Sanitizing Your Camper: An Annual Spring Cleaning Ritual

It is recommended that you sanitise your camper's water tank at least once a year, but preferably twice a year if you are a full-timer. This is to prevent the growth of bacteria, algae, mould, and mildew, which can cause illness, bad smells, and an unpleasant taste in the water.

How often should you sanitize your camper water tank?

Sanitizing your camper water tank is an important part of maintaining your RV and ensuring you have access to clean water for drinking, cooking, and washing. The general consensus is that you should sanitize your water tank every six months, especially if you are a full-time RV user. However, there are several other scenarios in which you may want to sanitize your water tank:

• If you notice an odd taste or smell to your water
• If your RV has been in storage for a long period
• If you have used water from a source that may be contaminated or is of questionable quality
• If you have just purchased a new or used RV

When sanitizing your water tank, it is crucial to use the correct amount of bleach. A standard guideline is to use 1/4 cup of bleach for every 15-16 gallons of water. You should always dilute the bleach with water before adding it to your water tank, as undiluted bleach can damage your RV's plumbing system.

The process of sanitizing your water tank involves turning off the water heater and pump, draining the water tank and lines, adding the bleach mixture, refilling the tank with potable water, running the water through the system, and then draining and refilling the tank again to ensure all bleach is removed. This process can take up to half a day, so it is often done overnight.

While sanitizing your water tank is important for maintaining water quality, it is also essential to sanitize your grey and black water tanks to prevent the buildup of waste and maintain a hygienic environment in your RV.

What supplies do you need to sanitize your camper water tank?

To sanitise your camper water tank, you will need a few supplies. The process is simple, but it requires precision and care. Here is a list of the supplies you will need to effectively sanitise your camper water tank:

• Non-scented bleach or an RV tank sanitiser: This is the key ingredient for sanitising your water tank. Ensure you use the correct amount, which is usually about 1/4 cup of bleach for every 15-16 gallons of water your fresh water tank holds. Never use coloured or scented bleach, as it can be harmful.
• Water: You will need a good, clean water source to fill up your tank and dilute the bleach. Potable water is recommended.
• Funnel: A funnel will help you accurately pour the diluted bleach mixture into your water tank without making a mess.
• 5-gallon bucket or water storage container: This is useful for collecting any drained water or bleach mixture during the sanitising process.
• Water tank filler (optional): This can be useful for filling up your water tank, although it is not necessary.

Additionally, it is recommended to have sewer hookups and an empty grey tank for disposing of drained water during the process.

What is the step-by-step process to sanitize your camper water tank?

To ensure your water tank is safe for drinking, showering, and washing dishes, it's important to sanitize it regularly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sanitize your camper water tank:

Step 1: Turn Off Your Water Heater and Water Pump

Turn off your water heater to prevent damage to the tank. Run the hot water for a minute or two to remove heated water before draining. Also, turn off your water pump and open all faucets to allow for complete drainage.

Step 2: Drain the Fresh Water Tank

Locate the fresh water tank drain and low-point drains for your RV's plumbing lines, usually found underneath your coach. Open these drains to drain the water from your tank and plumbing lines.

Step 3: Measure and Add Bleach

Calculate the amount of bleach needed based on the size of your fresh water tank. A common ratio is 1/4 cup of bleach for every 15-16 gallons of water. Dilute the measured bleach in at least a gallon of water and pour this mixture into your fresh water inlet using a funnel.

Step 4: Fill the Tank with Potable Water

Connect your water hose to a fresh water source and fill your tank completely, allowing the bleach dilution to mix throughout.

Step 5: Circulate the Bleach Solution

Turn on your water pump and open all faucets and showerheads. Let the bleached water run through the entire freshwater system for 2-3 minutes. It's okay to let a small amount of bleached water sit in your gray tank for up to 24 hours.

Step 6: Let the Solution Sit

Let the mixture of clean water and bleach sit in your tank and plumbing lines for at least 12 hours, but no more than 24 hours.

Step 7: Drain and Flush the System

Drain the bleach mixture from your system. You can use a five-gallon bucket or a portable RV holding tank to collect the mixture and dispose of it into a sewer inlet. Refill your tank with fresh water and circulate it through the system again to flush out any remaining bleach.

Step 8: Final Flush

Repeat the refilling and flushing process as needed until you can no longer smell bleach in the water. Ensure that all sanitizing chemicals are eliminated from the system before using the water again.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to sanitize your camper water tank every six months or after periods of disuse.
• Always use non-scented or regular bleach. Do not use colored bleach as it can damage your water system.
• If you prefer a more environmentally friendly approach, you can substitute bleach with a biodegradable cleaner or vinegar/hydrogen peroxide (heated to 130 degrees Fahrenheit).

How long should you let the sanitizing solution sit?

It is recommended that you let the sanitizing solution sit in your camper's tank and plumbing lines for 12-24 hours before draining it. If you start the sanitization process in the afternoon, you can let it sit overnight and come back to it in the morning. It is important to note that you should not let the bleach mixture sit for more than 24 hours, as it may harm the seals around the freshwater drain.

How do you know when it's time to sanitize your camper water tank again?

Sanitizing your camper water tank is crucial to maintaining a clean and safe water supply for drinking, showering, and washing during your camping trips. While opinions vary on the ideal frequency of sanitization, ranging from after each use to once a year, there are several signs that indicate it's time to sanitize your water tank.

Firstly, if you notice any unpleasant odours or strange tastes in your water, it's a clear sign that sanitization is needed. Bacteria, mould, and mildew can grow in the water tank and lines when water is left sitting for extended periods, especially if the water source is less than pristine.

Secondly, if your camper has been in storage for an extended period, it's a good idea to sanitize the water tank before heading out on your next trip. This ensures that you start your camping season with a fresh and clean water supply.

Thirdly, if you suspect that the water used to fill your tank was not entirely clean, it's better to be safe than sorry. Contaminated water sources can introduce harmful bacteria and impurities into your water system, so sanitizing the tank will help kill off any potential health hazards.

Additionally, some manufacturers recommend sanitizing your water tank after each use. However, this recommendation is open to interpretation, with some RVers choosing to sanitize annually or bi-annually.

To summarize, the key indicators that it's time to sanitize your camper water tank are unpleasant odours or tastes in the water, prolonged periods of storage, and suspicions about the cleanliness of the water source. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can help ensure that your water supply remains safe and pleasant for all your camping adventures.

Frequently asked questions