Simple steps to sanitize RV and Boat’s freshwater tank

Oct. 27 2022 RV Tips By Sophia James

Sanitizing your water tank is very necessary as it protects your family from contagious germs parasites and bacteria. These contagious bacteria include Giardia, E. coli, and cryptosporidium. The presence of these substances can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and many swerve diseases for example kidney failure and gastrointestinal distress. Here is how you can clean your RV tank in these simple steps.

Cleaning your RV water tank is really easy. To start you should turn off your water heater and after that, you have to disconnect the hoses. Then take out all the water and clean the outside surface of the tank and all the connections. After that add sanitizer to your water tank and let it set for some time.


Then drain and wash that tank. Now your tank is ready and clean and you can use it for fresh drinking water purposes.


How to sanitize your RV fresh water tank

If you are failing to clean your tank on regular basis then you are risking the growth of bacteria and algae inside it. The current specific problem of the larger RV is contamination that adds up with fresh water for a long period of time.

You should check the filters of your water tank and then change them regularly. you can also take the Services of RV dealers and pontoon boat dealers in your area for proper advice to change the filters of your water tank. Your RV water system is only responsible for keeping your drinking water clean. if RV water filters will not be replaced then they will clog with contaminants and might change the safety and quality of your water. Simple steps to follow for sanitizing your fresh water tank are as follows,


  • Collect supplies

You are going to need RV water tanks sanitizing substances and a few things from the hardware stores. Items that are important to clean your water tank are as follows.

A bucket or bucket-type container is used for mixing solutions. The freshwater source should also be present to fill up the tank.

Water hose is important to fill the water tank. Make sure that you are using a safe house for drinking water.

Rubber gloves help avoid different chemicals that can irritate your skin. When you are draining the water these gloves keep your hands clean.

  • A sponge or rag is used to completely clean the connectors and tank surfaces.
  • Unscented bleach or any sanitizing cleaner helps in proper cleaning.
  • Turn off the RV water heater

From your water heater turn off the power and don’t forget to turn off the electrical connections and propane to the heater. You should also turn off the Fresh water supply line that is coming into your tank. This will avoid damage to your water heater.


  • Disconnect hoses

Disconnecting the hoses will help prevent cross-contamination during cleaning purposes. Turn disconnect any type of horses that are linked to your freshwater tank and place them aside so that you can clean them later. Remove these hoses and then store them in add safe place with some plastic wrap on the ends so that they do not become dirtier during this process. You will get better access when you will start the cleaning process.


  • Drain all the water present in your tank

You would need to remove all the fresh water in your tank before starting the process. Draining out the water is very important because if you don’t do this the RV plumbing system will not be adequately sanitized. While cleaning the tank first you will add the sanitizer for example bleach and then you should add more water so that it can adequately mix with the sanitizer.

To drain fresh water in the tank we just have to open the tab until your tank is empty. Grey water is drained when you use bleach solution and pass it through the plumbing lines in your tank.


  • Add bleach to your fresh water tank

Now it’s time to add sanitizer. You can use chlorine bleach or another type of freshwater sanitizer. The chlorine bleach ratio is very important as too much concentration can cause damage to plumbing and gaskets.


  • Allow the bleach solution to sit for sometime

The longer time your bleach will sit, the more effective it will be. You can last the bleaching solution for almost 8 to 12 hours. The easiest thing that you can do is to add bleach in the evening and by morning it is good to rinse and drain.


  • Drain the fresh water tank and clean

Drain the bleach solution. You can do this with the help of running the tap and can also open the fresh water drain valve. Sanitize your water tank on regular basis. You can also use a water softener that will help eliminate or reduce the magnesium, calcium, and other mineral buildups on pipes and faucets. This is also helpful in preventing rust stains and corrosion.

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