Forum Discussion

Camper_Jeff___K's avatar
Camper_Jeff___K
Navigator
May 15, 2021

Trying different method of fresh water tank sanitization

Completion Video Thread:
Today, I'm going to try the hot white vinegar solution method for cleaning the water system. I usually do 1/4 cup bleach in 35 gallons and leave it sit a couple hours, then flush it out.
The vinegar method requires a couple gallons white vinegar to 35 gallons water. You then turn on your water heater and with a hose adapter if necessary, connect a hose from your kitchen sink fawcet out the door and into your water tank fill. You then turn on your hot and cold water and keep recirculating the water until the water temperature is 130 degrees F. This method is considered safe and effective. It is also supposed to help clean calcifications in the system. Not a big deal in the PNW but in other parts of the country. It's also recommended to swap out your water heater anode afterward. I will let y'all know how things work after I finish.
J&K
Truck Campers

27 Replies

Show More
  • Camper_Jeff___K's avatar
    Camper_Jeff___K
    Navigator
    May 15, 2021
    Ed_Gee wrote:
    Just for the record, the recommended sanitary standard for sanitizing the RV fresh water system is 1/4 cup bleach for every 15 gallons of water. Looks like your formula is a bit deficient in bleach.....


    The solution was purposely made weak. It took a couple rinsings to get the bleach smell out. The camper has gone unused for a few months due to maintenance on the TC fridge cooling unit and other projects. Normally the TC is in use more and there is new fresh water every week or two and agitation from driving location to location. We do drink from the fresh tank and have never had an issue with the water. Starting the process shortly.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 15, 2021
    Acampingwewillgo wrote:
    I think I've sanitized once 20 years ago....easy not to worry when "we" don't use tank water for drinking.
    Just showers, toilet and dishwashing for me.
  • Acampingwewillg's avatar
    Acampingwewillg
    Explorer II
    May 15, 2021
    I think I've sanitized once 20 years ago....easy not to worry when "we" don't use tank water for drinking. Nowadays, we mostly have hook ups and tank is mostly empty except for enough to flush toilet.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 15, 2021
    Kayteg1 wrote:
    30+ years of RVing and I never sanitized fresh water tank.
    18 years for me.
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    May 15, 2021
    30+ years of RVing and I never sanitized fresh water tank.
    But quite often, when leaving campsite going home, I open the tank drain and driving motion leaves only some water residue for the storage.
    On few occasions, when in CA earthquake zone I would keep some water in the tank for emergencies. That never develop bad taste thru the winter, but we had good water supply in Bay Areas.
  • Ed_Gee's avatar
    Ed_Gee
    Explorer II
    May 15, 2021
    Just for the record, the recommended sanitary standard for sanitizing the RV fresh water system is 1/4 cup bleach for every 15 gallons of water. Looks like your formula is a bit deficient in bleach.....
  • Supercharged111's avatar
    Supercharged111
    Explorer
    May 15, 2021
    Please do, I noticed a good amount of calcification coming out of the hot water tank when I dewinterized this year. Ended up clogging the little faucet screens.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,046 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 20, 2025