We sanitize twice a year. I do not sanitize the water heater. I put the WH in bypass which prevents chlorine from sitting in the WH tank but allows the mixture to sanitize the hot water lines. Freshwater tanks can become extreme health hazards if not sanitized. This includes those who say "I don't drink the water from my RV". The tanks can grow bacteria which most use to wash dishes, wash hands, shower, etc. All RVers should sanitize the freshwater system. It is easy and keeps everything healthy. Happy travels and stay safe.
Thank you very much Gerry ! I always return to your videos . They will be a references for many years . You are making really informative videos that help us out there . Keep your good work !
I am hooked up to Spicket ya campground which we stay at for 6-8 weeks in UP of Michigan. I did the Clorox Bleach Sanitize you showed because of bad Sulfur Smell. Rotten egg smell. I less than a week the smell is coming back? We have a inline filter that has been on for a month what should do next after I sanitize again. It’s easy to sanitize with the Natulus system. Can fill holding tank an pump bleach in tank an run lines for 10 min an let sit 24 hrs then run throu lines again an dump water from tank an fill with fresh again an run throu lines an then dump an use spicket water again!
Hi Robert. The process mentioned will help. Also suggest cleaning your water heater. If it has an anode rod, it could be at the end of life and this can also cause the odor. This may help th-cam.com/video/uMVF82N2sk4/w-d-xo.html
@@iLoveRVlife No it’s an aluminum Atwood. I’m going to do the whole flush an rinse again an change the in-line water filter this time! I ran the bleach throu the water heater an last sit for 24 then ran more throu lines the next day for 10 min an dumped tank an filled holding again late sit for 6 hrs an ran some fresh water then dumped holding tank then hooked up to spicket again. 6-7 days later smell was back.
Just bought our new to us TT last week. It is winterized and will be for a few more months, but we will do this once we dewinterize. I love watching your videos as they are very informative and so well done. I hope you and Joan enjoy your trip!
I'm an RV newbie less than 2 months. I watched the fresh water sanitize and the black tank cleaning and others all great info videos for this newbie. I'm going through a check list that the prior owner had. It states to clean or replaced fridge fan filter. I guessing it may be located on the roof? also have you had the rv fridge vent cover clip break and what did you do to keep from breaking again. Being the clips are plastic and black the sun makes them brittle. There are 7 other videos on the list to watch. Thanks Jerry for the maintenance videos.
Hi Ralph. Glad you found us and found the videos helpful. I’m not familiar the fridge filter. I’d check the owners manual for help. The plastic covers on RVs will get brittle over time. Spraying some UV 303 protector a couple times of year helps, but the sun just bakes the plastic over time making it brittle.
I just can't thank you enough for all the wonderful information and help you have given me. I do everything exactly like you say to...my husband can't do it so I do it every spring after storage in Alaska. Absolutely the best advice EVER!
Great advice with helpful information in the sanitization process of the fresh water tank preparedness Jerry. As always blessings to you and your family Jerry!
Great video and good reminder to clean out the tanks, many thanks, Jerry! Don't use that green hose - it releases PVC chemical compounds into your water tank. Use a potable hose instead.
Good job in explaining the process. I did mine last summer but didn't leave it in long enough. I will do it right next time. I didn't know it took 24 hours but it does make since.
Hi Ben. Thanks much. Glad we could help. I've seen some guides that say less time is needed, but I've always had good success with the 24 hour wait. Safe travels. Jerry...
Hey Jerry, thanks for the info. Disclaimer right from the get-go, I didn't know about sanitizing the clean water tank probably b/c I'm fairly new to the RV life. So, I bought a used older trailer and then used it for a few years w/o sanitizing the tank. Ok, now I've followed your instructions to the tee. My question is since I do not know what the previous owner did or didn't do maintenance wise, should I do your process twice just for good measure or is once good enough? Thanks again for your videos.
Josef, great to hear you all are enjoying the videos. If you followed the process, the bleach should kill anything in the tank and lines over the 24 hour period. Fortunately, it sounds like nothing was “growing” in the tank and you didn’t have any stomach issues over the last few years of use. The only time I may run a second or third time in the same year is when I may get some sketchy water along our travels which hasn’t happened but a couple times.
Thanks this is a great newbie video which we are. Question: Is it a problem to run 40G of bleach water on the driveway? I'm hoping it will be diluted enough not to bother anything. Thanks love the channel!
Hi Jerry! Say, a question here about the black and grey tanks. If you sanitize the toilet, and flush it through on both days, the bleach solution will go into the black and grey tanks. This will kill any enzymes you have added previously to the tank(s). That being said, after sanitizing would you drain everything out and then put a few gallons of water back in - then add the packets to correct the enzymes? Thanks! David from Wisconsin.
Hi David. I would sanitize then dump the black tank when all is done and add the enzymes back. This treated water has a higher content of chlorine over city water. Although quite diluted, it could have some impact. Unless you're putting enzymes into the grey tank, there's nothing to harm. Jerry....
Hi there awesome video and tips. On yhe first day when you put the chlorine 1 cup for 40 gallons, not only the faucet in the sink but all the faucets in the RV you open for a little bit right than let it sit for the next 24 hours ? Thanks So the next day when you empty the water tank and filled it up again and drained the water through water lines ( with opening all the faucets until the fresh water is empty right?)
Hi Jerry! We are getting ready to put our RV to bed for the winter. My question is what do we do to insure mold, algae, etc, doesn't grow in our fresh water tank as there probably will be a small amount of water left in it after emptying? We will have done the winterization of the other lines, etc. Thanks!
You can sanitize the tank even if the lines have been winterized for the season. Fill the tank with the solution mentioned in the video. Fill tank with water, let sit for 24 hours, then drain. Should knock out anything in the tank. I always sanitize when we flush the antifreeze from the lines. Helps remove any bad tastes and I know my lines and tank are safe.
Thank you for the information. My question is what's the difference between fresh water and water tank? I'm not sure what you meant by that. Thank you for your time.
Glad to help. Some use fresh and city water supply synonymously. This is the connection connected to a water supply at the campground. There’s a different water connection to fill the water tank for those times you’re camping without that campground connection.
@@iLoveRVlife so the fresh water and city connections not for the same tank? Or does city water connector bypasses the tank? I'm not very experienced in RVs but I have to be honest, I've learned a ton of vital information this past week.
Raul Padilla - the city water connection on the RV bypasses the fresh water tank. A note to add; it’s important to have a water pressure regulator at the city water hook up because the water lines in your RV, normally, shouldn’t exceed 50 psi
Really enjoy all your videos ! I like the way you clearly explain and show how you do things. You have helped us a lot since we are new to RV life and we're full timers since Sept 2018. Please keep up the great videos. THANKS
Thanks Jerry .. For an informative session ... i'm new to RV life ... and trying to get as much info as possible to begin our RV Living as enjoyable as possible .. I will be tuning in as much as possible.. :-)
It's as if the universe knew I needed to see this!! I'm a Newbie and had no idea this needed to be done. I purchased my new-to-me Newmar in August and have yet to take it out of the driveway. Living in Florida I was concerned about the water sitting in the fresh water tank in over 90° degree weather. Plus no idea if or when the tank has ever been cleaned!! Thank you so much for making such great informative video's. Sincerely, Newbie!
Hi LuTina. So glad you found the video. Perfect time to sanitize the fresh water tank before you pull that nice Newmar out of the driveway. And set a schedule to do it again every year. Safe travels. Jerry...
Jerry, you did this a while back so I’m hoping you read this. First, your videos are great! I am wanting to do this but when I looked inside our wet bay, all the possible places to connect a hose has a mesh thinger to keep out particles. How do I pour the bleach solution in?
