How to Thoroughly Clean Your RV Fresh Water Tank: A Step-by-Step Guide

Maintaining a clean fresh water tank is crucial for safe and enjoyable RV adventures. Over time, bacteria, algae, and mineral deposits can accumulate, leading to unpleasant tastes, odors, and potentially harmful health risks. Regularly cleaning your RV’s fresh water tank will ensure that you and your family have access to safe and clean drinking water while on the road. This comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to thoroughly clean your RV’s fresh water tank, ensuring it’s sparkling clean and ready for your next trip.

Why Cleaning Your RV Fresh Water Tank Is Important

Before we delve into the “how,” let’s address the “why.” Think of your RV fresh water tank as a large container for storing drinking water. Just like any other container, it needs regular cleaning to prevent the build-up of contaminants. Here’s why cleaning it regularly is so vital:

• Health and Safety: Stagnant water provides a breeding ground for bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms. These can cause illness, including gastrointestinal issues, making your trip unpleasant and potentially dangerous.
• Improved Water Quality: Over time, mineral deposits and biofilms can accumulate in your tank. This can lead to bad tastes, unpleasant odors, and discoloration of your water, making it less palatable and enjoyable to use.
• Extended Tank Lifespan: Regular cleaning helps to prevent corrosion and the breakdown of tank materials caused by mineral build-up, ultimately prolonging the lifespan of your fresh water tank.
• Preventative Maintenance: Cleaning your tank is part of essential RV maintenance. Neglecting it can lead to costly repairs and health problems.

When Should You Clean Your RV Fresh Water Tank?

Ideally, you should sanitize and clean your fresh water tank at least twice a year, or more frequently depending on usage and environmental conditions. Here are some specific times when cleaning is necessary:

• Before the Camping Season: Starting the season with a clean tank is a great way to ensure you’re getting fresh water from the start.
• After Winterization: If you’ve used antifreeze in your system for winterization, a thorough cleaning is essential to remove it before use.
• After Extended Periods of Storage: If your RV has been sitting unused for a while, stale water may have accumulated. It’s important to empty and clean the tank before refilling it with fresh water.
• If You Notice Changes in Water Quality: If you detect an unusual taste, odor, or discoloration in your water, it’s a clear sign that your tank needs to be cleaned immediately.
• After Purchasing a Used RV: Always sanitize a used RV’s water system before use, as you don’t know what the previous owner did for cleaning and maintenance.

What You’ll Need to Clean Your RV Fresh Water Tank

Before you begin the cleaning process, gather the necessary supplies. Having everything readily available will make the task easier and more efficient:

• Bleach (Regular Household Bleach): Use unscented regular household bleach. The standard concentration is 5-8.25% Sodium Hypochlorite. Avoid using splash-less or scented varieties or ones with added cleaners.
• A Bucket or Large Container: For mixing the bleach solution.
• A Measuring Cup or Spoon: For accurately measuring the bleach.
• RV Water Hose (Drinking Water Safe): To connect to the tank and the water source. It’s imperative to use a potable water hose, not a regular garden hose.
• Gloves and Eye Protection: To protect your skin and eyes from the bleach.
• Optional: Water Filter or Faucet Filter: Useful for filling the tank with cleaner water and removing any residual taste from the cleaning process.
• Optional: RV Water Tank Cleaning Wand: A long, flexible wand with a spray nozzle can help to reach all areas of the tank when rinsing.
• Optional: Baking Soda: For rinsing purposes if you are sensitive to the smell of bleach.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Cleaning Your RV Fresh Water Tank

Now that you have all your supplies, let’s get into the step-by-step instructions for cleaning your RV fresh water tank:

Step 1: Drain the Existing Water

The first step is to completely drain your existing water. If you have a low-point drain on your fresh water tank, locate it and open it. Let the water completely drain out. If you do not have a low-point drain, you may need to use your water pump to run the tank dry through faucets. Once the tank is drained, make sure that the drain is tightly closed again, or all the solution will be wasted.

Step 2: Calculate the Correct Bleach Solution

Determining the right amount of bleach is crucial. Too little, and it won’t be effective; too much, and it may be difficult to rinse out completely. The general recommendation is to use 1/4 cup (2 ounces) of bleach for every 15 gallons of fresh water tank capacity. Check your RV’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to determine your tank’s size. Here is a chart for reference:

Bleach Calculation Chart:

• 20 Gallon Tank: 1/3 cup (2.7 ounces)
• 30 Gallon Tank: 1/2 cup (4 ounces)
• 40 Gallon Tank: 2/3 cup (5.3 ounces)
• 50 Gallon Tank: 3/4 cup (6 ounces)
• 60 Gallon Tank: 1 cup (8 ounces)
• 75 Gallon Tank: 1 1/4 cups (10 ounces)
• 100 Gallon Tank: 1 2/3 cups (13.3 ounces)

Important Note: It’s always best to slightly under-estimate rather than over-estimate the amount of bleach. You can always repeat the sanitation process if necessary, but overdoing it on bleach can be problematic to rinse out.

Step 3: Mix the Bleach Solution

Using your bucket or large container, mix the calculated amount of bleach with a gallon or two of clean water. Mix gently to avoid splashing and ensure the bleach is fully dissolved. Always add the bleach to water and not the other way around to prevent dangerous reactions and splashing.

