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Guidelines for Cleaning and Sanitizing RV Water Tanks

When the taste of your drinking water turns sour, it can sour your camping experience too. Follow these tips for cleaning and sanitizing RV water tanks to ensure your next trip is a delightful one.

Understanding the Causes of Unpleasant Taste and Odor in RV Water

Have you noticed a foul smell resembling rotten eggs emanating from your RV water? The culprit behind this issue is likely an algae bloom thriving within the tank. This not only affects the taste but also produces unpleasant odors in RV water. While some may consider algae merely a nuisance, it’s crucial to recognize its potential health implications. Harmful algae blooms in natural settings can pose risks to both pets and humans. Therefore, it’s imperative to understand the impact algae can have on your drinking water.

Recently, my family encountered the significance of maintaining clean and sanitized RV tanks. As we hurried to prepare for our upcoming camping trip, I contemplated postponing tank cleaning until after our return. However, a moment of curiosity prompted me to investigate potential health risks. To my alarm, the Center for Disease Control outlined a myriad of health issues associated with contaminated water, affecting both humans and pets alike. From abdominal pain to neurological complications and liver damage, the spectrum of possible ailments was alarming.

Understanding Algae Growth in RV Water Tanks

Sunlight is typically the primary catalyst for algae growth in outdoor environments. However, the interior of RV water tanks, often situated in dark areas, might seem immune to such growth. Surprisingly, even in the absence of sunlight, algae can flourish in the stagnant water within RV tanks. This unchecked growth not only affects the taste of drinking water but also necessitates regular cleaning and sanitization of RV water tanks. Neglecting this maintenance task can lead to unpleasant tasting water and potential health risks.

Delaying the cleaning and sanitization of your RV water tanks, as I did, can exacerbate the issue. While resorting to bottled water for drinking and cooking might seem like a quick fix, it fails to address the root cause of the problem. Moreover, this practice isn’t environmentally friendly. Additionally, inhaling water mist containing algae particles, especially during showering, can pose health concerns. Thus, prompt action to clean and sanitize RV water tanks is essential for ensuring safe and enjoyable travel experiences.

Steps for Cleaning and Sanitizing RV Water Tanks

Algae growth in RV water tanks can occur even before noticeable changes in taste or smell arise. In my experience, by the time I detected an issue, a small patch of green had already taken root in one corner of the tank. Recognizing the urgency, I embarked on the task of cleaning the tanks before our planned trip. Cleaning the RV fresh water tank becomes imperative to eradicate existing algae growth. Subsequently, sanitizing the RV tanks serves as a preventive measure against future algae proliferation.

Prioritize Cleaning Your RV Water Tank

When algae patches become visible on the inner surface of the tank, it’s crucial to prioritize disinfection before proceeding with sanitization. Utilize a long-handled soft-bristled brush or a gentle sponge for this task, provided you can access the affected areas. Avoid using steel brushes, as their bristles can scratch and damage the tank’s interior, exacerbating the problem.

Sanitizing Your RV Water Tank

Follow these steps to effectively sanitize your RV water tank:

  1. Dilute Bleach: Add 3/4 cup of bleach for every 15 gallons of water in the tank. Ensure the bleach is properly diluted with water before adding it to the tank.
  2. Soak with Bleach Water: Allow the bleach water mixture to soak in the tank for at least two hours. During this time, ensure all water lines leading to the shower and sinks are filled with the bleach solution.
  3. Flush Water Lines: After the soaking period, flush the water lines connected to the shower and sinks to ensure they are free from any remaining bleach solution.
  4. Fill with Clean Water: Refill the tank with clean water. Flush the water lines once again to remove any remaining traces of bleach. Repeat this process until the bleach smell is no longer detectable.
  5. Regular Maintenance: Make it a habit to routinely clean and sanitize your RV water tanks to prevent algae regrowth and ensure the continued safety of your water supply.

Vinegar and Apple Cider Vinegar: Effective for Disinfecting RV Water Tanks?

There’s a common belief that vinegar, including apple cider vinegar, is effective for cleaning bacteria and algae from water tanks, including those in RVs. However, vinegar, primarily used for removing calcium deposits from hot water heaters, isn’t suitable for cleaning and sanitizing RV water tanks. It lacks the necessary disinfectant properties to effectively eliminate bacteria and algae. Similarly, while apple cider vinegar has gained attention for its purported health benefits, such as weight loss and cholesterol reduction, it’s not capable of killing bacteria or algae in RV water tanks. Therefore, relying on vinegar or apple cider vinegar for tank sanitation may not yield the desired results.

