank with bleach as described above is the best way to eliminate this odor. Ensure you let the solution sit for an extended period (overnight) for optimal results.
FAQ 7: How do I prevent contamination of my fresh water tank?
To minimize the risk of contamination, always use a potable water hose that is specifically designed for drinking water. Avoid dragging the hose on the ground and store it properly when not in use. Use a water filter to remove sediment and impurities from the water before it enters your tank.
FAQ 8: Can I use the water in my tank for drinking?
While sanitizing your tank ensures the water is safe, some RVers prefer to only use the water for washing and showering and opt for bottled water for drinking. This is a personal preference. However, with proper sanitization and filtration, the water in your tank can be perfectly safe for drinking.
FAQ 9: What is the best way to store my RV for the winter?
Before storing your RV for the winter, drain the fresh water tank, water heater, and all plumbing lines completely. You can use compressed air to blow out any remaining water. Add RV antifreeze to the P-traps in your sinks and shower to prevent freezing.
FAQ 10: Will sanitizing my tank damage my water pump?
Sanitizing your tank with the recommended bleach concentration should not damage your water pump. However, it’s always a good idea to flush the pump with fresh water after the sanitization process to remove any residual bleach.
FAQ 11: Can I use a pressure washer to clean the inside of my tank?
Do not use a pressure washer to clean the inside of your fresh water tank. The high pressure can damage the tank walls and fittings.
FAQ 12: My fresh water tank is hard to reach. How can I sanitize it effectively?
If your fresh water tank is difficult to access, ensure you are using a long enough funnel and hose for filling. Consider asking someone to help you with the pouring process. The key is to ensure the bleach solution is properly diluted before it enters the tank and that the tank is filled completely with fresh water afterwards.