Flushing Small Camper Water Systems: A Step-By-Step Guide

Flushing and sanitising your camper's water system is a necessary task to ensure clean and safe drinking water. It's recommended to do this at at least once a year, or more frequently if you notice any signs of contamination. The process involves draining the water tank, cleaning and rinsing the tank, sanitising it, and then flushing the system again. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Drain the Tank

Start by emptying your camper's fresh water tank completely. Open all faucets and drains to ensure the tank is fully drained.

Step 2: Clean the Tank

Use a mixture of water and a cleaner specifically designed for RV tanks to scrub the inside of the fresh water tank. Pay close attention to any sediment or buildup, and use a long-handled brush to reach all areas.

Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly

After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the tank with fresh water until no traces of cleaner remain. This step is crucial to ensure no harmful residues are left behind.

Step 4: Sanitise the Tank

Prepare a sanitising solution using a mixture of water and a recommended RV sanitiser or household bleach. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper dilution. Pour the solution into the fresh water tank and fill it completely.

Step 5: Circulate the Solution

Turn on all faucets and run water until you smell the sanitiser. Let the solution sit in the tank and lines for several hours, ideally overnight, to effectively kill any bacteria or contaminants.

Step 6: Flush Again

After sanitising, drain the tank and flush the entire system with fresh water until the bleach odour dissipates. This step ensures your water is safe for consumption.

Additional Tips:

- The frequency of sanitising depends on factors such as usage, water source, and environmental conditions.

- Consider using an RV water filter when filling your tank to ensure the cleanest water possible.

- Always use non-scented bleach or RV-specific tank sanitiser.

Turn off the water pump

Turning off the water pump is an important step in flushing a small camper water system. It is crucial to shut off the pump before draining the water to avoid damaging the pump and prevent water circulation in the RV. The water pump is typically located inside a chamber in the RV, often in the storage bay above the fresh water tank. To turn it off, simply locate the switch and flip it. Once the pump is turned off, make sure you won't need water for a few hours as no water will be circulating in the system.

It is also important to note that running the pump while it is dry can cause it to overheat, so always ensure the pump is turned off before draining the water. By turning off the water pump, you can proceed with the next steps of flushing your small camper water system, which may include draining the water heater, opening the water lines, and draining the fresh water tank.

Drain the water heater

Draining your water heater is an important step in maintaining your camper's water system. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it effectively:

Turn Off the Water Heater: Before you begin, make sure to turn off your water heater. This is crucial to prevent any damage to the tank. Run the hot water faucets for a minute or two to remove heated water from the system.

Prepare the Area: Position your camper in an appropriate location. Choose a spot where water can safely drain, either into the soil or downhill. Avoid doing this near other campers to prevent creating a water pool in their area. It's also a good idea to park where you have access to a sewer connection and a fresh water source.

Turn Off Water Supply and Propane: Locate and turn off the main valve on your propane tank, which supplies propane to the water heater. Also, turn off any electrical connections by switching off the breaker. Disconnect the water supply by shutting off the city water connection and/or the valve closest to the water heater.

Relieve Pressure: Briefly open any set of cold and hot water faucets to relieve pressure in the heater. This will ensure that there is no built-up pressure when you start draining the tank.

Locate and Remove the Drain Plug: Typically, the drain plug is located at one of the front bottom corners of the tank. Remove the drain plug to start draining the water from the tank.

Open the Pressure Relief Valve: To completely drain the unit, open the pressure relief valve on the top of the tank. This will allow for a more thorough drainage.

Replace the Drain Plug and Close the Relief Valve: Once the tank is empty, replace the drain plug securely. Also, close the pressure relief valve to prepare for the next step.

Refill and Restore Water Supply: When you're ready to use the water heater again, make sure the drain plug is in place. Turn the water supply back on, open any valves you had closed, and restore power to the unit. This will refill the tank and prepare it for use.

