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RV Tips : Water Tank Cleansing

Noone likes the smell of nasty RV water. The good thing is, there are plenty of things you can do to purify, or sterlize your water tank

Before you leave for trips it is generally a good idea to check your water tank for smell and clarity. I usually sanitize my tank twice a year, or if I think it needs it. It is also a good idea to sanitize your water tank if your RV is idle for an extended period of time, such as three or four months.

Many RV owners add bleach to their water tank if it is going to site for a while. But, in any event, sanitize often as you think is needed. It never hurts to be safe. Also, be sure to thoroughly flush the system after sanitizing your RV. Even though many folks don't drink water from the on-board tank, it can still be consumed via the shower or bath.

In many warm climates where there are RV Parks, it can take only a few weeks for bacteria to build up in the tank.  Often in these environments it is recommeded to leave some bleach in the tank while the RV sits unused. Flush the tank when you are preparing to travel. The smell of sulfur, or a rotten-egg smell, is an indication of bacteria in your water tank.

You can also drain your water holding tanks after each trip to help decrease the RV water supply from producing bacteria. You can then refill them before leaving for each trip, or fill them at your RV Park.

Other RV'ers do the sanitization once a year through clorination. If filling from an unchlorinated source, it is recommended to at least flush the system with chlorinated water as soon as possible.

A good mix/solution to use is:

• 1-1/2 fl. oz of chlorine bleach per 10 gal. of tank capacity for sanitizing
• 1/2 oz per 10 gal for stabilizing water in storage
• Dilute in one gallon of water and add to tank