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How to Sanitize RV Fresh Water Tank
To sanitize an RV fresh water tank, drain the old water, then add a mix of clean water and regular unscented bleach. A common amount is 1/4 cup of bleach for every 15 gallons of tank size. Fill the tank, run the water through each faucet until you smell a light bleach scent, then let it sit for several hours or overnight. After that, drain the tank and flush it with fresh water until the bleach smell is gone.
Now let’s go through the full step-by-step process.
If your RV has been sitting for a while, your fresh water tank should be cleaned before you use it. Even if the water looks clear, the tank and water lines can still have old water, smells, or buildup inside.
At All Campers in St. Cloud, MN, we help RV and camper owners get ready for camping season, road trips, and rentals. One simple job that makes a big difference is sanitizing the fresh water tank.
Why You Should Sanitize Your RV Fresh Water Tank
Your RV fresh water tank holds the water you use for sinks, showers, and sometimes drinking. Over time, the tank can pick up smells, bad taste, or bacteria, especially if the RV has been stored.
You should sanitize your RV fresh water tank:
- At the start of camping season
- After the RV has been sitting for a few months
- After buying a used camper
- If the water smells bad
- If the water tastes odd
- After winter storage
- Before renting out an RV or camper
For RV owners in Minnesota, this is a smart spring checklist item after a long winter.
What You Need
You do not need much to clean your RV fresh water system.
You will need:
- Regular unscented household bleach
- Fresh water
- A measuring cup
- A clean hose made for drinking water
- Time to let the water sit in the system
Do not use scented bleach. Do not use splash-less bleach. Do not mix bleach with any other cleaner.
How Much Bleach Should You Use?
A common rule is:
Use 1/4 cup of bleach for every 15 gallons of fresh water tank size.
Here are a few examples:
- 15-gallon tank: 1/4 cup bleach
- 30-gallon tank: 1/2 cup bleach
- 45-gallon tank: 3/4 cup bleach
- 60-gallon tank: 1 cup bleach
Before you start, check your RV owner’s manual. Some RVs may have special instructions, especially if they have water filters, tankless water heaters, or special plumbing.
Step 1: Drain the Fresh Water Tank
Start by draining the fresh water tank. Open the drain valve and let the old water run out.
You should also drain the water heater if your RV has one and the manual says it is safe to do so. Make sure the water heater is turned off first. Never drain a hot water heater while it is hot or under pressure.
Step 2: Mix the Bleach With Water
Do not pour straight bleach directly into the tank.
Instead, mix the bleach with water first. You can mix it in a clean container or pour it into the hose before filling the tank, depending on your RV setup.
This helps spread the bleach through the tank more evenly.
Step 3: Fill the Fresh Water Tank
After adding the bleach mix, fill the fresh water tank with clean water.
Once the tank is full, turn on the water pump.
Step 4: Run Water Through Each Faucet
Go inside the RV and open each faucet one at a time.
Run the cold water until you smell a light bleach smell. Then do the same with the hot water side, unless your RV manual says to bypass the water heater.
Do this for:
- Kitchen sink
- Bathroom sink
- Shower
- Outside shower
- Toilet sprayer, if your RV has one
The goal is to get the bleach water into all the water lines, not just the tank.
Step 5: Let It Sit
Let the bleach water sit in the system for several hours. Many RV owners let it sit overnight.
Try not to use the water during this time.
This gives the bleach time to clean the tank and water lines.
Step 7: Flush Until the Bleach Smell Is Gone
Turn the pump back on and run clean water through every faucet.
Keep flushing until the bleach smell is gone. You may need to fill and drain the tank more than once.
Take your time with this step. You do not want your first camping trip of the season to come with bleach-smelling water.
Helpful Tips
Here are a few simple tips to make the job easier:
- Use a white drinking-water-safe hose, not a garden hose
- Replace old water filters before using the system
- Do not leave old water sitting in the tank for long periods
- Drain the tank before storing the RV
- Sanitize again if the water smells musty
- Check for leaks while the system is full
If your RV has been winterized, make sure the antifreeze is flushed out before using the fresh water system.
Can You Drink Water From an RV Fresh Water Tank?
Many RV owners do drink water from their fresh water tank, but only when the tank, hose, and water source are clean.
If you plan to drink from your RV tank, sanitize it often and use a drinking-water-safe hose. Some people also add an RV water filter for better taste.
If you are unsure about the tank’s condition, use bottled water for drinking and cooking until the system has been checked.
How Often Should You Sanitize an RV Fresh Water Tank?
A good rule is to sanitize the tank at least once a year.
You may want to do it more often if:
- You use the RV a lot
- The camper sits for long periods
- You rent out the RV
- You fill from different campgrounds
- The water smells or tastes bad
For Minnesota campers, spring is usually the best time to do it, right before the camping season starts.
Read our similar posts
Need Help With Your RV Water System?
Sanitizing your RV fresh water tank is a job many owners can do at home. But if your water pump is not working, your faucets have low pressure, your tank smells bad, or you see leaks, it may be time to have it checked.
All Campers in St. Cloud, MN offers RV and camper repair services to help get your camper ready for the road.
FAQ
What is the best way to sanitize an RV fresh water tank?
The most common way is to use a small amount of regular unscented bleach mixed with water. Fill the tank, run the mix through the lines, let it sit, then drain and flush with clean water.
How much bleach do I use to sanitize my RV fresh water tank?
A common amount is 1/4 cup of bleach for every 15 gallons of fresh water tank capacity.
How long should bleach water sit in an RV fresh water tank?
Many RV owners let it sit for several hours or overnight. After that, drain and flush the system with clean water.
Why does my RV water smell bad?
Bad smells can come from old water, bacteria, buildup in the tank, dirty hoses, or the water heater. Sanitizing the tank is a good first step.
Should I sanitize my RV fresh water tank after winter?
Yes. After winter storage, it is a good idea to flush and sanitize the fresh water system before your first trip.