Final Step - Turn on the Propane: After refilling the tank and restoring power, the last step is to turn the propane supply back on. Your water heater is now ready for use!

Remember, it's recommended to drain your water heater regularly, especially if it will be sitting idle for more than two weeks. This will help prevent stale water, foul odours, and the growth of harmful bacteria.

Open the water lines

To open the water lines, first locate the water lines beneath the RV. The hot and cold water lines are usually found at the lowest point underneath the RV. They are often coloured red and blue, but may both be white. They look like two capped pipes hanging down from the floor of the RV. To open them, simply twist the end caps counter-clockwise by hand.

Next, drain the fresh water tank. The water tank can usually be accessed underneath the RV, close to the water lines. Look for a brightly-coloured spigot sticking out from a square, white box. Pull the plug out of the line to drain the water. If the water doesn't begin draining, turn the spigot's knob clockwise to open the line.

If your RV has a water filter, detach it from the water lines. Most water filters are external, but some RVs have an interior filter around the fresh water tank. The filter will look cylindrical and is usually coloured white or blue. To remove it, twist the hose off by hand.

Finally, close all the drains before you begin cleaning the tank. Make sure the plug is inserted in the water heater's drain line, and replace the caps on the water lines and plug the fresh water line if you haven't already.

Drain the fresh water tank

To drain the fresh water tank of your camper, you'll first need to turn off the water pump. This will be in a chamber inside the RV, usually in the storage bay above the fresh water tank.

Next, drain the water heater. This is located outside the RV, near the back end. Turn it off if it's active, then flip the pressure relief valve switch and pull out the nozzle near the bottom-left corner of the heater. Replace the nozzle once the water has drained.

Now, open the water lines beneath the RV. These are the hot and cold water lines, located at the lowest point underneath the vehicle. They look like two capped pipes hanging down from the floor of the RV. Twist the end caps counter-clockwise to drain the water.

Finally, drain the fresh water tank. This can usually be accessed underneath the RV, close to the water lines. Pull out the plug from the line, and turn the spigot's knob to open the line if the water doesn't begin draining.

Once the fresh water tank is drained, close all the drains and you're ready to move on to the next step of flushing your camper's water system.

Detach water filters

Detaching your water filters is an important step in flushing your camper's water system. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You'll need a water filter wrench or a standard adjustable wrench, a bucket, and some old rags or towels. It's also a good idea to wear gloves to protect your hands from dirt and debris.

Locate your water filter. In most campers, the water filter is located near the water pump or the fresh water tank. It is usually installed in an accessible area, such as under the sink or in an external storage bay. If you're having trouble locating it, refer to your camper's owner's manual.

Turn off the water supply to your camper. This is typically done by closing the main water valve, which is often located near the water pump or the fresh water tank. Make sure all faucets and water outlets are turned off as well.

Place the bucket under the water filter to catch any water or debris that may come out during the detachment process.

Using the water filter wrench or adjustable wrench, loosen the fittings that secure the water filter in place. Be careful not to overtighten the fittings, as this can damage the filter housing or the connections.

Once the fittings are loose, carefully detach the water filter by unscrewing it counterclockwise. You may need to use a gentle back-and-forth motion to break the seal between the filter and the fittings.

After detaching the water filter, inspect the O-rings or gaskets on the filter and the fittings for any signs of damage or wear. Replace them if necessary. It's a good idea to have spare O-rings or gaskets on hand before starting this process.

Clean the area around the fittings and the inside of the filter housing using a damp rag or towel. Make sure there is no debris or sediment buildup that could contaminate your water supply.

If you are installing a new water filter, follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation. Make sure the filter is securely tightened, but be careful not to overtighten it.

Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks around the fittings and the filter housing. If there are no leaks, congratulations! You have successfully detached and replaced your camper's water filter.

Remember to dispose of the old water filter properly, following any local regulations or guidelines for waste disposal.

Frequently asked questions