Thanks Cathy, great to hear from you and don't worry, I get comments regardless of the video's date. I've run into this before. Easy fix. Go to Walmart and purchase a small water hose. You can usually find a short 6' utility hose in the home and garden section for around $6. Purchase one with the male end that screws into water fill. Cut it to a length of 12" to 24". Purchase a funnel with an end that will fit inside the cut hose. Push the funnels end into the cut section of the hose until you get a good tight fit. You can add a clamp if needed. The one I have wasn't necessary. Now you can pour the solution into the funnel, through the hose and into the tank. Jerry...
You can also pour the bleach into your hose, and let it mix with the water as it comes back out into the water tank. The hose will easily hold that small amount of bleach, and also sanitizes your water hose!
Just "fixed" the kid's trailer's fresh water tank! It smelled more like it was the grey water tank! By the way, I use the biggest funnel of the 4 funnel set from Harbor Freight (less than $2 for all 4 funnels) with a couple feet of 5/8 "clear poly tubing for filling or adding bleach and or baking soda to the fresh water tank.
Great info, learning all the time. Sorry if I missed it. Were you just leaving grey tank open as running lines or letting it fill and sit with the mixed water and then dumped everything. Probably doesn't matter I guess if your putting some enzymes in grey tank anyways.
Kinda new to the RV world. After the 24 hours do you also drain hot water heater before flushing with clean water? Also your removing water filter correct? Thanks
I do Rich. And depending on the age and condition of the filter, I replace. Also, this is a good time to flush your water heater if you have one with an anode rod. Also replace the anode rod if it’s badly corroded. Here’s a video with the process for cleaning the water heater th-cam.com/video/uMVF82N2sk4/w-d-xo.html
I am not sure I heard you say it however, it looked like after the 24 hours you drained the water tank. Then refilled the water tank with fresh water and then purged the lines of bleach. Do you do the same with the washer/dryer connections? Even if you don't have a washer/dryer?
Well thought I'd just toss my 2 cents in. Absolutely sanitize your fresh water holding tank or tanks and all plumbing. I would also suggest that you sanitize your hot water tank and lines. The reason is legionnaires or legionella bacterium. The hot water system is an excellent environment for this bacteria. Also make sure to flush shower heads and any faucet diffusers as this bacteria can be dispersed airborne from these sources. Just thought I'd toss this out here as I dealt with these issues in my work carrier. Happy camping everyone!
@@iLoveRVlife Genevieve and I love your videos. We especially enjoyed your Mt Airy video as we have a place there. If you ever make the big trip to the Greatland "Alaska" let us know. This has been our stomping grounds for many years. Keep up the great work!
What is the difference between the fresh water connection and city water connection. Don't they both fill up the fresh water tank? Sorry if it's a dumb question but pretty new to RVing.
Hi Cary. These terms do get batted around a bit. Depending on manufacturer, a connection is usually identified as the water tank fill. For some, this maybe fresh water connection or fresh water tank. City bypasses the tanks for a direct connection to the faucets.
I remember somewhere in one of your videos of you saying you could do a continuous sanitization to your water. I am not talking about at the beginning of the year, but after you are underway for the season. A weaker mix that you put into your water tank and you don't have to worry about issues for the whole season. Comments"?
We don’t treat the water tank again unless we get into some sketchy water. We always use a water filter to fill the tank that cleans the taste and removes sediment.
Hi Jerry, thanks for your video. My travel trailer does not have freshwater tank inlet. In other words, I have to screw on the fresh water hose and than have a selector for tank/city water. How will I be able to pour the bleach/water solution in to the fresh water tank without inlet? Thank you!
Just thinking out loud, you could make a funnel specifically for the effort. Take a short piece of hose with the male section, around 12 o 18 inches in length. May want to by a short, cheap garden hose to cut. Take a small funnel where the end will fit inside the the cut end of the hose. Tie rap or use a small hose clamp to hold. Then screw in the hose, switch to tank and pour in the bleach solutions. Something like this: hose - amzn.to/32JPuT8 One of these funnels should fit inside the hose - amzn.to/2SwCs6S And use a clamp to hold in place amzn.to/2LJpGl1 Hope this helps.
Another TH-camr described using baking soda diluted and left to stand (as was done with the bleach water) for 24 hours then purged with fresh, to get rid of the chlorine smell. You're correct, however, in stating that a tiny amount of chlorine is not harmful, and not especially distasteful.
We haven’t had any issue with taste or odor. We drain the fresh water tank and refill. A few minute flush of the lines with fresh water does the trick. Always wondered for those who’ve had an issue, if too much bleach is used. A little goes a long way.
@@iLoveRVlife True that. And anyone who has ever filled a canteen from a "water buffalo" in the field that was filled with treated water during a military career will barely notice the taste.
Hi Jean. Great question. No. You're also sanitizing the water lines too. Flushing the toilet won't hurt, but you want those drinking lines sanitized. Grab a gallon of water to get you through the day. Jerry...
Might be a little difficult with an RV but alternating hot and cold water will break the bond between the chlorine and the plastic getting rid of the smell quickly.
Thank you for the video just one question new to rving. We purchased ours and went right to rv park and tested unit out have not used fresh water tank yet guess i should have to test pump. Should this procedure be used before using it for first time and again thank you. Utube is amazing felt like i new what i was doing on our first trip from all the informative information i learned from your channel and others
Connie, fill the fresh water tank with the solution then turn on the water pump. Run water through all the faucets. You’ll notice a slight chlorine smell then stop. Turn off water pump and let set for 24 hours. Drain tank, refill with fresh water and flush all lines.
Hello, I bought a 1978 class c and fully restored 90% over 2 and a half years. I want to take it on a trip for the first time from Michigan to Arizona January 1st 2019. I have zero clue as to what to do with the water tanks? I can see one large tank under the bottom bunk in the bunkhouse and I want to clean the tanks now before cold weather sets in. This way when i arrive in Arizona i can fill the ( potable and drinking) tanks there. Thank you ahead if you can help me to know if they are for sure clean after any process you give me 😉😊
I'll give this a shot and assume as with most RVs you have only one fresh water tank. Follow the steps in the video. The bleach solution does the work. Make sure you also run the solution in your water lines. After 24 hours, all the bad things will be gone.
@@iLoveRVlife Thank you so much 😊 I figured that it would help but I just am not sure how old either tank is? I have a connection for city water and fresh drinking water so I may have multiple tanks? I will give this a try but it's just hard not being able to see the inside of the tanks and lines. Thanks again for your help 👍 Take care.
No worries on the city connection. This usually bypasses the water tank. You should have a separate fill for the tank and a pump for pressure. Have fun with the RV. Jerry...
Hi! First time rv owner. My freshwater tank is empty right now, I have to sanitize this tank and I wanted to sanitize the toilet holding tank (black water). So I understand do you have to treat the tank with bleach and a gallon of water. And in addition fill the tank with 40 gallons, flush, and refill?
Hi Gabrielle. You add 1/4 cup of bleach per 10 gallons of water. In my instance, I have a 40 gallon tank. I add a cup (4 quarters) to a gallon of water. Pour in the fresh tank and fill with water. Run through faucets for a minute, sit for 24 hours, then rinse. I’d suggest not bleaching the black tank. Nothing to improve. If you have build up in the black tank, flush with a wand. Also use an enzyme such as Happy Campers or RV Digest-It to manage the black tank. This will keep the crud build up to a minimum. Hope this helps.
We have our trailer at a seasonal site. We typically go up every weekend or every other weekend throughout the season. I dump the tanks after each weekend (there are 4 of us). Do you add treatment after each dump or would you put the treatment in less frequently?
