How to Sanitize Your RV’s Fresh Water Tank (Step-by-Step Guide for Safe Drinking Water)

Sanitizing your RV's fresh water tank is an essential part of maintaining water quality and keeping your system free of bacteria, algae, and other contaminants—especially before long trips or after winter storage.

If you're RVing around Blairsville, GA, or prepping for the season, here’s your go-to guide for fresh, safe water in your rig.

🧼 Materials Needed

• Unscented bleach (5–6% sodium hypochlorite)

• Measuring cup

• Water hose

• Rubber gloves (optional)

• Funnel (optional)

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Sanitize Your RV Fresh Water Tank

1. Drain the Fresh Water Tank

• Open the fresh water tank’s drain valve to empty it completely.

• Turn on all faucets (hot and cold) until water stops flowing.

2. Clean the Inlet and Connections

• Wipe down the fill inlet and exterior connections with a clean, damp cloth.

• If your hose hasn’t been used in a while, flush it thoroughly.

3. Mix the Bleach Solution

• Use 1/4 cup of unscented bleach per 15 gallons of tank capacity.

  • Example: For a 50-gallon tank, mix about ¾ cup of bleach with water.

4. Add the Bleach Solution to the Tank

• Use a funnel to pour the solution into the tank—or add it while filling using a hose.

• Fill the tank halfway with water to mix the solution thoroughly.

5. Fill the Tank Completely

• Top off the tank with clean water to dilute and distribute the bleach throughout the system.

6. Circulate the Bleach Through the Plumbing

• Turn on the RV’s water pump.

• Open every faucet (hot and cold) until you smell bleach at each outlet.

• Run water through the shower, flush the toilet, and open any exterior water lines.

Let the bleach solution sit for at least 4 hours, or overnight for a deep clean.

7. Drain and Flush the System

• Drain the tank completely again.

• Fill the tank with clean water and run all faucets to flush out any leftover bleach.

• Repeat this process until the water no longer smells or tastes like bleach.

8. Test the Water

• Fill the tank one last time with clean water.

• Check that there’s no bleach smell or taste—your water should now be clean and safe.

9. Wipe Down Exterior Components

• Use a mild cleaner to wipe down the exterior fill port and any exposed areas.

🛑 Important Tips

• Only use plain, unscented bleach—no additives or colorants.

• If your system has been idle or the water had a foul taste, consider replacing any filters.

• We recommend sanitizing every 6 to 12 months, or before any long trip.

👨‍🔧 Need Help Sanitizing Your Water System?

Not sure you're doing it right—or just don’t want to mess with bleach and hoses?

📍 We offer mobile RV water system cleaning and sanitizing throughout Blairsville, GA and surrounding areas.

📞 Call us today at 706-897-0002 or 706-888-9990.

Clean, safe water is just a service call away!