How to Sanitize RV Water Tanks

Visualize how amazing it would be if you want to tour around your country or state and you do not have to depend upon the state transport or the public transport. All because you have a Recreational Vehicle or RV, which is almost like a mobile home. Also called motorhomes, an RV is equipped well with living space and ambiance and amenities similar to those of your home sweet home.

Now, because it is akin to your home, it naturally has water supply, food, storage area, bedding and so on. Amongst all this, before you begin your camping session, it is crucial to sanitize your RV water tanks, as you are going to use that water for almost everything from bathing to washing utensils. That is why the storage facility should be clean. Sanitizing RV water tank is not a very difficult proposition, though you have to be careful so as not to expose your skin and sensitive areas to the strong chemicals. If you have an RV (lucky you!) then the following steps would tell you how to sanitize the RV water tank.

RV Water Tank Sanitization

Things You Need

• Bleach
• Funnel
• Proper water supply
• Container

Method for sanitization

• To begin with, place your RV in such a spot that you would be easily able to drain the water from your RV. The water tank for your RV is normally at the back of your vehicle. Now go there and open the pressure release valve after turning the water tank off. Turn off the water pump as well, which may or may not be with the water heater.
• Pull out the plug from the RV water tank, which will lead to draining of the water heater. After that, locate the RV's drain lines and their low points. There you would find the drain valves or plugs. To drain RV's water lines, open these valves or plugs.
• Now close the drainage points after the water is drained. Follow this up by adding quarter of a cup of bleach to the main water tank per 15 gallons of water the tanks can hold. Make sure that you have taken all the safety measure like gloves and eye protection while you do this. Use the funnel if need be. Fill the tank with water once this is done.
• Open the hot and cold water faucets in the RV till the bleach comes out of them prominently enough for you to smell it. After that, shut the faucets and let the bleach stay in the system for at least 6 hours or if you can, let it stay overnight.
• To sanitize RV water tanks, open the drain valves or cocks outside the RV. There are two valves, which would most probably be at the lowest point of the water lines of the system.
• Usually you would be able to open them manually, but if the valves are stiff, you might need pliers to open them. Turn these cocks clockwise, in a single half to a full turn.
• Again, open the hot and cold water faucets in your RV for allowing air in the water line and for the bleach water to drain out.
• At the bottom left corner of the hot water heater there would be a drain cock which you would need to open. Follow this up by opening the pressure relief valve situated at the top of the heater.
• The pressure relief valve can be opened by simply lifting a lever. After that, allow the water to drain.
• Now, allow your RVs water system's pump to run for 30 seconds or may be a bit more, which will drain and push out any remaining amount of water. Be careful as to not let the pump run for more than 30 seconds, as it can lead to overheating of the system in the absence of water in the pump.
• Go back to your valves and close the hot and cold water valves in the RV, filling the system with water again. Then, rinse the system all over by opening the drains and letting the water drain out. Refill your system, again, after closing the valves for the last time.

As I had said, the process of sanitizing RV water tanks is not that difficult. However, ensure that you take precautionary measures as per the water purification system you adhere to. Good luck!