I add the treatment with a gallon or so of water even if we’re at the end of the trip. If something is left in the tank, this will keep from hardening and will be release when the tank fills back up and is dumped on your next trip.
Hey thank you Jerry, Great video. I just have a couple of questions. Whenever I do this process, it's right before my 1st trip. (Heading out West for 78 days this Sunday) And it's while I am still winterized with antifreeze in the system and my bypass is off to my hot water heater. So I usually sanitize the system the night before I leave and then when I get to my 1st stop I desensitize and dewinterize at the same time. (Well the dewinterizing actually happens when I add the bleech water to the system). But doing it this way, my hot water heater does not get sanitized with bleach. Someone told me this is OK because the hot water heater makes the water so hot that that sanitizes the system in the HW tank. But what do you think? By the way, I would like to sanitize my hot water heater but I just don't know how I would do that when my system is winterized and the bypass is off. I don't want anti freeze in my hot water heater. I did that once and it took forever to get rid of the antifreeze. Thank you.
I’ve never sanitized the water heater. I have a video showing how to flush and check the anode rod th-cam.com/video/uMVF82N2sk4/w-d-xo.html Other than calcium build up, I haven’t experienced any mold or algae build up. I suspect the continuous high temps prevent the bad stuff from occurring. Also less of a concern since we don’t use the water heater for drinking or cooking water.
@@iLoveRVlife Thank you for your detailed response, Jerry. For some reason I thought you said in this video that you have the bypass open and you sanitize your hot water heater. I'm going to have to go back and listen again. And I don't have the rod thingie in mine. It's the kind without that . Thanks again.
@@iLoveRVlife Hey Jerry I just listened again and @ 6:35 you say you're going to fill your hot water tank. Isn't that the same as the hot water heater?
I have a 2015 Crossroads Cruiser Air RK28. I have been all under it all through the cabinets. I have found a lot of things. But I have not found the drain for the water tank. The folks we bought it from never used the fresh tank. Just city water. They had put water in the tank but didn't know how to drain it. When I bought it I thought no big deal how hard can it be to find a valve. I have had a fifth wheel for several years. Called the factory nice young lady she didn't have a clue. Tech help said it was too old from them to have any info. Really 2015?? Service wouldn't take the call. My tank is in the floor someplace I can see the fill hose running down. I did find the over flow. There is another hose next to it with a cap on it. Thought I had gotten lucky. About a quart of water came out. Thought It may be plugged. Hooked a hose to it and blew through. It didn't have any resistance or blow bubbles. Anyone have a suggestion?
Hi Mike. I found a 2014 Crossroads owners manual at www.crossroadsowners.com/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=7 You’ll need to register on the forum to download. Betting there’s other 2015 owners on the forum and you might want to post the question.
I have been RVing for a few years - after some bad experiences with poor quality campground water I never use my fresh water tank for drinking . cooking etc. My fresh water is only used for grey water source. Bottled water only for cooking , drinking !!
Thay can happen. We always use a 2 part water filter from the water source. Plus cleaning once a year or if you ever use a questionable source helps. Joan is particular about the taste of water. We always have bottled water for her sweet tea.
Awesome video and information! I'm an RV newbie. My in-laws recently let us start using their 1997 5th wheel 27 foot Dutchmen for full-time living. It's been kept in great condition. We moved it to Phoenix area and I'm assuming they sanitized the water tank, hopefully on a regular basis. We are currently hooked up to water on our RV site, but I've noticed the water is real cloudy. Although Phoenix is noted for having hard water, I've never seen anything like this before. My cleaned dishes have a white dust coating them after the water drys on them. We added a TastePur RV water filter on the outside water line in hopes it would reduce some of this sediment, but it hasn't touched it. Which has me wondering if there's build up in the water lines. We actually drink this water by using a ZeroGravity filter in our fridge. Do you think it is possible there is buildup in the water lines or perhaps even deterioration of the lines?
Thanks so much. Glad you found the channel helpful. First, I'd check with the neighbors an see if they have the same issue. Then run a test of your water. Disconnect the water hose and filter from the camper and turn back on with water going into a clear glass. If it's cloudy, there are elements in the water source which may be more than your single stage filter can handle. You'll need to go to a multi-stage filter to try and remedy. This can be a little pricey with no guarantee. Here's a cheap solution amzn.to/2UqSL4c with two stages, one a 5 micron and the second a .5 micron. This one has a similar filter set up, but the structure is more substantial amzn.to/2Iv91jp. If it is fine sediment, the .5 micron should help remove the contaminants. Second, if the water source is clear, then perform the 24 hour system sanitize. Could be something in the lines and the diluted chlorine will kill it. You can grab a couple of gallons of water to get you through the 24 hours. Hope this helps. Jerry...
I usually don’t unless we got into to some sketchy water. If left for long periods of time it can cause corrosion. If it’s something you need to do, make sure it gets a good flush. Pull the anode rod and flush with a water heater wand like this amzn.to/3e2ftPF
Hello Jerry I saw in your video your drain valves on the bottom that you would drain the water out completely. Would you happen to have an Amazon link or what is the name for that I like to get some for my camper. Thank you
I’ve heard others using hydrogen peroxide rather than the bleach. They stated that the bleach can eat away at the seals and the bleach smell and taste can stay around for a while.
Hi Randy. Hydrogen peroxide is powerful stuff. Not sure what the mix formula would be. This is a once a year process. With just 24 hours of exposure, I doubt at this level the diluted bleach would have any impact on the tank or seals, but it definitely zaps algea and bateria. Running a tank of fresh water usually knocks out the smell and taste. Jerry....
Hello, Jerry. Newbie question here...I didn’t hear any mention of removing the pump filter. Do you generally keep the pump filter in and run the chlorinated water through it or remove the filter prior to pumping the water through? Thank you!
Hi Jason. Good question. If this is the screen filter next to the pump, leave it in. You don't want to risk a speck of sand or dirt entering the pump. It could damage. If you're RV has a cartridge filter, I'd remove. This would be a good time to replace. Jerry...
Can I just add the bleach and fill the tank. Then drive around the corner to mix it in the water tank, park it and drain it at the outlet on side of driveway?
Good question. No need to drive around. If you start with an empty tank, it will mix. I add the bleach to a gallon of water just so I don't splash bleach all over me and the camper. You have to let it sit for 24 hours to kill whatever may be growing in the tank and the water lines. It's just the chemical action needed not a scrubbing process. No problem draining the water tank on the driveway. The bleach is diluted enough to not cause any harm. Jerry....
Plus just driving around and then draining the tank will not sanitize all the plumbing lines up to your spigots etc. Jerry's method will sanitize the entire system. After sanitizing the system, I will add Camco Drinking Water Freshener to the tank as well.
Hi Jerry, Quick question for you. After you sanitize the system to include hot water tank, after dumping the tanks and filling up with fresh water from a city water source how long can the water sit in the fresh tank and water heater before it becomes a problem ? I would think that draining the tanks a second time and leaving them sit empty would invite trouble, but I could be wrong. The most the tanks would sit with water between use is 4-6 weeks.
Once the tank has been sanitized, the bleach kills particles in the tank. The water is to be used, not long term storage. We use our tank in a week to 10 days. Sure, some residual water is left when the tank is drained, but as long as the water is treated, it shouldn’t be a problem. There’s always some concern trusting the water source used to fill the tank. We take an extra step and use a water filter after the hose. We’ve never had an issue leaving the tank dry for short periods and filling as needed.
