Sanitizing fresh water tank

[Jason Worman]

Hi Beaver Believers!

I was wondering what people use to sanitize their fresh water tanks. I have read online mixed comments about bleach. Also trying to figure out how much to use, I have a 100 gallons total between two tanks. Saw product from Camco called something like Pure Taste, could not figure out from description if it actually sanitizes or just
"Freshens things up".

Thanks
Jason Worman

[Steve Huber]

Jason,
Multiply tank capacity in gallons by .13 to get the amount of Cl bleach in ozs. For a 100 gallon tank that would mean 13 oz.
-I pour the  bleach down the fill hose and then attach it to the fill connection and fill the tank.
 Either remove and jumper the water filter(s) or replace after dis-infecting.
-Turn on the water pump.
-Open each faucet and run water until you smell a distinct bleach odor.
-Turn off all faucets and allow the system to stand for four hours.
-Drain the fresh water tank of the mixed solution.
-I then partially fill the tank and run water through the system to flush it.
-Drain the tank and refill. Replace the filter(s) and you should be good to go
Steve

[Jason Worman]

Steve,

Thank for such clear instructions, have you ever heard of bleach damaging plumbing, seals, or anything?

Jason

[Joel Ashley]

I think the “fresheners” are basically baking soda, and I’ve not used one for over 30 years.  I pretty much follow Steve’s procedure, with a couple of differences.

After a bleach treatment I add soda and let it set 12+ hours before the final fill;  it takes out the bleach residue/aroma/taste.  At the proper dosage, the bleach shouldn’t harm components.  However I once used the hose technique and got the most horrid taste that even soda couldn’t get out of the tank for a month.  I think some hose liners aren’t bleach-compatible.  Ever since I’ve used a contraption I made from a garden hose fertilizer attachment, a quick-connect, and an in-line shutoff.  I can invert it to expedite soda injection and easily clear undissolved soda in its removable bowl (unless I pre-dissolve it).

This year someone came out with a simple plastic tank to attach inline like I do mine to add bleach and soda;  there’s an ad for it in the back of the latest FMCA magazine, and it’s on Amazon, but may be cheaper elsewhere.  And my device may cost less and work better overall, I dunno. 

https://smile.amazon.com/RV-Inline-Sanitizer-Easiest-desinfect/dp/B08F2QTQ5T/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3A8QNMJ4OWIS6&dchild=1&keywords=rv+in-line+sanitizer&qid=1598487218&sprefix=RV+in-line+%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-1

Joel

[Jason Worman]

Joel,

Thanks for the info, I saw the device in latest issue of FMCA magazine, they run $28.00. Going to replace water hose and filter anyway. Going to follow Steve's procedure this weekend when I have the rig to myself. Thank you both for the great advice.

Jason

[Bill Sprague]

I couldn't find bleach at the beginning of the covid.   I bought some Camco Pure Taste.  It is sodium hypochlorite.  Clorox is also sodium hypochlorite.

Chlorine gas is used as a disinfectant in water treatment, especially to make drinking water.  If you don't filter it out with one of the many RV carbon filter cartridges, the traces of chlorine in city water should work pretty well at keeping your entire RV water system clean. 

Maybe we don't need to pump bleach into our water systems!