When it comes to life on the road in your RV, one of the most critical aspects is ensuring the safety of your water supply. Most RVs have three holding tanks for fresh water, gray water, and black water. While the gray and black water tanks serve different purposes, the fresh water tank is responsible for providing safe water for drinking, showering, and washing dishes. To achieve this, it’s essential to regularly sanitize your Camper/RV’s water tank and keep it clean. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of sanitizing your camper water tanks to ensure clean and safe water for your journey.
It’s important to note that you should follow a regular sanitization schedule to ensure the continued safety and quality of your RV’s water supply. The frequency of sanitization may vary depending on factors like the quality of your water source, how often you use your RV, and the climate in which you’re traveling. Always consult your RV’s owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific guidelines on when and how to sanitize your RV water tank.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Heater and Drain All the Fresh Water
The first step in the process of sanitizing and cleaning your RV/camper water tank is to turn off the water heater. This is crucial to prevent heating up the bleach solution, which could potentially damage your hot water tank. Before draining your fresh water tank, run hot water for a minute or so to ensure that any heated water is flushed out. Running hot water for 1-2 minutes should be sufficient to remove the hot water from the tank, allowing it to cool before draining.
Before you proceed, make sure that your gray water holding tank is empty. Alternatively, if you are in a suitable location, you can set up your sewer connection to an outlet, making it easy to empty your holding tanks when the time comes.
Step 2: Calculate the Amount of Bleach You’ll Need
To calculate the amount of bleach you’ll need, you must fill your fresh water tank to between a third and a half of its capacity with water. This ensures that the bleach solution is adequately diluted and effective in sanitizing the tank. Remember that the exact amount of bleach needed may vary based on the concentration of the bleach you’re using and the specific condition of your water tank and plumbing system.
Step 3: Fill the Tank with Bleach
When adding bleach to your fresh water tank, it’s crucial never to pour undiluted bleach directly into the tank. Instead, mix the bleach with water before pouring it into your fresh water tank. This ensures even distribution and effective sanitization.
Step 4: Let Fresh Water Run Through Your System and Let It Sit
Now, you need to let the bleach solution run through your RV’s plumbing system. Turn on your faucets and run the water until you can smell bleach coming out of each faucet. This step ensures that the bleach solution has thoroughly circulated throughout your freshwater system. Since the fumes can be quite potent, we recommend opening some windows and turning on your vents before turning on your faucets.
After this, let the mixture of clean water and bleach sit in your tank and plumbing lines for 12-24 hours. Do not let the bleach mixture sit for more than 24 hours, as it can lose its effectiveness over time.
Step 5: Drain and Flush the Tank
The final step in the sanitization process is to drain the remaining bleach solution out of your fresh water tank into your holding tanks. Once this is done, refill the fresh water tank and return your water heater, ice maker, water filter, and other appliances to their normal operation. Your RV’s water system should now be effectively sanitized and ready for use.
Can I Sanitize My Water Tank Without Bleach?
While bleach is the most effective option for sanitizing and cleaning an RV/camper water tank, alternatives like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide can be used. However, it’s important to note that unless heated to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, they may not be as effective as bleach at killing bacteria in a contaminated RV fresh water tank. Additionally, water tank sanitizers like TastePure Spring Fresh can help with odors but may not provide the same level of protection against parasites or bacteria.
Pros And Cons of Not Using Bleach
Pros:
- Eco-Friendly: Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are generally considered more environmentally friendly than bleach. They are less harmful to the environment when they enter wastewater systems and septic tanks.
- Healthier for Humans: These alternatives are less toxic and may be safer for human contact, especially if you have concerns about the residual effects of bleach in your water supply.
- Milder Odor: Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide typically have milder odors than bleach’s strong chlorine smell. This can be more pleasant during the sanitization process.
- Multi-Purpose: Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide can serve multiple purposes in an RV, such as cleaning, and disinfecting surfaces, and even as natural remedies for common ailments.
Cons:
- Effectiveness: The primary drawback of using alternatives is that they may not be as effective at killing bacteria and pathogens as bleach. To be effective, these alternatives must be heated to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Residual Taste and Smell: Vinegar can leave a residual taste and odor that some people find unappealing in their drinking water. Hydrogen peroxide, while milder in odor and taste, may still affect the water’s flavor.
- Additional Heating Required: Achieving the necessary temperature for these alternatives to be effective may require extra energy or heating equipment, which can be inconvenient in an RV.
- Limited Shelf Life: Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide have a limited shelf life. This means you’ll need to ensure they are fresh and not expired when you intend to use them for tank sanitization.
- Extra Costs: If you need to buy fresh supplies of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for tank sanitization, it could incur additional costs compared to using bleach, which is readily available and inexpensive.
Looking for an RV Park to Stay in During Your Next Trip?
Now that your RV’s water tank is sanitized and ready to go, it’s time to start planning your next adventure on the road. If you’re seeking a fantastic destination, consider staying at Black Hawk Creek, located in the heart of the natural and cultural splendor of South Dakota. Whether you’re looking for tranquility among breathtaking landscapes or a thrilling exploration of the area’s diverse attractions, Black Hawk Creek ensures that your journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Book your stay today and let the adventure begin! With a clean and sanitized water tank, you’re well-prepared for a memorable RV adventure. Safe travels!