Forum Discussion

Bikemike's avatar
Bikemike
Explorer
Jul 19, 2013

sanitizing tanks problem

Hi everyone.
New here and really never thought would need an RV forum. Was I wrong on that one.

Anyway, I sanitized my fresh water tanks this week and made the stupid mistake of using clorox fiberguard bleach. I have rinsed the tanks a least 7 times now and still get a lot of suds/foam when I drain them.
Has anyone else made this mistake, or know of something I can do to get whatever is left in there that is causing this, out?

Thanks in advance.
  • wannavolunteerF's avatar
    wannavolunteerF
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2013
    OP mentioned being concerned about the amount of water being used rinsing and re-rinsing. Is there a park nearby with full hookups you can visit for the night?

    A day or two rental cost might be worth is to not worry about your well. I have lived where folks had wells going dry and it is scary not knowing if yours is next.
  • Pangaea_Ron's avatar
    Pangaea_Ron
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2013
    Don and Barb wrote:
    I think you can buy anti-foaming additive if you look around. Not sure if it's a good idea to add baking soda to bleach. I know if you add it to vinegar it blows up.


    Well, I learned something new today.

    Mixing Bleach and Vinegar

    We've always sanitized the water tanks on the boat with a bit of bleach, flushed, and then added a bit of vinegar that seems to make the water taste fresher. We've never had a problem, but we have not really ever mixed the two.
  • Don_and_Barb's avatar
    Don_and_Barb
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2013
    I bought a cleaning/sanitizing kit at Amazon for $12.00. Works great.

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TIV1KA/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  • Don_and_Barb's avatar
    Don_and_Barb
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2013
    I think you can buy anti-foaming additive if you look around. Not sure if it's a good idea to add baking soda to bleach. I know if you add it to vinegar it blows up.
  • Bikemike's avatar
    Bikemike
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2013
    Ok, quick update.
    Not sure if it was the baking soda or the 2 more flushings.
    But I got it draining clean.
    Put in the soda and drained with the fill still going.
    Not sure how much water went through, but it was a lot.
    Going to do a couple of more flushes before we leave and with any luck all will be good.

    Thanks to everyone that put info into this.
  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Jul 19, 2013
    Definitely try vinegar to cut the suds. You also might try calling the company on the label and see if they can help or at least tell you how safe that water will be?
  • Queens_Carriage's avatar
    Queens_Carriage
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2013
    Don't forget to also turn on the hat water. It is also in that part of the system. I use bleach at least 2 times a year. Never had a problem with suds. I also use bleach in the hose to get the green slime out. I alwas put the filter just before the MH not at the picket. Hope this helps.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2013
    Some trailers have sags in the tank between supports. When you drain, the water comtained in those sags just stays there. Try tilting the trailer quite a bit so that the drain is much lower.

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