Sanitize Your Freshwater System

Water use in an RV is a necessity, and in addition to THIS PREVIOUS POST about the minimum filter for your RV, sanitizing your freshwater system is also a must. Few things ruin camping more than getting sick from your RV’s water, even if you just wash your hands or shower with it.

Here is a detailed “How To” on sanitizing your freshwater system, in proper order:

Water heater

If you have a tankless water heater, this method works fine for it too; no need to bypass it.

If you have a tank-type water heater, it would be best to put it in bypass mode and clean it using THIS FLUSH WAND.

But if by-passing isn’t possible, it’s OK to just let it be; this sanitizing method will work fairly well for it too.

Determine your freshwater tank size

Tank size in gallons can either be found in your RV’s build sheet (usually a single page listing all items in your RV, including model numbers and serial numbers) or paperwork specific to your RV.  If you cannot find it, you will need to purchase THIS WATER FLOW METER, attach it to your freshwater hose, and fill your tank (start with it empty). 

All freshwater tanks have an overflow. Stop the water when it overflows and note the number of gallons your meter shows.

Mixing the solution

The recipe is ¼ cup basic Clorox Bleach (not scented) per 15 gallons of your freshwater tank size.  So you will have to do a little math. I like to mix it with some water in a clean 5-gallon bucket to dilute it a bit.

Filling your tank

Get this solution into your freshwater tank. Either use the “Sanitize” selection in your wet bay to pump the solution into your tank, then fill the tank until full.  Or, pour it into your freshwater tank and fill it the rest of the way. You want it to overflow just a bit so you know the solution touched the inside ceiling of your tank, a good place for “baddies” to live.

Remove filters

Remove any filters or filter cartridges in your RV, and replace the canister or housing so the solution flows freely through your system, and doesn’t clog any filter cartridges.

Sanitize water lines

Now, with your RV in dry camping mode, turn your water pump on and open each faucet in your RV until you can smell the chlorine…sort of smells like a swimming pool. Then shut that faucet off, and move to the next one, both cold and hot (If you didn’t bypass your water heater, it may take longer to smell the chlorine).  Do that with each faucet and shower.

Let it sit

Let your RV sit like this overnight, to hopefully kill any bacteria or “baddies” in your tank and lines.

Drain and flush

The next day, drain your freshwater tank completely.  You can open the freshwater tank to drain on the ground. The chlorine concentration is pretty low, but if concerned about pets or plants, then open a faucet or two and fill your gray tank. Remember, most gray tanks have a lower capacity than the freshwater tank, so be careful to not overfill it.

When drained, close the drain and add at least a few gallons, then turn your pump on and open each faucet until it smells clean.

Replace any removed filters or cartridges.

Check for leaks.

Go RVing!

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