Step 4: Fill the Fresh Water Tank with the Bleach Solution

Connect your RV’s water hose to a fresh water source. Pour your diluted bleach solution into the fresh water tank, either using the gravity fill port or, if you have a direct connection through your water intake, using the pump itself. Now, begin filling the rest of your fresh water tank with clean, potable water, being careful not to fill too quickly and cause the tank to overflow. Continue filling until the tank is completely full.

Step 5: Run the Bleach Solution Through Your RV’s Plumbing System

Once the tank is full, turn on your RV’s water pump. Open each of the faucets in your RV (including the kitchen, bathroom, and shower) one at a time and let the water run until you can smell the bleach. Once the bleach odor is noticeable at each faucet, turn them off. Don’t forget to flush the toilet one to two times to ensure the bleach solution goes through this line as well. You are now sure that all lines are filled with the sanitizing solution. Make sure to fill any outside shower or kitchen lines too if you have them.

Step 6: Allow the Bleach Solution to Sit

Now that the entire plumbing system is filled with the bleach solution, turn off the water pump. Let the bleach solution sit in the tank and plumbing lines for at least 4 hours. For a more thorough cleaning, or if it’s been a long time since the last cleaning, you can let it sit for up to 12 hours. The longer the better, as it will help to kill more bacteria and remove biofilms and mineral build-up. During this time, do not use the water for any purpose.

Step 7: Drain the Bleach Solution

After the soaking period, drain the bleach solution from your fresh water tank. You can use the low-point drain again or use the pump to remove the water. If you run the pump, be sure to keep an eye on the water level gauge to make sure the pump does not run dry as this can burn out the pump motor. If you used the pump, also drain the water from all faucets.

Step 8: Flush the Tank with Clean Water

Now, it’s time to flush the tank and plumbing system with fresh water to remove the bleach solution. Refill your fresh water tank with clean, potable water. Run the water through all the faucets and the toilet one by one until no trace of bleach is noticeable. This step may take several refills and emptyings of the tank and plumbing system. Repeat the filling and draining process at least three or four times to ensure all traces of bleach are gone. If you have an RV water tank cleaning wand, this step may be much faster as it can be used to spray and rinse more thoroughly. After the final flush, be sure to drain everything again using low-point drains and taps.

Step 9: Optional Baking Soda Rinse

If you are particularly sensitive to the smell of bleach, or you have an older RV with a porous plastic tank, you may want to perform a baking soda rinse after you have completed all of the fresh water rinses. Mix about 1/2 cup of baking soda per 10 gallons of tank capacity with a small amount of water until the baking soda is dissolved. Fill the tank completely with fresh water. Run the solution through your plumbing system just like you did the bleach solution, ensuring it reaches all outlets. Let it sit for 1-2 hours, and then completely drain and flush the system again with clean fresh water. The baking soda will help to neutralize any residual bleach smell.

Step 10: Final Refill with Fresh Water

Once you are satisfied that the tank and lines are thoroughly rinsed and free of the bleach solution (or baking soda solution), refill your fresh water tank with fresh, clean water. You are now ready to use your RV water system. Consider filling the tank through a water filter for an extra layer of protection, and remember to replace the filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Step 11: Post Cleaning Checklist

To complete the fresh water tank cleaning process be sure you complete the following final steps:

• Make sure all low-point drains are fully closed.
• Make sure the fresh water tank is fully filled to the appropriate level.
• Double-check that the fresh water pump is turned off when not in use.
• Double check all faucets are completely closed.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean Fresh Water Tank

Cleaning your RV fresh water tank is just one aspect of maintaining clean water. Here are a few additional tips to ensure your water remains safe and fresh:

• Use Potable Water Hoses: Never use a regular garden hose to fill your fresh water tank, as these can contain harmful chemicals and contaminants. Always use hoses specifically marked as “drinking water safe.”
• Fill Your Tank From Reliable Water Sources: Only fill your tank from known, reliable sources of clean, potable water.
• Empty Your Tank When Not in Use: If you’re not using your RV for an extended period, drain the fresh water tank to prevent stagnation.
• Consider a Water Filter: Adding an inline water filter to your RV’s system can help to remove impurities and improve the overall quality of your water.
• Sanitize Your System Regularly: Try to stick to a bi-annual (or more frequent, if needed) schedule for cleaning and sanitizing your fresh water tank.
• Don’t Overfill the Tank: Overfilling can cause the tank to leak or even damage it.
• Inspect Your Tank Regularly: Periodically check your tank for any signs of damage, leaks, or build-up of residue. Address any issues immediately to prevent further problems.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, even with the best cleaning efforts, you might encounter certain issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips for common problems:

• Lingering Bleach Smell: If you can still smell bleach after the rinsing process, repeat the rinsing process several more times, or try the baking soda rinse.
• Water Tastes Strange: If your water tastes off even after the cleaning, the tank may require another cleaning cycle and extended soak. This could indicate particularly severe contamination. Consider using a high-quality water filter system as well.
• Water Pump Issues: If your pump is making unusual noises, it might be due to a clogged filter or low water levels. Refer to your RV’s manual for specific troubleshooting instructions.

Conclusion

Maintaining a clean and healthy fresh water system is a critical part of RV ownership. By following these detailed steps and tips, you can ensure that you and your family have access to safe, clean, and great-tasting water throughout your travels. Remember to conduct regular cleanings and be proactive in addressing any issues that may arise. A well-maintained fresh water tank not only contributes to your health and safety but also enhances your overall RV experience. Happy and safe travels!