Having a clean and safe water tank while traveling in your RV is essential. The quality of the water in your tank can be easily compromised, leading to health risks, foul odors and off-tastes. Fortunately, regular maintenance and sanitation of your RV’s water tank can help to keep your water clean and safe for drinking and other uses. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to properly sanitize your RV’s water tank to ensure that your water is safe and clean while you’re on the go. We’ll cover the importance of water tank sanitation, the steps to sanitize your tank, and tips to maintain a clean tank. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can ensure that your RV’s water tank remains clean and safe for your next journey.
1. Drain the water tank
The first step in sanitizing your RV water tank is to drain it completely. Unplug the water hose, open up the drain valve, and let all the water flow out. Open the hatch and inspect the tank for any cracks or damage. If you find any, you’ll need to repair these before continuing. If there is any buildup or sediment on the walls, you may need to scrub these with a brush. Get rid of any debris around the tank opening, and close the hatch when the tank is empty.
2. Fill the water tank with a sanitizing solution
The second step in the process of sanitizing your RV water tank is to fill the tank with a sanitizing solution. For best results, you should use a non-toxic product that is specifically formulated for sanitizing RV water tanks, such as a chlorine-based solution. Before you begin, make sure the tank is completely empty. Fill the tank with the sanitizing solution and then let it sit for approximately 24 hours. During this time, the solution will kill any bacteria and other contaminants that may be present in the tank. After the 24 hours have passed, open the drain and allow the solution to drain out.
3. Let the solution sit in the tank for at least 15 minutes
Once you have added the solution to the tank, let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This will give the solution enough time to kill any bacteria or viruses. During this time, make sure the solution is circulating in the tank. You can do this by turning on the water pump and running the water for a few minutes. This will ensure that the solution is distributed evenly and reaches all areas of the tank. After 15 minutes, be sure to flush the tank with clean water to get rid of the sanitizing solution.
4. Drain the sanitizing solution
The fourth step in sanitizing your RV water tank is to drain the sanitizing solution. With the tank filled with the chlorine-based sanitizing solution, you will need to let it sit for at least 24 hours. After this time has elapsed, you should drain the sanitizing solution from the tank. You can either do this by removing the drain plug located near the bottom of the water tank, or by connecting a hose to the water pump and draining the solution into a bucket or other container. Be sure to dispose of the sanitizing solution safely, as it is a hazardous material.
5. Refill the tank with fresh water
After draining and flushing the tank, it’s time to refill it with fresh water. Before doing so, inspect the tank for any damage or foreign objects that may have been missed during the draining and flushing process. Once you’re sure everything looks good, connect the water supply hose to the tank and slowly turn on the water. Make sure to keep the pressure low to avoid any potential damage to the tank walls. Allow the tank to fill until it’s almost full, then turn off the water and disconnect the hose. The tank is now ready to be sanitized.
In conclusion, it is important to keep your RV water tank clean and sanitized. This will help keep the water fresh and prevent any bacteria or other contaminants from growing in the tank. Regular maintenance and sanitizing will go a long way towards ensuring that your water tank is safe and free from harmful organisms. With a few simple steps, you can easily keep your RV water tank sanitized and clean.