|
How to Sanitize Your RV Fresh Water Tank: A Step-by-Step Guide
This isn’t surprising, but it’s important to remember that one of the most critical maintenance tasks for any RV owner is properly sanitizing your fresh water tank.
After owning virtually every type of RV imaginable and taking apart countless water systems, I've developed a foolproof method for keeping your drinking water safe, clean, and odor-free.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through my time-tested process for RV water tank sanitization, drawing from decades of hands-on experience and countless customer success stories.
Whether you're a weekend warrior or a full-time RVer, maintaining clean water is essential for both your health and the longevity of your RV's plumbing system.
Why RV Water Tank Sanitization Is Crucial for Your Health and Vehicle
Many RV owners overlook water tank maintenance until they encounter problems. And there’s nothing worse than dealing with foul-smelling water, reduced water pressure, or even illness from contaminated tanks.
Over time, your RV's fresh water tank can become a breeding ground for bacteria, algae, and mold. Mineral deposits can also start to build up, affecting taste and potentially damaging your plumbing system.
Regular sanitization prevents:
- Health risks from drinking contaminated water
- Unpleasant odors and tastes that ruin your camping experience
- Costly damage to water pumps, fixtures, and plumbing
- Reduced water flow and pressure
- Premature aging of tank materials and seals
I recommend sanitizing your fresh water tank at least twice a year – once before you start your camping season and again before winterizing.
If you use your RV frequently or travel in warmer climates, quarterly sanitization is even better.
Essential Supplies for Proper RV Water Tank Sanitization
Before starting the sanitization process, gather all necessary supplies.
This is a pretty exhaustive list, but you know your own setup best, so if you think there’s something else specific or specialized that you’re going to need, make sure to include that too!
- Household bleach OR a specialized tank sanitizer (more on this below)
- Clean drinking water hose
- Disposable gloves
- Water pump converter kit (optional but helpful)
- Water pressure regulator
- Tank cleaning wand (for larger tanks)
- Water quality test strips
Step-by-Step RV Fresh Water Tank Sanitization Process
Let’s go step-by-step. Whether you’re doing this for the first time or have been RVing for years, you can always learn more – and be sure to save this for next time to make the process more efficient.
Step 1: Drain Your Entire Water System (30 minutes)
Start with a completely empty water system:
- Turn off your water heater and let it cool completely
- Open all faucets (hot and cold) including the outside shower
- Remove any inline water filters
- Open the fresh water tank drain valve
- Turn on your water pump briefly to help push out the remaining water
- Drain your water heater (follow manufacturer instructions)
Pro Tip: I always disconnect any water filter cartridges from the system before sanitizing. The strong cleaning solution can damage filter media and reduce its effectiveness.
Step 2: Prepare Your Sanitizing Solution (15 minutes)
While household bleach works in a pinch (¼ cup per 15 gallons of tank capacity), I strongly recommend using a specialized product like
Camco 40207 TastePURE Spring Fresh Water Cleaner & Deodorizer.
These formulations are designed specifically for RV systems and won't damage seals or leave behind unpleasant tastes.
Whichever you choose to use, simply follow the package instructions for your tank size. Generally, you'll mix the solution with water in a separate container before adding it to your tank.
Step 3: Add Solution to Your Fresh Water Tank (5 minutes)
Pour your prepared sanitizing solution directly into your fresh water tank.
If you're using the
Clear2O TFF2016 TankFRESH Tank Shock Treatment, you can typically add it directly into the tank fill port according to the package directions.
Step 4: Fill Tank with Fresh Water (15–30 minutes)
Fill your fresh water tank completely with clean, potable water.
This dilutes the sanitizing solution to the proper concentration and ensures it reaches all internal surfaces of your tank.
Step 5: Run Water Through All Lines (15 minutes)
This crucial step ensures the sanitizing solution reaches every part of your plumbing system:
- Turn on your water pump
- Open each faucet one at a time (hot and cold) until you smell the sanitizer
- Don't forget external shower fixtures and toilet
- Close all faucets once sanitizer is detected
Pro Tip: I always fill the sink partially with sanitized water and let it sit there during the waiting period, as this helps clean the sink drain as well.
Step 6: Let Solution Sit (4–12 hours)
Allow the sanitizing solution to work its magic.
