Fresh water tank odor

The big mistake most make is draining the tank and then leave it set. It NEVER completely drains, and whats left turns green in a short time unless its got bleach in it.
If you (read my lips) keep the FWT as full as possible (of city water) at all times, you will never have bad water,....its simple as that. I have only posted this a few hundred times ! And 40 yrs of doing it, proves it.

Thanks for all of your answers and quick response, much appreciated.

After sanitizing I use bicarbonate of soda which helps to both clean and deodorize.

Moved from Forum Technical Support

I agree that you need to sanitize your tank. Beyond that, it depends on how you use the RV as to whether you need to do it again, let alone every year or more.

Yes, the chlorine will break down over time. BUT, that happens when you leave the same water sitting in the tank for months at a time. If you use the RV enough that you deplete the tank's contents within a month's time, then the chlorine in the water is enough to keep the bad stuff at bay.

If the RV sits for lengthy periods, then draining the tank between uses will prevent a majority of the bad stuff from growing. If you leave the water sitting in the tank for 2+ months at a time, then you're going to need to sanitize on a regular basis.

I take my RV out camping at least once a month. I go through about 1/2 a tank each trip. In addition, when it's home, I use any left over water in the tank to do cleaning, etc. or I run it through and water plants. So, my tank is completely refreshed about every 6 weeks. I always fill the tank from my tap - city chlorinated water. I sanitized the tank when I first bought the RV. I have not sanitized it since. With the frequency that the chlorinated water is refreshed, I do not need to sanitize my tank again.

What lanerd said. You should definitely do this before the beginning of each camping season.

This is not a case of more is better, so don't use more than the amount of bleach recommended. Otherwise you will have a hard time getting the bleach smell out of your system.

Even if you fill with chlorinated water, the chlorine breaks down over time. All kinds of algae, bacteria, and mold are introduced every time you hook up a supply hose. And the inside of the tank is not sterile to start with. The tank is not airtight and anything airborne will eventually get in.

These organisms may or may not be anything that would make you sick. But they can definitely produces a bad taste or smell, and even plug up your pump. And they could be things that make you sick. So sanitizing at least once a year, or maybe more, depending on use, is a very good idea.

Steve,if you have a fresh water tank odor, it's probably due to mold. You need to sanitize it with bleach. The standard method is to use 1/4 cup bleach for every 15 gallons of water. Fill tank, add bleach and turn on ALL water outlets until you smell the chlorine. Let set overnight and drain the next day. Refill with fresh water and run all water outlets until you can't smell the chlorine anymore. Drain tank and refill once more and run all the water outlets once more. Drain and the tank and all lines, faucets should be clear of any chlorine and/or mold.

Good luck

Ron