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Storage of Fresh Water - How Long

rookie_rv
Explorer
Explorer
Hello, Rookie RVer :C here! Can you provide any “good to know” tips, about storing fresh water in tank? I just installed a double water filter on “MidLife” (Winnebago Vista 30B) and its made a world of difference. How long would you suggest keeping water in the tank? I’m thinking after a certain amount of time its not a good thing. Prior to installing filter I use to empty tank and water heater after every trip. I couldn’t find any post on this.

Thanks in advance!
Darius....the "Rookie RVer"
U.S. Coast Guard Retired
"RVing....cause life's a trip"
19 REPLIES 19

craig7h
Nomad II
Nomad II
As for the fresh water tank, my rule of thumb is if its going to sit for more than a couple weeeks I will drain it. I carry less than 1/3 so not much is sent to the ground.

As for the water heater, I drain mine at the end of the season. Clean it out using a water heater nozzle on the hose. I have never understood the folks who drain after every trip. My question is do they drain their water heater at home when they leave?
Itasca Meridian SE 36g
Road Master Tow Dolly

toedtoes
Explorer III
Explorer III
I have chlorinated city water. As long as I was going back out (or using it at home) within a month, I didn't drain it. If the RV was going to sit unused for more than a month, than I drained it.
1975 American Clipper RV with Dodge 360 (photo in profile)
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)

MountainAir05
Explorer II
Explorer II
Same here , all tanks empty and cleaned after every trip. We do carry bottle water to cook and drink. Got sick once on a trip from the water and that is not a good thing when traveling. Can't help you your on your filter.

midnightsadie
Explorer II
Explorer II
my rv is 16teen years old ,can,t hardly beleave it. but from day one I empty all my tanks after every trip. everything is org. put a drain valve on my hot water tank. I,M on well water has a few more germs than city. sanitize twice a year apr and july.no ones ever been sick. live in ohio.p.s filters don,t kill germs.

Lwiddis
Explorer II
Explorer II
A week without significant use of water in the tank and refilling from a fresh water source. Temperature plays an important part of this. I’m not a water waster but why push it. I empty after every trip. I sanitize before every trip.
Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, WindyNation 300 watt solar-Lossigy 200 AH Lithium battery. Prefer boondocking, USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state camps. Bicyclist. 14 yr. Army -11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad