Freshwater tank during long storage

For that long, drain, and re-sanitize before resuming service,

If I cannot or choose not to make regular checks on the rig during the storage period, I would cover it regardless of whether it's stored inside or out.

There have been multiple posts where folks put their rig in storage for winter and when they went to use it in spring, it was totally ruined from water damage (both with indoor storage and outdoor).

The storage place isn't going to check your space for leaks, etc., so you need to take precautions.

For me, my rig is in my driveway. After the first rain of the season, I check for leaks. After every big rainstorm, I check for leaks. I've caught a leak early this way and prevented major damage.

toedtoes wrote:
I use mine year round so I never drain. However, if I were storing it for 6 months and wouldn't be able to access it to do checks, I would drain it and sanitize it at the end of the 6 months. I would also cover the roof with tarp(s) even if it's indoors - too many stories of folks leaving their rigs in storage only to come back next season to a ruined waterlogged mess because leaks in the storage unit and/or the rig occurred during the storage period.

Unless you also cover your roof with tarps when your unit is out in a rainstorm your thinking escapes me.

I leave mine mostly full in case of an emergency need. If I have not used the motorhome in several months on trips, I just drain and refill before heading out. Not enough gallons to worry about cost.

Bill.Satellite wrote:
Drain the tank. You can't grow anything on nothing.

Have you been reading all the responses in this thread ??

It is virtually impossible to get ALL of the water out with normal draining proceedures and a little bit left in the bottom is MORE likely to fester mold growth, not less.

Over the years we've had to store the unit in different places. I always would drain the WHOLE system, not just the tank. Meaning open up the low point drains, pull the HWH plug, and open all the faucets.

Before leaving the rig I would put it all back together. Take off, come back, fill the tank, make sure HWH had water in it and then turn it on. Never had an issue.

Treat the water and change around 3 months. FEMA says it should be good for at least 6 months. If you happen to be on well water like we are, it's great to have 50 -80 gallons around during events like "Sandy" etc. Can't understand people who would rather drink water from a plastic bottle that may have sat in the store for over 6 months and will not drink treated water from an plastic RV tank.

jim

Drain the tank. You can't grow anything on nothing. 6 months later I would fill the tank with a bleach mixture, flush the lines, empty and refill with fresh water and you are ready to go again.

Drink bottled water, tank for flushing and shower only.

I use mine year round so I never drain. However, if I were storing it for 6 months and wouldn't be able to access it to do checks, I would drain it and sanitize it at the end of the 6 months. I would also cover the roof with tarp(s) even if it's indoors - too many stories of folks leaving their rigs in storage only to come back next season to a ruined waterlogged mess because leaks in the storage unit and/or the rig occurred during the storage period.