I am getting a new 2014 Thor 24SR soon. In the past I have filled the fresh water tank and added a small amount of Clorox then drained it. Is that the best way to do that? What about the rest of the plumbing pipes? I guess before I drain the fresh water tank I could turn on all the faucets, shower, sink, etc and let those drain. Is Clorox ok for the plumbing seals? Any other product out there better than Clorox? When should I repeat this.I imagine driving down the highway with this mixture will help sanitize it also.

That sounds like a plan. I usually put in the clorox, then turn on each faucet till I can smell the cloroine and let it sit in the lines for a few hours before draining and flushing. BTW I use about a cup full.

I use 1-1/2 cups of Clorox to a full water tank twice a year. I follow the method that Powderman states above. Turn on every faucet until you smell bleach, then let it sit. This is the detailed method I follow:1. Open the pressure valve on the hot water heater.2. remove the drain plug on the hot water heater and drain completely.3. Put the bleach in the fresh water tank.4. Put the HWH drain plug back in and close the pressure valve.5. Turn on the pump and let the HWH refill.6. Open the faucets one-by-one starting with the farthest from the pump. 7. When you smell bleach, shut off the faucet and move to the next one.8. Wait several hours.9. Drain and refill the fresh water tank.10. Drain and refill the hot water tank as described above.11. Repeat the faucet exercise until you don't smell bleach.11. Then, I repeat steps 9-11 one more time. By this time, I usually can't tell whether there is a bleach smell or not, so I have the DW come in and check each faucet to make sure it smells bleach free.

Moved from Forum Technical Support

I don't ever drink the water out of my RV tank. We carry bottled water for coffee, brushing teeth and drinking. B.O.

I believe the recommended amount of Clorox to use is 1/4 cup for every 15 gallons. If you don't like Clorox you could use Trichlor, the stuff they use for spas. It is much stronger than Clorox so you only need a tea spoon or 2. You might as well sanitize your hoses while you are at it.I do it every spring.

Best way to sanitize all the plumbing in a new rv?

20 Replies

D___M
Explorer
Oct 17, 2013
Jim Shoe wrote:
I used to do all that. Then I found distilled water in gallon jugs in grocery stores everywhere. Usually, about $.50 to $1.00 per jug and no funny taste. I use it for coffee, cooking and teeth cleaning. Of course, my teeth clean themselves in a little plastic container of water with an Efferdent tablet in it every night. I just use the CG water for showers. I'm waterproof. :)

That's nice for you, but that doesn't answer the OP's question.
Jim_Shoe
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
I used to do all that. Then I found distilled water in gallon jugs in grocery stores everywhere. Usually, about $.50 to $1.00 per jug and no funny taste. I use it for coffee, cooking and teeth cleaning. Of course, my teeth clean themselves in a little plastic container of water with an Efferdent tablet in it every night. I just use the CG water for showers. I'm waterproof. :)
Bobbo
Explorer II
Oct 16, 2013
The fresh water tank should have a drain all its own. Look under the RV for it if it isn't in the compartment with the tank.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Oct 16, 2013
I run the water/bleach solution through the entire system, including the water heater and then let it all sit for a few hours. then I drain the fresh water tank and flush it real good. fill it with straight fresh water and run it through the camper plumbing. then all is good.
noteven
Explorer III
Oct 16, 2013
Video - how to sanitize RV water system
tenbear
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
I drain mine right on the ground, its not much different than city tap water.
Tachdriver
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
Ok folks: where do you drain the bleach/water from the fresh water tank?

Open low point drain and drive around or use a sewer site?
mowermech
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
A brand new unit will undoubtedly have an Owners Manual.
Personally, I would look up "Sanitizing The Water System" in that book, then follow the instructions.
D___M
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
Click here and you will be taken to a webpage that instructs you on how to properly sanitize your RV water system. Remember if you don't isolate your icemaker (if you have one) you will get a cycle of ice cubes with chlorine taste. This will ruin good bourbon.
deweysmith5
Explorer
Oct 16, 2013
One of the most important points as I understand it from reading expert commentaries is to mix the bleach with a gallon of water as mentioned. Do not put it directly into the tank.