Clean RV Water Tank: Keep Your Family Safe & Healthy

Maintaining a clean RV water tank is crucial for the health and safety of your family. A contaminated water tank can lead to serious illnesses, ruining your vacation and causing significant discomfort. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to keep your RV's water system sparkling clean and your family safe.

Why is Cleaning Your RV Water Tank Important?

Your RV's fresh water tank is a contained environment, prone to the growth of bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms. Even if your water source appears clean, sediment, minerals, and biological matter can accumulate inside the tank, leading to:

• Waterborne illnesses: Bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella can cause gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
• Unpleasant taste and odor: A dirty tank can impart a musty, foul taste and smell to your drinking water.
• Damage to your RV's plumbing system: Mineral buildup can clog pipes and restrict water flow.
• Compromised appliance function: Contaminated water can damage your water heater, ice maker, and other appliances.

How Often Should You Clean Your RV Water Tank?

The frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, including how often you use your RV and the quality of your water source. As a general rule:

• After each trip: This is the most effective approach, ensuring your tank is clean before your next adventure.
• At least every three months: Even if you haven't used your RV, cleaning every three months prevents buildup and contamination.
• More frequently in warmer climates: Warmer temperatures promote faster bacterial growth.

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

Cleaning your RV water tank is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Prepare Your RV:

• Drain the tank: Completely empty the fresh water tank. Open all faucets to ensure complete drainage.
• Disconnect from water sources: Disconnect from any city water hookups or external water sources.

2. Cleaning the Tank:

• Choose a cleaning solution: Several effective options exist, including:

  • Bleach Solution: A common and effective choice. Mix one cup of unscented household bleach with one gallon of water. (Always use unscented bleach to avoid affecting the taste of your water.)
  • RV Water Tank Cleaner: Commercially available cleaners are specifically formulated for RV water tanks and often contain additional sanitizing agents.
  • Baking Soda: A natural and environmentally friendly alternative. Dissolve approximately one cup of baking soda in a gallon of water.

• Fill the tank with the cleaning solution: Ensure the cleaning solution reaches all areas of the tank.

• Swirl the solution: Gently rock or swirl your RV to distribute the cleaning solution evenly. Let it sit for at least four hours, or ideally overnight.

3. Rinse and Refilling:

• Drain the cleaning solution: Thoroughly drain the tank, ensuring all the cleaning solution is removed.
• Flush the system: Run all faucets and showerheads until the water runs clear and free of any cleaning solution residue. This is crucial to eliminate any lingering bleach or cleaning agent taste.
• Refill the tank with fresh water: Refill the tank with fresh, potable water.
• Repeat the flush: Repeat the flushing process to ensure all traces of the cleaning solution are gone.

What About My Water Heater?

Remember to also flush your water heater! Many RV water heaters have a drain valve specifically for this purpose. Consult your owner's manual for instructions. After draining, refill and flush the water heater thoroughly.

How to Prevent Future Contamination

• Use a water filter: A good quality water filter will remove sediment, chlorine, and other impurities from your water source, reducing the buildup in your tank.
• Regularly inspect your water tank: Check for any signs of cracks or damage that could compromise its integrity.
• Keep the tank full when not in use: A full tank is less prone to the growth of bacteria. (This is particularly important in warmer climates)

What if I Smell a Musty Odor?

A musty odor often indicates the presence of algae or bacteria. Cleaning your tank with a bleach solution should resolve this. If the odor persists after cleaning, consider a professional inspection to rule out any structural issues with the tank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use vinegar to clean my RV water tank?

While vinegar has some cleaning properties, it's less effective than bleach or specialized RV tank cleaners at eliminating bacteria. Using vinegar alone may not sufficiently sanitize your tank.

How long should I let the cleaning solution sit in the tank?

For optimal results, let the cleaning solution sit in the tank for at least four hours, but ideally overnight. This allows ample time for the solution to disinfect the tank's interior surfaces.

Is it necessary to use a specialized RV water tank cleaner?

While not mandatory, using a specialized RV water tank cleaner often provides a more thorough cleaning and sanitizing effect compared to a simple bleach solution. These cleaners are specifically formulated for RV tanks and may include additional agents to remove mineral buildup.

How can I tell if my RV water tank is clean?

After cleaning and flushing, the water should be clear, odorless, and taste clean. If you notice any discoloration, unusual odor, or unpleasant taste, the cleaning process may need to be repeated.

By following these steps and implementing preventative measures, you can ensure your RV water tank remains clean and safe, providing your family with healthy and enjoyable camping experiences for years to come. Remember to consult your RV owner's manual for specific instructions and recommendations.