How often should I sanitize?

[Sinnettc]

How often should I sanitize my fresh water tank? We often have several weeks between trips; it will be about a month this time. So far we've been in CGs with full hook ups and decent water, so the water in the tank is primarily in case we need a stop along the way. I drain the tank at the end of our trip so there's not much in there when the trailer is sitting down at the lock up.

I'm a bit generous with the bleach and the water I dumped at the end of this trip was still smelling a bit bleachy, even though I'd filled & drained the tank after the bleach treatment.

Should I sanitize before each trip or is there some kind of guideline on when it should be done?

[gbopp]

mosseater wrote:
I do our once a year after winter, then keep water in it all the time. If it sits for more than a few weeks or prolonged periods of rain, I change it out before the next trip. Our city water here has plenty of chlorine to keep the nasties at bay. When I change it, I also keep the valve open and try flush it out good before filling it up. Haven't had an issue in 6 years and I always have safe water in the trailer to use in case of emergency.

x2. Once a year works for us. My DW likes to carry bottled water for drinking and cooking.
I've never had a problem with nasty stuff in the water system.

[Golden_HVAC]

Once a year is normally fine. This is because you would be using city water that already is pretty much bacteria free, and typically will have about 0.1 to 0.2 PPM free chlorine.

Yes you are using way to much bleach. You only need about 3 tablespoons per 100 gallons. So the best way is to mix up some bleach and water (1 tablespoon is enough) and then add this slowly to the system, in three parts. Add some to the hose before connecting it to the garden faucet, then start filling the tank. Then add the other 1/2 and finish filling. It will mix well in the RV.

If you have a 65 gallon tank, that is about 1,000 ounces of water. Add one ounce of bleach, and you will have a 1,000 PPM mixture of bleach to water. The bleach is not pure chlorine, but about a 5% solution in water. So this will give you about 200 PPM bleach solution.

The recommended bleach solution when sanitizing a building before declaring the water system clean is only 25 PPM bleach solution. A little bleach is added to a pot feeder, then water run out of each facet until it comes out smelling like chlorine. A test is done 24 hours later, and if it still has a minimum of 5 PPM free chlorine, the building passes, and the new drinking water system can be used. Lower chlorine means that the bacteria in the system is still neutralizing the chlorine, and they need to clean the system and repeat the test.

If you are smelling the chlorine, the solution is probably way over 10 PPM, and your hair can turn green by using that strong of chlorine. Do not drink it, can cause diarrhea.

You just need a 5 PPM mixture to effectively wash the system. Once drained out, then the system will be clean. Make sure that you are also draining the water heater, as it probably has the 15 - 25 PPM chlorine mixture in it now. Do not overtighten the water heater drain plug, it might seen like it needs to be really tight, but it really only needs to be snug, and tighten another 1/4 turn if it drips with 45 PSI that it needs to hold back.

If you are using well water, then adding 1/4 teaspoon of bleach to the drinking water hose each time you fill the RV will add some bacteria protection to the system. Make sure that it is un-scented Clorox, or another brand that you trust. It probably will have a chart on the side of the bottle, if it can be safely added to drinking water to sterilize the water.

Good luck!

Fred.

[mosseater]

I do our once a year after winter, then keep water in it all the time. If it sits for more than a few weeks or prolonged periods of rain, I change it out before the next trip. Our city water here has plenty of chlorine to keep the nasties at bay. When I change it, I also keep the valve open and try flush it out good before filling it up. Haven't had an issue in 6 years and I always have safe water in the trailer to use in case of emergency.

[old_guy]

I don't think so. many don't even think about doing it and they are still alive, I think? some do it twice a year. I think it should be based on the water chemistry of the water you put in the tank. so use city water with chloride it it so chances of needing it more than once a year may be unnecessary. I would play it by ear, drain and fill just before you leave, you should be OK. just leave the caps on the tank.

[wmoses]

I don't know .... once a year? I have never sanitized my tank since I only keep 10 gallons or so in it for toilet use so far. Never used the water for anything else as we camp at places that have water.