Sanitizing Your RV Water Lines and Hoses

Ensuring the cleanliness of your RV water lines and hoses is equally important. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Disinfect Hoses: Don’t overlook your RV water hose. Submerge it in a bucket of bleach diluted with water for a couple of hours. After soaking, rinse the hoses thoroughly until the bleach odor dissipates. Remember to always dilute bleach with water and avoid using pure bleach.
  2. Prevent Contamination: Take precautions to prevent the ends of your hoses from coming into contact with anything dirty or contaminated. Keep them covered with caps or link the ends together when not in use to maintain cleanliness and prevent potential contamination.

By sanitizing your RV water lines and hoses, you ensure that your water supply remains clean and safe for use during your travels.

Sanitizing Your RV Hot Water Heaters

Algae, surprisingly resilient, can thrive in temperatures reaching up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite the absence of sunlight, hot water heaters in RVs are not exempt from potential algae growth. Furthermore, hot water heaters can become breeding grounds for Legionella bacteria, which are known to cause Legionnaire’s disease, a severe form of pneumonia. These bacteria can persist even in temperatures as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 °C).

Given these risks, it’s prudent to sanitize your RV hot water heaters regularly. This should ideally be done every spring before embarking on camping trips or whenever you detect an odor while using warm water.

Steps for Sanitizing RV Hot Water Heaters

Before initiating the sanitization process for your RV hot water heater, ensure that the heater is turned off. It’s crucial never to attempt to empty a hot water tank under pressure or while it’s still hot. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Open the Petcock: Locate the petcock, typically situated outside at the bottom of the hot water heater. Open it to facilitate draining. Additionally, open the plug at the top to promote thorough drainage.
  2. Drain the Water: Once the water has fully drained, close both the plug and the petcock.
  3. Add Sanitizer: Measure out ¾ cup of bleach or algaecide as directed and add it to the water in the clean water tank. Allow the hot water heater to refill.
  4. Soak: Let the solution soak for a couple of hours to ensure thorough sanitization.
  5. Flush and Refill: After the soaking period, run the water out of the heater and refill it. Repeat this process until any residual bleach smell in the drinking water disappears completely.

By following these steps, you can effectively sanitize your RV hot water heater, ensuring a clean and safe water supply for your travels.

Testing for Algae in RV Water Tanks

Identifying algae in your RV water tanks before it becomes visually apparent can help prevent potential contamination issues. While following simple steps for cleaning and sanitizing RV water tanks can effectively deter algae regrowth, some individuals may prefer the added assurance of water testing. Here’s how you can easily test for algae:

  1. Use Algae Testing Products: Various RV products are available to detect algae in water, even before visible signs like green coloration appear. Consider using affordable algae testing kits like Walmart’s Insta Test 3 Plus, which retails for $8.95. These kits typically come with test strips that indicate the presence of algae in water.
  2. Consider Algaecides: While bleach is a cost-effective solution for cleaning and sanitizing RV water tanks, it doesn’t provide insight into algae presence. Instead, opt for algaecides available at your RV supply store. These products contain copper, which effectively penetrates algae cells, inhibiting growth.
  3. Follow Algaecide Instructions: Carefully follow the directions provided with the algaecide. Typically, several drops are required to treat several gallons of water. Depending on the amount of water being treated, it may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours for the water to be safe for drinking after applying the drops. Be cautious, as copper algaecides can be corrosive to certain materials like cotton if spilled.
  4. Understanding Copper Use: It’s natural to be concerned about copper presence in RV water tanks. However, trace amounts of copper are a natural part of people’s diets. Many campers prefer copper algaecides over bleach due to copper’s natural properties. It’s worth noting that copper algaecides are widely used in drinking water systems worldwide.

By utilizing these methods, you can proactively test for and address algae presence in your RV water tanks, ensuring a clean and safe water supply for your travels.

Enhancing Water Quality with Water Filters

Inline water filters serve as effective tools in reducing the presence of bacteria and algae in RV water systems. While they may not eliminate all bacteria and algae, even a reduction in their numbers can significantly improve water quality.

There are two main types of water filters available: inline water filters and canister filters. Canister filters are typically recommended for full-time RVers.

When selecting an RV water filter, it’s essential to pay attention to its specifications. Some filters may not explicitly state whether they filter out calcium or bacteria. For optimal results, consider inline units that combine carbon filtration with sediment removal. These portable units conveniently attach to your water hose.

Canister filtration systems come in various configurations, including single, double, or triple canisters, and are installed directly into your RV’s plumbing system. Carbon filters with added KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) effectively remove algae, bacteria, and other impurities such as lead, mercury, iron, and chlorine. Additionally, silver nitrate is sometimes used to prevent bacteria growth within the filter itself.

It’s important to note that even the most effective RV water filters require periodic replacement. Be sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended replacement schedule. By investing in quality water filtration systems and maintaining them properly, you can ensure clean and safe water for your RV adventures.