OK, Thanks. I was thinking of using the Camco water treatment stuff for leaving the tank full for a few weeks at a time. The water source is the city water for our house. Its good treated water. With that and the camco treatment do you think leaving the water in there a few weeks is a bad idea ? I was thinking after flushing the bleach solution out then leaving it empty would cause some unwanted growth, but I could be wrong.
I’ve never used the Camco treatment. Has good Amazon comments. Since city water is chlorinated, FEMA states it can be stored for up to 6 months. I’ve never gone that long, maybe a couple of weeks with no bad tastes.
As a younger single man I've avoided using my tanks entirely. My theory is that once I start running water through this trailer that's when everything is gonna start falling apart because of moisture, bacteria, mold etc. Hoping to abstain from using my water or waste tanks at all until WWIII starts and I have to hide out in the desert for a few years.
Hello! I watched a couple of crappy TH-cam videos that recommended i use the fresh water tank to winterize with the rv antifreeze. Will this process help clear out the antifreeze residue from my fresh water tank? Also when clearing out the chlorine from my lines, is it harmful to leave the chlorine water in the gray tank until we go camping again? We have one more trip set for the end of September.
Michael, it will help. For me, filling my fresh water tank with antifreeze would tank over 40 gallons. A little over kill. Super simple to use the bypass valve into the lines. This will help clear out the antifreeze residue. I wouldn’t leave the diluted chlorine in the tank more the 24 hours. It could age to tank, plus may be a little harder to get the chlorine taste out of the stored water later.
Jerry you keep saying chlorine but when you started you said you were mixing bleach in your water. Please let me know which chemical you used. Thanks Bill
Did you / do you disconnect from any city water connection before turning on the water pump? Is the water pump used solely and only for pumping water out of the Fresh Water holding tank? Please advise, thank you!
Hi David. We never use the water pump if we're connected to a city water connection. The water pump is only needed to draw water from the fresh water tank. Jerry...
i understand that, maybe i didn’t ask my question very clearly. 1) when using the freshwater tank with the pump, is it necessary to close the inlet to the city water or, 2) when the pump is being used in concert with the freshwater tank, is the fact that the city water still connected automatically ignored until the pump is turned off? In other words, how does the water system “know” which location you are asking the water to come from, when there is water available from both locations? and..... would it cause any problems if one would (albeit maybe not necessary) leave the city water hooked up while simultaneously utilizing water (pump on) from the freshwater tank? Much thanks for your reply and patience!!
Hi David. Not sure why both city water and fresh tank would be used at the same time. Most RVs have a back flow valve that prevents the city water from flowing into the tank. It also depends on the way your RV is set up if you get any benefit from the pump along with the city water. So with city water only, tank is bypassed. With pump on and city water connected, again depending on system, may try to pull water from both tank and the city source. For us, we don't use the tank/pump if connected to city water. Hope that helps.
That's a great question Sandy. I'm not a chemist and I know I'll probably start a fire storm response to this, but I wouldn't. Here's why. The small amount of bleach sitting for 24 hours is used to kill bacteria. We would need to use a substantial amount of vinegar as a disinfectant. Plus vinegar doesn’t kill all bacteria. For anyone that wants to chime in, it comes down to what you trust. A little bleach kills the gremlins that can live in water. I know if this process is used, I won't get a stomach bug from bad water.
At first i thought, "you would think Jerry would have someone doing this chore for him" then after a minute i realized it was not Jerry. Love your videos by the way. Extremely helpful
Hi Jane. Most campers have a tap under the camper to drain the water from the cold and hot lines. This will drain the tank on the ground. It's fresh water, so no harm to the area. Step 1, drain the water tank. Step 2, sanitize and wait 24 hours. Step 3, drain tank and refill. Flush lines. Most of the time, the last step has enough diluted water that you won't need to drain the tank a 2nd time. Hope this helps. Jerry...
Jerry - thanks for this video - I need to do this! I know there’s a valve under the sink which I’ve opened to drain my fresh water tank, but, as Jane has asked - would it not be a good thing to run all your taps and have the chlorinated water run into your grey tank (having emptied your grey tank first, of course), let it sit there for 24 hours also, then drain your grey tank into the sewer connection, thereby sanitizing your grey tank too? Get double use out of that chlorinated water!? This of course pretty much means you can’t use your rig for 2 days, but it seems like a good idea to me if you can swing it. What am I missing?
I doubt any harm. There is that time factor, plus running the pump (for me 40 gallons) till I empty the fresh water tank. I treat my gray tank once a month anyway with 2 scoops of Happy Camper. It will help dissolve the soap film, grease and food particles that build up from use. Jerry...
At 5:45, you say this is not for your fresh water but for your water tank. Huh? I'm confused. We only have one water tank. Please help me understand what you mean. BTW, great video!
Thanks a bunch Linda. By fresh water, I’m referring to a city water connection and not using the water tank. More of a slang expression, I should have been clearer.
Here's a free hint. Get an inline plastic or brass valve for your water line; plastic costs about $3 and brass, about $8. You can hook up the hose, to the faucet bib, turn on the water, then connect your little hose to the valve, on the end of the regular hose, then just turn on the valve.
We have and love it. There's a very nice state park across from the beach. Just minutes from the campground to the beach. We're Escapee members and usually stay a few minutes up the road in Springdale. Great park. Very reasonably priced. Full hook ups and very large double size lots. We love this area. The locals are so friendly. Love the fresh sea food. Shoot! I need to start making plans to head back. Safe travels. Jerry...
Hi Rosie. You don’t have to. Only issue will be the hot water tank will also fill. When you drain the main water tank and lines, you should pull the anode rod in the water heater to drain as well. This will also be a good time to see if the anode rod should be replaced.
That shouldn’t be the case. Usually it’s the water source. If it continues, pour a 50 50 mixture of white vinegar and water in the tank and let soak for a couple of days. You can unscrew the pressure valve in the top to fill the tank. Just make sure the water isn’t hot and the water source is turned off. Then flush it. If you’re not using an inline water filter. Those blue units will also help.
Question: When in campground and hooked up to their water, does that water go through the Trailer Water Tank on its way out the faucet? We have not sanitized our water holding tank because we always use hookup but now you have me wondering if that water still goes through the water tank?
My understanding is that the hook up "city" water from a spigot does not go into the fresh water holding tank but rather goes directly through to the water lines. You need the water pump to run to get water out of the fresh water holding tank. Hope this helps.
We sanitize twice a year. I do not sanitize the water heater. I put the WH in bypass which prevents chlorine from sitting in the WH tank but allows the mixture to sanitize the hot water lines. Freshwater tanks can become extreme health hazards if not sanitized. This includes those who say "I don't drink the water from my RV". The tanks can grow bacteria which most use to wash dishes, wash hands, shower, etc. All RVers should sanitize the freshwater system. It is easy and keeps everything healthy. Happy travels and stay safe.
Thank you very much Gerry ! I always return to your videos . They will be a references for many years . You are making really informative videos that help us out there . Keep your good work !
Thanks you so much. Great to hear the videos are helpful and appreciate you watching.
I am hooked up to Spicket ya campground which we stay at for 6-8 weeks in UP of Michigan. I did the Clorox Bleach Sanitize you showed because of bad Sulfur Smell. Rotten egg smell. I less than a week the smell is coming back? We have a inline filter that has been on for a month what should do next after I sanitize again. It’s easy to sanitize with the Natulus system. Can fill holding tank an pump bleach in tank an run lines for 10 min an let sit 24 hrs then run throu lines again an dump water from tank an fill with fresh again an run throu lines an then dump an use spicket water again!
Hi Robert. The process mentioned will help. Also suggest cleaning your water heater. If it has an anode rod, it could be at the end of life and this can also cause the odor. This may help th-cam.com/video/uMVF82N2sk4/w-d-xo.html
@@iLoveRVlife No it’s an aluminum Atwood. I’m going to do the whole flush an rinse again an change the in-line water filter this time! I ran the bleach throu the water heater an last sit for 24 then ran more throu lines the next day for 10 min an dumped tank an filled holding again late sit for 6 hrs an ran some fresh water then dumped holding tank then hooked up to spicket again. 6-7 days later smell was back.
Just bought our new to us TT last week. It is winterized and will be for a few more months, but we will do this once we dewinterize. I love watching your videos as they are very informative and so well done. I hope you and Joan enjoy your trip!
Hi Tammy. Thanks much and so glad you found the channel. Welcome to RV life. You’ll have so much fun. Jerry....
I'm an RV newbie less than 2 months. I watched the fresh water sanitize and the black tank cleaning and others all great info videos for this newbie. I'm going through a check list that the prior owner had. It states to clean or replaced fridge fan filter. I guessing it may be located on the roof? also have you had the rv fridge vent cover clip break and what did you do to keep from breaking again. Being the clips are plastic and black the sun makes them brittle. There are 7 other videos on the list to watch. Thanks Jerry for the maintenance videos.
Hi Ralph. Glad you found us and found the videos helpful. I’m not familiar the fridge filter. I’d check the owners manual for help. The plastic covers on RVs will get brittle over time. Spraying some UV 303 protector a couple times of year helps, but the sun just bakes the plastic over time making it brittle.
Tanks, easy and very simple after your explanation 👌.
Glad to help.
I just can't thank you enough for all the wonderful information and help you have given me. I do everything exactly like you say to...my husband can't do it so I do it every spring after storage in Alaska. Absolutely the best advice EVER!
Thanks a bunch Tricia. Glad we could share.
Great advice with helpful information in the sanitization process of the fresh water tank preparedness Jerry. As always blessings to you and your family Jerry!
Thanks much Todd. Always glad to help. Jerry...
thanks so much I am a RV Newbie, and I am just getting started
Glad I could help James.
Great video and good reminder to clean out the tanks, many thanks, Jerry!
Don't use that green hose - it releases PVC chemical compounds into your water tank. Use a potable hose instead.
Thanks and so true on the hose.
Thank you for sharing this information. It has helped us as we are newbies to RV life. Be safe. 😊
Hi Laurel. Glad to help. Jerry...
Good job in explaining the process. I did mine last summer but didn't leave it in long enough. I will do it right next time. I didn't know it took 24 hours but it does make since.
Hi Ben. Thanks much. Glad we could help. I've seen some guides that say less time is needed, but I've always had good success with the 24 hour wait. Safe travels. Jerry...
Hey Jerry, thanks for the info. Disclaimer right from the get-go, I didn't know about sanitizing the clean water tank probably b/c I'm fairly new to the RV life. So, I bought a used older trailer and then used it for a few years w/o sanitizing the tank. Ok, now I've followed your instructions to the tee. My question is since I do not know what the previous owner did or didn't do maintenance wise, should I do your process twice just for good measure or is once good enough? Thanks again for your videos.
Josef, great to hear you all are enjoying the videos. If you followed the process, the bleach should kill anything in the tank and lines over the 24 hour period. Fortunately, it sounds like nothing was “growing” in the tank and you didn’t have any stomach issues over the last few years of use. The only time I may run a second or third time in the same year is when I may get some sketchy water along our travels which hasn’t happened but a couple times.
Thanks this is a great newbie video which we are. Question: Is it a problem to run 40G of bleach water on the driveway? I'm hoping it will be diluted enough not to bother anything. Thanks love the channel!
Two ounces per 10 gallons of water. Shouldn’t be an issue.
Hi Jerry! Say, a question here about the black and grey tanks. If you sanitize the toilet, and flush it through on both days, the bleach solution will go into the black and grey tanks. This will kill any enzymes you have added previously to the tank(s). That being said, after sanitizing would you drain everything out and then put a few gallons of water back in - then add the packets to correct the enzymes? Thanks! David from Wisconsin.
Hi David. I would sanitize then dump the black tank when all is done and add the enzymes back. This treated water has a higher content of chlorine over city water. Although quite diluted, it could have some impact. Unless you're putting enzymes into the grey tank, there's nothing to harm. Jerry....
Hi there awesome video and tips. On yhe first day when you put the chlorine 1 cup for 40 gallons, not only the faucet in the sink but all the faucets in the RV you open for a little bit right than let it sit for the next 24 hours ? Thanks So the next day when you empty the water tank and filled it up again and drained the water through water lines ( with opening all the faucets until the fresh water is empty right?)
Perfect Pete. That will do it.
Awesome video! We are going to be new RVers and these videos are great! Thank you!
Thanks a bunch Erika. Great to hear you all are finding the channel helpful. Have fun in that new RV!
Hi Jerry! We are getting ready to put our RV to bed for the winter. My question is what do we do to insure mold, algae, etc, doesn't grow in our fresh water tank as there probably will be a small amount of water left in it after emptying? We will have done the winterization of the other lines, etc. Thanks!
You can sanitize the tank even if the lines have been winterized for the season. Fill the tank with the solution mentioned in the video. Fill tank with water, let sit for 24 hours, then drain. Should knock out anything in the tank. I always sanitize when we flush the antifreeze from the lines. Helps remove any bad tastes and I know my lines and tank are safe.
You explain things very well and are a great help
Thanks a bunch Harvey.
Thank you for the information. My question is what's the difference between fresh water and water tank? I'm not sure what you meant by that. Thank you for your time.
Glad to help. Some use fresh and city water supply synonymously. This is the connection connected to a water supply at the campground. There’s a different water connection to fill the water tank for those times you’re camping without that campground connection.
@@iLoveRVlife so the fresh water and city connections not for the same tank? Or does city water connector bypasses the tank? I'm not very experienced in RVs but I have to be honest, I've learned a ton of vital information this past week.
Raul Padilla - the city water connection on the RV bypasses the fresh water tank. A note to add; it’s important to have a water pressure regulator at the city water hook up because the water lines in your RV, normally, shouldn’t exceed 50 psi
Really enjoy all your videos ! I like the way you clearly explain and show how you do things. You have helped us a lot since we are new to RV life and we're full timers since Sept 2018. Please keep up the great videos. THANKS
Thank you so much Connie. So glad to hear you all find the videos helpful. Much more planned.
Thanks Jerry .. For an informative session ... i'm new to RV life ... and trying to get as much info as possible to begin our RV Living as enjoyable as possible .. I will be tuning in as much as possible.. :-)
Glad you're finding the channel helpful. Have fun in you RV and safe travels. Jerry...
I liked this presentation very much. It worked very well for me
Thanks Norm. Great to hear you found the video helpful.
It's as if the universe knew I needed to see this!! I'm a Newbie and had no idea this needed to be done. I purchased my new-to-me Newmar in August and have yet to take it out of the driveway. Living in Florida I was concerned about the water sitting in the fresh water tank in over 90° degree weather. Plus no idea if or when the tank has ever been cleaned!! Thank you so much for making such great informative video's. Sincerely, Newbie!
Hi LuTina. So glad you found the video. Perfect time to sanitize the fresh water tank before you pull that nice Newmar out of the driveway. And set a schedule to do it again every year. Safe travels. Jerry...
Jerry, you did this a while back so I’m hoping you read this. First, your videos are great! I am wanting to do this but when I looked inside our wet bay, all the possible places to connect a hose has a mesh thinger to keep out particles. How do I pour the bleach solution in?
Thanks Cathy, great to hear from you and don't worry, I get comments regardless of the video's date. I've run into this before. Easy fix. Go to Walmart and purchase a small water hose. You can usually find a short 6' utility hose in the home and garden section for around $6. Purchase one with the male end that screws into water fill. Cut it to a length of 12" to 24". Purchase a funnel with an end that will fit inside the cut hose. Push the funnels end into the cut section of the hose until you get a good tight fit. You can add a clamp if needed. The one I have wasn't necessary. Now you can pour the solution into the funnel, through the hose and into the tank. Jerry...
You can also pour the bleach into your hose, and let it mix with the water as it comes back out into the water tank. The hose will easily hold that small amount of bleach, and also sanitizes your water hose!
Do you also open up your water heater and let it run through the water heater or just the cold side?
I bypass the water heater and run through the tank and both hot and cold lines.
Just "fixed" the kid's trailer's fresh water tank! It smelled more like it was the grey water tank! By the way, I use the biggest funnel of the 4 funnel set from Harbor Freight (less than $2 for all 4 funnels) with a couple feet of 5/8 "clear poly tubing for filling or adding bleach and or baking soda to the fresh water tank.
Good tip Steve. Thanks
Great info, learning all the time. Sorry if I missed it. Were you just leaving grey tank open as running lines or letting it fill and sit with the mixed water and then dumped everything. Probably doesn't matter I guess if your putting some enzymes in grey tank anyways.
Thanks for a great tip and process appreciated
Thanks for watching
Kinda new to the RV world. After the 24 hours do you also drain hot water heater before flushing with clean water? Also your removing water filter correct? Thanks
I do Rich. And depending on the age and condition of the filter, I replace. Also, this is a good time to flush your water heater if you have one with an anode rod. Also replace the anode rod if it’s badly corroded. Here’s a video with the process for cleaning the water heater th-cam.com/video/uMVF82N2sk4/w-d-xo.html
@@iLoveRVlife thanks so much.
Great video. When I fill my freshwater tank I always use my dinking hose. It appeared you were using a regular hose. Just saying.
Hi Thomas. Great point. I do on the road. I was using this one from the side of my house to clean the tank. Appreciate the comment. Jerry...
Thanks Jerry. Have learned alot watching your channel. Thanks for sharing them. Much appreciated
So glad we could share a few tips along the way.
I am not sure I heard you say it however, it looked like after the 24 hours you drained the water tank. Then refilled the water tank with fresh water and then purged the lines of bleach. Do you do the same with the washer/dryer connections? Even if you don't have a washer/dryer?
That right Kevin. If you didn't turn the washer connections on to run the bleach mixture, no need. You would otherwise.
Well thought I'd just toss my 2 cents in. Absolutely sanitize your fresh water holding tank or tanks and all plumbing. I would also suggest that you sanitize your hot water tank and lines. The reason is legionnaires or legionella bacterium. The hot water system is an excellent environment for this bacteria. Also make sure to flush shower heads and any faucet diffusers as this bacteria can be dispersed airborne from these sources. Just thought I'd toss this out here as I dealt with these issues in my work carrier. Happy camping everyone!
Thanks for the tip Sam.
@@iLoveRVlife Genevieve and I love your videos. We especially enjoyed your Mt Airy video as we have a place there. If you ever make the big trip to the Greatland "Alaska" let us know. This has been our stomping grounds for many years. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much Sam. We hope to make it to beautiful Alaska. We've been several times, but not in the RV. A summer trip is on our bucket list.
What is the difference between the fresh water connection and city water connection. Don't they both fill up the fresh water tank? Sorry if it's a dumb question but pretty new to RVing.
Hi Cary. These terms do get batted around a bit. Depending on manufacturer, a connection is usually identified as the water tank fill. For some, this maybe fresh water connection or fresh water tank. City bypasses the tanks for a direct connection to the faucets.
Good videos. One question on this part do you bypass the hot water heater or run the bleached water through it too?
It doesn’t hurt especially if the RV sat for a while.
I remember somewhere in one of your videos of you saying you could do a continuous sanitization to your water. I am not talking about at the beginning of the year, but after you are underway for the season. A weaker mix that you put into your water tank and you don't have to worry about issues for the whole season. Comments"?
We don’t treat the water tank again unless we get into some sketchy water. We always use a water filter to fill the tank that cleans the taste and removes sediment.
@@iLoveRVlife 👍 I must have misremembeted😎 Thanks for posting this video, I am good to go for the season.
Hi Jerry, thanks for your video. My travel trailer does not have freshwater tank inlet. In other words, I have to screw on the fresh water hose and than have a selector for tank/city water. How will I be able to pour the bleach/water solution in to the fresh water tank without inlet? Thank you!
Just thinking out loud, you could make a funnel specifically for the effort. Take a short piece of hose with the male section, around 12 o 18 inches in length. May want to by a short, cheap garden hose to cut. Take a small funnel where the end will fit inside the the cut end of the hose. Tie rap or use a small hose clamp to hold. Then screw in the hose, switch to tank and pour in the bleach solutions. Something like this: hose - amzn.to/32JPuT8 One of these funnels should fit inside the hose - amzn.to/2SwCs6S And use a clamp to hold in place amzn.to/2LJpGl1 Hope this helps.
Great videos Jerry we really appreciate your time and effort.
Hi Jay. Thanks much. Glad to share.
Another TH-camr described using baking soda diluted and left to stand (as was done with the bleach water) for 24 hours then purged with fresh, to get rid of the chlorine smell. You're correct, however, in stating that a tiny amount of chlorine is not harmful, and not especially distasteful.
We haven’t had any issue with taste or odor. We drain the fresh water tank and refill. A few minute flush of the lines with fresh water does the trick. Always wondered for those who’ve had an issue, if too much bleach is used. A little goes a long way.
@@iLoveRVlife True that. And anyone who has ever filled a canteen from a "water buffalo" in the field that was filled with treated water during a military career will barely notice the taste.
Very good info. For those who full time, can you use the city water while you're waiting the 24 hours?
Hi Jean. Great question. No. You're also sanitizing the water lines too. Flushing the toilet won't hurt, but you want those drinking lines sanitized. Grab a gallon of water to get you through the day. Jerry...
Might be a little difficult with an RV but alternating hot and cold water will break the bond between the chlorine and the plastic getting rid of the smell quickly.
Thanks for the tip.
Thank you for the video just one question new to rving. We purchased ours and went right to rv park and tested unit out have not used fresh water tank yet guess i should have to test pump. Should this procedure be used before using it for first time and again thank you. Utube is amazing felt like i new what i was doing on our first trip from all the informative information i learned from your channel and others
Thanks Wayne. Suggest this for a new tank. Don’t know what may have happened during the installation.
If you're full timing and using the tank all the time, do you still sanitize every year?
Depends on your water source. Only if I thought any of the water source used was sketchy.
So your open I nv the water just enough to get the bleach smell out and turning it off and leaving it for 24 hrs. Is that correct?
Connie, fill the fresh water tank with the solution then turn on the water pump. Run water through all the faucets. You’ll notice a slight chlorine smell then stop. Turn off water pump and let set for 24 hours. Drain tank, refill with fresh water and flush all lines.
hi , thanks for the video !!
Glad to share.
Thank you for this information. Question, what’s and where did you get the shut offs for the water dumps under your rig? Special ones?
Hi Jim. They came from the factory.
They look to be standard pex supply line shutoffs found at any big box store
Hello, just want to confirm that running bleach through the water heater ( I have Truma AquaGo) wil not harm the heater?
No issues as long as you follow the dilute and purge the lines after 24 hours.
Hello, I bought a 1978 class c and fully restored 90% over 2 and a half years. I want to take it on a trip for the first time from Michigan to Arizona January 1st 2019.
I have zero clue as to what to do with the water tanks? I can see one large tank under the bottom bunk in the bunkhouse and I want to clean the tanks now before cold weather sets in. This way when i arrive in Arizona i can fill the ( potable and drinking) tanks there.
Thank you ahead if you can help me to know if they are for sure clean after any process you give me 😉😊
I'll give this a shot and assume as with most RVs you have only one fresh water tank. Follow the steps in the video. The bleach solution does the work. Make sure you also run the solution in your water lines. After 24 hours, all the bad things will be gone.
@@iLoveRVlife Thank you so much 😊 I figured that it would help but I just am not sure how old either tank is? I have a connection for city water and fresh drinking water so I may have multiple tanks? I will give this a try but it's just hard not being able to see the inside of the tanks and lines.
Thanks again for your help 👍
Take care.
No worries on the city connection. This usually bypasses the water tank. You should have a separate fill for the tank and a pump for pressure. Have fun with the RV. Jerry...
Where did you dump all the chlorinated water from cleaning the tanks?
Our sewer knock out.
Hi! First time rv owner. My freshwater tank is empty right now, I have to sanitize this tank and I wanted to sanitize the toilet holding tank (black water). So I understand do you have to treat the tank with bleach and a gallon of water. And in addition fill the tank with 40 gallons, flush, and refill?
Hi Gabrielle. You add 1/4 cup of bleach per 10 gallons of water. In my instance, I have a 40 gallon tank. I add a cup (4 quarters) to a gallon of water. Pour in the fresh tank and fill with water. Run through faucets for a minute, sit for 24 hours, then rinse. I’d suggest not bleaching the black tank. Nothing to improve. If you have build up in the black tank, flush with a wand. Also use an enzyme such as Happy Campers or RV Digest-It to manage the black tank. This will keep the crud build up to a minimum. Hope this helps.
We have our trailer at a seasonal site. We typically go up every weekend or every other weekend throughout the season. I dump the tanks after each weekend (there are 4 of us). Do you add treatment after each dump or would you put the treatment in less frequently?
I add the treatment with a gallon or so of water even if we’re at the end of the trip. If something is left in the tank, this will keep from hardening and will be release when the tank fills back up and is dumped on your next trip.
Hey thank you Jerry, Great video. I just have a couple of questions. Whenever I do this process, it's right before my 1st trip. (Heading out West for 78 days this Sunday) And it's while I am still winterized with antifreeze in the system and my bypass is off to my hot water heater. So I usually sanitize the system the night before I leave and then when I get to my 1st stop I desensitize and dewinterize at the same time. (Well the dewinterizing actually happens when I add the bleech water to the system). But doing it this way, my hot water heater does not get sanitized with bleach. Someone told me this is OK because the hot water heater makes the water so hot that that sanitizes the system in the HW tank. But what do you think? By the way, I would like to sanitize my hot water heater but I just don't know how I would do that when my system is winterized and the bypass is off. I don't want anti freeze in my hot water heater. I did that once and it took forever to get rid of the antifreeze. Thank you.
I’ve never sanitized the water heater. I have a video showing how to flush and check the anode rod th-cam.com/video/uMVF82N2sk4/w-d-xo.html Other than calcium build up, I haven’t experienced any mold or algae build up. I suspect the continuous high temps prevent the bad stuff from occurring. Also less of a concern since we don’t use the water heater for drinking or cooking water.
@@iLoveRVlife Thank you for your detailed response, Jerry. For some reason I thought you said in this video that you have the bypass open and you sanitize your hot water heater. I'm going to have to go back and listen again. And I don't have the rod thingie in mine. It's the kind without that . Thanks again.
@@iLoveRVlife Hey Jerry I just listened again and @ 6:35 you say you're going to fill your hot water tank. Isn't that the same as the hot water heater?
True. We did the video after we got some sketchy water from a campground. If we’ve had year with good water, I skip.
@@iLoveRVlife ok, thank you
I have a 2015 Crossroads Cruiser Air RK28. I have been all under it all through the cabinets. I have found a lot of things. But I have not found the drain for the water tank. The folks we bought it from never used the fresh tank. Just city water. They had put water in the tank but didn't know how to drain it. When I bought it I thought no big deal how hard can it be to find a valve. I have had a fifth wheel for several years. Called the factory nice young lady she didn't have a clue. Tech help said it was too old from them to have any info. Really 2015?? Service wouldn't take the call. My tank is in the floor someplace I can see the fill hose running down. I did find the over flow. There is another hose next to it with a cap on it. Thought I had gotten lucky. About a quart of water came out. Thought It may be plugged. Hooked a hose to it and blew through. It didn't have any resistance or blow bubbles. Anyone have a suggestion?
Hi Mike. I found a 2014 Crossroads owners manual at www.crossroadsowners.com/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=7 You’ll need to register on the forum to download. Betting there’s other 2015 owners on the forum and you might want to post the question.
Mike, one more link that may help www.crossroadsowners.com/forums/f13/fresh-water-tank-drain-8857.html
We were just wondering how to do this! Thank you!
Glad to help Gloria.
I have been RVing for a few years - after some bad experiences with poor quality campground water I never use my fresh water tank for drinking . cooking etc. My fresh water is only used for grey water source. Bottled water only for cooking , drinking !!
Thay can happen. We always use a 2 part water filter from the water source. Plus cleaning once a year or if you ever use a questionable source helps. Joan is particular about the taste of water. We always have bottled water for her sweet tea.
Great tip, thanks for the video!
Thanks Mike. Glad to share.
Do you go through the hot water heater too?
I don’t.
Awesome video and information!
I'm an RV newbie. My in-laws recently let us start using their 1997 5th wheel 27 foot Dutchmen for full-time living. It's been kept in great condition. We moved it to Phoenix area and I'm assuming they sanitized the water tank, hopefully on a regular basis.
We are currently hooked up to water on our RV site, but I've noticed the water is real cloudy. Although Phoenix is noted for having hard water, I've never seen anything like this before. My cleaned dishes have a white dust coating them after the water drys on them. We added a TastePur RV water filter on the outside water line in hopes it would reduce some of this sediment, but it hasn't touched it. Which has me wondering if there's build up in the water lines. We actually drink this water by using a ZeroGravity filter in our fridge. Do you think it is possible there is buildup in the water lines or perhaps even deterioration of the lines?
Thanks so much. Glad you found the channel helpful. First, I'd check with the neighbors an see if they have the same issue. Then run a test of your water. Disconnect the water hose and filter from the camper and turn back on with water going into a clear glass. If it's cloudy, there are elements in the water source which may be more than your single stage filter can handle. You'll need to go to a multi-stage filter to try and remedy. This can be a little pricey with no guarantee. Here's a cheap solution amzn.to/2UqSL4c with two stages, one a 5 micron and the second a .5 micron. This one has a similar filter set up, but the structure is more substantial amzn.to/2Iv91jp. If it is fine sediment, the .5 micron should help remove the contaminants. Second, if the water source is clear, then perform the 24 hour system sanitize. Could be something in the lines and the diluted chlorine will kill it. You can grab a couple of gallons of water to get you through the 24 hours. Hope this helps. Jerry...
recently ive heard not to run bleach thru the hot water heater. is that an issue?
I usually don’t unless we got into to some sketchy water. If left for long periods of time it can cause corrosion. If it’s something you need to do, make sure it gets a good flush. Pull the anode rod and flush with a water heater wand like this amzn.to/3e2ftPF
I love your channel. Im learning so much.
