Fresh Water
Fresh Water Sanitation
Why should you sanitize your fresh water system?
Periodically sanitizing your RV’s fresh water system is essential to ensure clean, safe drinking water and prevent harmful bacteria, mold, and algae buildup. Over time, stagnant water and contaminants can create an unhealthy environment, leading to unpleasant odors, bad taste, and potential health risks. Regular sanitization helps eliminate these issues, keeping your water fresh and safe for drinking, cooking, and bathing. It’s especially important after long periods of storage or before the start of a new travel season.
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For more information or guidance ask your local RV Dealership Services Department.
Steps to sanitizing your fresh water system.
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Turn Off Water Heaters & Drain System – Turn off your water heater and any water filters, then drain the fresh water tank and water lines completely.
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Prepare Bleach Solution – Mix ¼ cup of household bleach per 15 to 16 gallons of fresh water tank capacity in a gallon of water. Do not pour bleach directly into the tank.
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Add Bleach Solution to Fresh Water Tank – Use a funnel or pour the solution into the fresh water tank through the fill port.
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Fill the Tank with Fresh Water – Completely fill the fresh water tank with potable water to help distribute the bleach solution.
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Run Bleach Water Through the System – Turn on all faucets (hot and cold) until you smell bleach. Close them and let the solution sit in the system for at least 4-12 hours (overnight is ideal).
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Drain the System – Drain the fresh water tank and open all faucets until the system is empty.
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Flush with Fresh Water – Refill the fresh water tank with clean potable water and run it through all faucets until the bleach smell is gone. This may take one or two flush cycles.
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Reconnect Water Filters – If you removed any water filters, reinstall them after flushing.
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There are ways to sanitize your fresh water system without using bleaching.
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