For routine maintenance, four hours is usually sufficient. For problem tanks or severe odor issues, I recommend leaving it overnight (up to 12 hours).
During this time, take a short, easy drive in your RV to slosh the water around, helping the solution contact all surfaces inside the tank.
Step 7: Drain and Rinse Thoroughly (1–2 hours)
After the waiting period, completely drain the system:
- Open all drain valves
- Turn on all faucets
- Run your water pump briefly to help push out the remaining solution
- Close all drains and faucets once empty
Refill the fresh water tank with clean water, run it through all faucets until the sanitizer smell is gone, then drain again.
Repeat this step two to three times to ensure all traces of sanitizer are removed.
Pro Tip: For the final rinse, I recommend using the Star Brite 032300 Aqua Clean Water Tank Flush, which helps neutralize any remaining sanitizer and leaves your system fresh and ready for use.
Step 8: Reinstall Filters and Test Water (15 minutes)
Once all sanitizer is flushed from the system:
- Reinstall any water filters (consider replacing them if they're old)
- Fill the tank with fresh drinking water
- Use water quality test strips to verify your water is safe
- Taste test from different faucets to ensure no sanitizer residue remains
Troubleshooting Common RV Water Tank Issues
Even with regular sanitization, you might encounter some common water system issues.
1. Persistent Bad Odors
If odors persist after sanitization, try using a double-strength solution of
Clear2O TFF2016 TankFRESH Tank Shock Treatment and let it sit for the maximum recommended time.
Pay special attention to the overflow vent, which can harbor bacteria. Clean it with a small brush dipped in a sanitizing solution.
2. Poor Water Flow or Pressure
Low water pressure after sanitization often indicates:
- Clogged aerators on faucets (unscrew and clean)
- The water pump filter needs cleaning
- Air lock in the system (run each faucet in short bursts to clear)
- Mineral deposits restricting flow (consider a system flush with a descaler)
3. Sanitizer Taste Won't Go Away
If you still taste sanitizer after multiple flushes, try:
- Adding a capful of vinegar to each tank of rinse water
- Using activated carbon filters in your water system
- Let the tank sit with fresh water and a dash of lemon juice overnight
Professional Recommended Maintenance Schedule for RV Water Systems
Based on decades of experience, here's the maintenance schedule I follow and recommend to all RV Upgrades customers:
Before Each Trip:
- Flush system with fresh water
- Check for leaks
- Verify water pump operation
Monthly (During Active Season):
- Visual inspection of tank and connections
- Water quality testing with test strips
- Check and clean faucet aerators
Quarterly:
- Complete sanitization process
- Replace water filter cartridges
- Inspect the water heater anode rod (if applicable)
Annually (Typically Before Storage):
Beyond Sanitization: Additional Water Quality Tips for RVers
Sanitizing your tank is just one aspect of maintaining clean, safe water in your RV.
But if you want to take your water hygiene to the next level, there are some extra steps…
1. Use Water Filtration
I always use a two-stage filtration system:
- External filter when filling the tank to remove sediment and chlorine
- Under-sink filter for drinking water to ensure the highest quality
2. Know Your Water Source
Not all campground water is created equal. I always make sure to:
- Use a water pressure regulator to protect my plumbing
- Test unknown water sources before filling my tank
- Avoid using water from sources marked "non-potable"
3. Consider a Water Softener
If you frequently camp in areas with hard water, a portable RV water softener can:
- Prevent mineral buildup in your plumbing
- Extend the life of appliances like your water heater
- Improve soap lathering and water taste
Final Thoughts: The Importance of Fresh Water Maintenance
At
RV Upgrades, we've helped thousands of customers resolve water quality issues, and the solution almost always begins with proper sanitization.
Whether you're a weekend camper or full-time RVer, implementing this sanitization routine will keep your water fresh, your system functioning properly, and your RV adventures worry-free.
Remember, the quality of your RV experience often comes down to the little things – and clean, safe drinking water is certainly no small matter. Happy travels and clean tanks to you all!
Still Got a Funky Smell or Taste to Your RV Water Source?
Contact our expert and highly experienced team at RV Upgrades for personalized troubleshooting and product recommendations from experienced RV enthusiasts who've solved thousands of water quality issues.
About the Author
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business—it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
Follow me on LinkedIn
|
