Hey RV lovers! Whether you’re on the road full-time or just enjoying a weekend getaway, having access to clean, fresh water is essential for a comfortable RV experience. But over time, your RV’s fresh water tank can accumulate bacteria, mold, and other contaminants. If you’ve noticed a funny taste or smell coming from your water or just want to be proactive about maintaining your system, it’s time to clean and sanitize your RV’s fresh water tank. In this DIY tutorial, I’ll show you how to do it using some of the best products available on Amazon.
Let’s dive in!
Why You Should Clean and Sanitize Your RV’s Fresh Water Tank
Over time, your RV’s freshwater tank can harbor bacteria, algae, and mold if not maintained properly. This can lead to foul odors, unpleasant tastes, and even potential health risks. Regular cleaning and sanitizing of your water system will not only keep your water fresh but also ensure the longevity of your RV plumbing system.
What You’ll Need to Clean and Sanitize Your RV’s Fresh Water Tank
Before we get started, let’s make sure you have all the products you need for the job. I’ve rounded up some of the best-rated products on Amazon that will help you clean and sanitize your RV’s fresh water tank.
1. Best RV Fresh Water Tank Cleaner: Camco RV Fresh Water Tank Cleaner
Camco’s Fresh Water Tank Cleaner is a top-rated product for cleaning out algae, slime, and sediment from your RV’s fresh water tank. It’s a simple yet effective solution for breaking down buildup, helping to restore your water tank to its original condition.
2. Best RV Sanitizer: Aqua Shock Fresh Water Tank SANITIZER/Disinfectant
Aqua Shock is an excellent RV water system sanitizer that helps to eliminate bacteria, mold, and other harmful contaminants. It’s specifically designed for RVs and works quickly to sanitize your freshwater system without any harsh chemicals or residues.
3. Best RV Water Filter: Camco TastePURE RV Water Filter
Using a high-quality water filter is a great way to ensure that your water stays clean after sanitizing the tank. The Camco TastePURE RV Water Filter helps remove chlorine, lead, and other impurities from the water, leaving you with fresh and clean drinking water.
4. Best Hose for Filling Fresh Water Tank: Camco EvoFlex 25-Foot Premium Drinking Water Hose
A clean, non-toxic hose is essential for filling your RV’s fresh water tank. Camco’s EvoFlex 25-Foot Premium Drinking Water Hose is designed to be safe for drinking water, so you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into your water supply.
Step-by-Step Guide to Clean and Sanitize Your RV’s Fresh Water Tank
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials
Make sure you have everything ready before you start the cleaning process:
- Camco RV Fresh Water Tank Cleaner
- Aqua Shock Fresh Water Tank SANITIZER/Disinfectant
- Camco TastePURE RV Water Filter
- Camco EvoFlex 25-Foot Premium Drinking Water Hose
- A clean bucket or container
- A wrench or pliers (if needed)
- Gloves
Step 2: Empty Your Fresh Water Tank
Before cleaning, drain your RV’s fresh water tank completely. Open the drain valve and let all the water flow out. It’s important that your tank is empty before you begin the cleaning and sanitizing process.
Step 3: Clean the Tank with Fresh Water Tank Cleaner
Add the recommended amount of Camco RV Fresh Water Tank Cleaner into your empty fresh water tank, following the instructions on the product. After that, fill the tank with water (usually a quarter or half full) and shake it up. Let the cleaner sit in the tank for about 15-30 minutes to break down any buildup.
Pro Tip: While the cleaner is working, you can also use the hose to flush the water system, including the faucets, shower, and toilet. This will help clean out any pipes or hoses connected to your tank.
Step 4: Drain and Rinse the Tank
Once the cleaner has had time to work, drain the tank again. You may need to rinse it several times with fresh water to ensure that all the cleaning solution is gone. It’s essential to flush out any residue to prevent it from affecting the taste or quality of your water.
Step 5: Sanitize the Tank
After cleaning, it’s time to sanitize your tank. Add the recommended amount of Aqua Shock Fresh Water Tank SANITIZER/Disinfectant to the freshwater tank. Fill the tank with water until it’s full, and make sure the sanitizer circulates through the system by turning on the water pump and letting it run through the faucets, shower, and toilet.
Let the sanitizer sit for a few hours (or as recommended by the manufacturer), ensuring it comes into contact with all parts of your freshwater system. This will kill any bacteria, mold, or other contaminants that may have been lingering in your system.
Step 6: Drain and Flush Again
Once the sanitizing solution has had time to work, drain the tank once more. Refill the tank with fresh water and flush the entire system again by running water through the pipes. Repeat the flushing process a couple of times until there is no residual sanitizer taste or smell.
Step 7: Install Your Water Filter
For added peace of mind, consider installing a water filter like the Camco TastePURE RV Water Filter. This will help ensure that your water stays clean and free from impurities. Attach the filter to your RV’s water supply hose, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 8: Refill Your Tank
Once you’ve flushed the tank and installed your filter, refill the fresh water tank using a clean hose like the Camco EvoFlex 25-Foot Premium Drinking Water Hose. This hose is made of safe, non-toxic materials to prevent harmful chemicals from leaching into your water supply.
Tips for Ongoing Fresh Water Tank Maintenance
- Regularly Clean Your Tank: Aim to clean and sanitize your RV’s fresh water tank at least once a year or more often if you notice any funky smells or tastes.
- Use Clean Water: Always fill your fresh water tank with clean, potable water to avoid contaminants entering the system in the first place.
- Keep Your Hoses Clean: Make sure your water hoses are clean and free from mold or mildew. Store them in a dry place when not in use to prevent buildup.
- Replace Filters Regularly: If you’re using a water filter, make sure to replace it regularly as per the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain its effectiveness.
Disclaimers
This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me continue creating helpful content for RV owners like you!
Please note that I am not a licensed professional or RV technician. This guide is for informational purposes only, and you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning or sanitizing your RV’s fresh water tank. If you feel uncomfortable performing any of these tasks, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional.