Cleaning Your Fresh Water Tank

[AlmostThere]

How many of you use something to keep your fresh water tank sanitized?
How often do you do it and how do you do it?

[Bethers]

I use my fresh water tank and will drink the water straight out of it, so yes, I clean it. Usually twice a year, but that can vary. If I'm traveling and using in constantly, I don't feel the need to clean it as often, as the water is being constantly used and refreshed. If I'm sitting and using water directly, then I don't like going back to water that's been sitting for too long. But either way, the cleaning is about the same. Usually I empty the tank, then add some water, add some bleach, then fill to about 3/4's with water. Then I drive with that in the tank for a bit (at least an hour) - usually to my next stop where I'll have sewer. I empty the tank and refill with clean water, dump that and refill again. If the water has any bleach smell, I might dump again, depends on the smell left. If only a slight odor, I just put water in a pitcher in the fridge before using it (that gets rid of the odor).

I have also bought a product for cleaning the tank. It worked and I will possibly buy it again - would need to look up the name. But initially when I bought it - came with a cleaner, then a sanitizer. I used the cleaner following ALL instructions and had soapy bubbles for about 5 refills of the tank. I used that stuff again, but about 1/4th of what it called for - until the bottle was empty. Do not know if I want to do that again. But I would use the sanitizer instead of bleach again, probably. I just like bleach cuz I know if there's anything in the tank it'll get it gone. And it doesn't take a lot of bleach. I used to measure, but now I just pour a bit in. The bottle actually says how much per gallon to clean anything. At least it used to.

For you, with your rig sitting, I'd clean it when you de-winterize.

[Acadianmom]

I'm not very good about cleaning mine. I might put a little bleach in a couple of times a year but I never drink or cook with that water. I only use my motorhome about once a month so I just bring 2 or 3 gallons of water from home. We have treated water in our house so I fill up the tank with that instead of the well water.

Martha

[cpatinjones]

I have had my RV for 23 months and have used it 13 times. I haven't sanitized the water tank or used my water tank, yet. I am always at a campground with water, thus far. I also bring several gallons of water for drinking. I am sure once I start RVing more after retirement, I will start using the water tank.

[dpf]

We use the granulated chlorine that is used in swimming pools. DH works for the city and brought home about a cup of it several years ago. In the spring I fill the water tank and add about 2 tsp (it's potent stuff) let it sit for a couple hours and then run it through the lines. After a day or so we drain the water tank. Fill it again it often still has a chlorine smell/taste so I use that water while I'm cleaning the rig.

[bertnspike]

We use the granulated chlorine that is used in swimming pools. DH works for the city and brought home about a cup of it several years ago. In the spring I fill the water tank and add about 2 tsp (it's potent stuff) let it sit for a couple hours and then run it through the lines. After a day or so we drain the water tank. Fill it again it often still has a chlorine smell/taste so I use that water while I'm cleaning the rig.

What a good idea that is. I would think you could buy those small bags of swimming pool shocker and just use a teaspoon. And cleaning with the 1st rinse water is smart too. Gotta remember this one....