The Importance of Sanitizing Your RV Water System: A Comprehensive Guide

Maintaining a clean and safe water supply is crucial for any RV owner. Ignoring your RV's water system sanitation can lead to unpleasant tastes, foul odors, and even serious health risks. This comprehensive guide explains why sanitizing your RV water system is so important, how to do it effectively, and how often you should perform this essential maintenance task.

Why Sanitize Your RV Water System?

Your RV's water system, while convenient, is a potential breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms. These contaminants can enter your system through various sources:

• Stagnant Water: Water left sitting in the tanks and lines for extended periods can become contaminated.
• External Contamination: During filling, contaminants from the water source (e.g., campground hookups, lakes, etc.) can enter your system.
• Biofilm: A sticky film of bacteria and other microorganisms can form within the pipes and tank walls. This biofilm is notoriously difficult to remove.

Ignoring these potential sources of contamination can result in:

• Unpleasant Tastes and Odors: Contaminated water will often have a musty, foul, or otherwise unpleasant taste and smell, ruining your drinking water and impacting the quality of your showers and dishes.
• Gastrointestinal Illness: Consuming contaminated water can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and other unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Other Health Issues: Depending on the type of contaminant, more serious health issues are possible.

Regular sanitizing helps prevent all of these problems, ensuring safe and enjoyable RV trips.

How Often Should You Sanitize Your RV Water System?

The frequency of sanitizing depends on several factors, including how often you use your RV and the climate you store it in. Generally, it's recommended to sanitize your system:

• At least once a year: This is a good baseline for regular maintenance.
• After each extended period of storage: If your RV sits unused for several months, sanitizing is crucial before using it again.
• After using a questionable water source: If you've filled your tanks from a less-than-pristine source, sanitize immediately.
• If you notice any unpleasant tastes or odors: This is a clear indication that your system needs sanitizing.

How to Sanitize Your RV Water System: A Step-by-Step Guide

There are several methods for sanitizing your RV water system, but the most common uses household bleach. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific RV and water system. Here's a general procedure:

1. Empty and Flush: Completely empty your fresh water tank and flush the system by turning on all faucets and letting water run until clear.
2. Mix the Sanitizing Solution: Add one cup of unscented household bleach to 15 gallons of fresh water. This is a common ratio, but always check your RV's manual for specific instructions.
3. Fill and Circulate: Fill your fresh water tank with the bleach solution. Run all faucets, including the shower and toilet, for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the solution to circulate throughout the entire system.
4. Let it Sit: Allow the bleach solution to sit in the system for at least 12 hours. This allows sufficient time to kill bacteria and microorganisms.
5. Flush Thoroughly: After 12 hours, flush the entire system again, running water until all traces of bleach are gone. You should notice no longer any chlorine smell.
6. Test the Water: Although rare, it's always a good idea to test your water using a water testing kit to ensure complete sanitation.

Important Note: Never use scented bleach or other harsh chemicals to sanitize your RV water system. These can leave behind unpleasant residues and potentially damage your system's components.

What Are Other Methods for Sanitizing My RV Water System?

While bleach is the most common and effective method, other options exist:

• RV Water System Sanitizing Tablets: These tablets offer a convenient alternative to liquid bleach. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: A less harsh alternative to bleach, hydrogen peroxide can also effectively sanitize your RV water system.

Is it Necessary to Sanitize the Hot Water Heater?

Yes, the hot water heater also needs sanitizing. Because hot water heaters often contain stagnant water when not in use, they are particularly susceptible to bacterial growth. Ensure the bleach solution circulates through your hot water heater as well. Remember to drain and refill the heater after the sanitizing process is complete.

What if I Smell Bleach After Sanitizing?

If you still detect a faint chlorine smell after thoroughly flushing your system, don't worry. This usually dissipates within a day or two. If the smell persists, you may need to flush the system again. A lingering bleach smell indicates that the initial flushing wasn't thorough enough.

By following these simple steps and maintaining a regular sanitizing schedule, you can ensure the safety and quality of your RV's water system, contributing to a healthier and more enjoyable RV lifestyle. Remember, prevention is key!