Thanks so much Patricia. Glad we can share.
A GREAT informative video. Thank you for making the video!
Thanks William. Glad we could share.
Hello Jerry I saw in your video your drain valves on the bottom that you would drain the water out completely. Would you happen to have an Amazon link or what is the name for that I like to get some for my camper. Thank you
They're shark bites from lowes
Thank you
I’ve heard others using hydrogen peroxide rather than the bleach. They stated that the bleach can eat away at the seals and the bleach smell and taste can stay around for a while.
Hi Randy. Hydrogen peroxide is powerful stuff. Not sure what the mix formula would be. This is a once a year process. With just 24 hours of exposure, I doubt at this level the diluted bleach would have any impact on the tank or seals, but it definitely zaps algea and bateria. Running a tank of fresh water usually knocks out the smell and taste. Jerry....
Good morning Jerry 👍👍👍✌
Hi Robert.
Hello, Jerry. Newbie question here...I didn’t hear any mention of removing the pump filter. Do you generally keep the pump filter in and run the chlorinated water through it or remove the filter prior to pumping the water through? Thank you!
Hi Jason. Good question. If this is the screen filter next to the pump, leave it in. You don't want to risk a speck of sand or dirt entering the pump. It could damage. If you're RV has a cartridge filter, I'd remove. This would be a good time to replace. Jerry...
Can I just add the bleach and fill the tank. Then drive around the corner to mix it in the water tank, park it and drain it at the outlet on side of driveway?
Good question. No need to drive around. If you start with an empty tank, it will mix. I add the bleach to a gallon of water just so I don't splash bleach all over me and the camper. You have to let it sit for 24 hours to kill whatever may be growing in the tank and the water lines. It's just the chemical action needed not a scrubbing process. No problem draining the water tank on the driveway. The bleach is diluted enough to not cause any harm. Jerry....
Plus just driving around and then draining the tank will not sanitize all the plumbing lines up to your spigots etc. Jerry's method will sanitize the entire system. After sanitizing the system, I will add Camco Drinking Water Freshener to the tank as well.
I wanna get a 5th wheel later on, what truck do you use to pull that thing with? Please let me know and thank you very much!!
This is a 2014 Ford F-350, Dually with the turbo diesel. Great truck.
Hi Jerry, Quick question for you. After you sanitize the system to include hot water tank, after dumping the tanks and filling up with fresh water from a city water source how long can the water sit in the fresh tank and water heater before it becomes a problem ? I would think that draining the tanks a second time and leaving them sit empty would invite trouble, but I could be wrong. The most the tanks would sit with water between use is 4-6 weeks.
Once the tank has been sanitized, the bleach kills particles in the tank. The water is to be used, not long term storage. We use our tank in a week to 10 days. Sure, some residual water is left when the tank is drained, but as long as the water is treated, it shouldn’t be a problem. There’s always some concern trusting the water source used to fill the tank. We take an extra step and use a water filter after the hose. We’ve never had an issue leaving the tank dry for short periods and filling as needed.
OK, Thanks. I was thinking of using the Camco water treatment stuff for leaving the tank full for a few weeks at a time. The water source is the city water for our house. Its good treated water. With that and the camco treatment do you think leaving the water in there a few weeks is a bad idea ? I was thinking after flushing the bleach solution out then leaving it empty would cause some unwanted growth, but I could be wrong.
I’ve never used the Camco treatment. Has good Amazon comments. Since city water is chlorinated, FEMA states it can be stored for up to 6 months. I’ve never gone that long, maybe a couple of weeks with no bad tastes.
Ok, Great. Thank You for all the help. I went and ordered some goodies off your Amazon for my TT. Keep up with the good videos and information.
Thanks a bunch and always glad to help.
We have a water filter under the kitchen sink. Is it okay to leave the filter in place?
I wouldn’t. Depending on type, remove and container will be sanitized as well.
Thanks, Jerry. Good information.
Hi Linda. Glad we could help. Jerry...
As a younger single man I've avoided using my tanks entirely. My theory is that once I start running water through this trailer that's when everything is gonna start falling apart because of moisture, bacteria, mold etc. Hoping to abstain from using my water or waste tanks at all until WWIII starts and I have to hide out in the desert for a few years.
Hello! I watched a couple of crappy TH-cam videos that recommended i use the fresh water tank to winterize with the rv antifreeze. Will this process help clear out the antifreeze residue from my fresh water tank? Also when clearing out the chlorine from my lines, is it harmful to leave the chlorine water in the gray tank until we go camping again? We have one more trip set for the end of September.
Michael, it will help. For me, filling my fresh water tank with antifreeze would tank over 40 gallons. A little over kill. Super simple to use the bypass valve into the lines. This will help clear out the antifreeze residue. I wouldn’t leave the diluted chlorine in the tank more the 24 hours. It could age to tank, plus may be a little harder to get the chlorine taste out of the stored water later.
Jerry you keep saying chlorine but when you started you said you were mixing bleach in your water. Please let me know which chemical you used. Thanks Bill
Sorry for the confusion. Any household bleach. Plain Clorox or a generic.
@@iLoveRVlife: thank you for your reply... :)
Hey Jerry, how bout dem cowboys?! 😂🤣 Lol
Did you / do you disconnect from any city water connection before turning on the water pump? Is the water pump used solely and only for pumping water out of the Fresh Water holding tank? Please advise, thank you!
Hi David. We never use the water pump if we're connected to a city water connection. The water pump is only needed to draw water from the fresh water tank. Jerry...
i understand that, maybe i didn’t ask my question very clearly.
1) when using the freshwater tank with the pump, is it necessary to close the inlet to the city water or,
2) when the pump is being used in concert with the freshwater tank, is the fact that the city water still connected automatically ignored until the pump is turned off?
In other words, how does the water system “know” which location you are asking the water to come from, when there is water available from both locations? and.....
would it cause any problems if one would (albeit maybe not necessary) leave the city water hooked up while simultaneously utilizing water (pump on) from the freshwater tank? Much thanks for your reply and patience!!
Hi David. Not sure why both city water and fresh tank would be used at the same time. Most RVs have a back flow valve that prevents the city water from flowing into the tank. It also depends on the way your RV is set up if you get any benefit from the pump along with the city water. So with city water only, tank is bypassed. With pump on and city water connected, again depending on system, may try to pull water from both tank and the city source. For us, we don't use the tank/pump if connected to city water. Hope that helps.
got it, thank you for your reply!!
Do I still have to do this if My RV is at the RV park year round?
Thanks
If you're not using the fresh water tank. Less of an issue for full time locations and trusted water sources.
If you drain the tanks in the driveway, does the run off kill the grass?
It's such a small amount of chlorine it has no affect. It doesn't even discolor the driveway.
Can I use vinegar instead of bleach?
That's a great question Sandy. I'm not a chemist and I know I'll probably start a fire storm response to this, but I wouldn't. Here's why. The small amount of bleach sitting for 24 hours is used to kill bacteria. We would need to use a substantial amount of vinegar as a disinfectant. Plus vinegar doesn’t kill all bacteria. For anyone that wants to chime in, it comes down to what you trust. A little bleach kills the gremlins that can live in water. I know if this process is used, I won't get a stomach bug from bad water.
Great Vid. Thanks for the TIP.
Thanks much. Glad we could help. Jerry...
I sincerely thought Jerry Jones for a second took time outta his very rich life to show us this
Too funny. If it would have been Jerry Jones, he would be driving a Prevost 😏
At first i thought, "you would think Jerry would have someone doing this chore for him" then after a minute i realized it was not Jerry. Love your videos by the way. Extremely helpful
Thanks Rod.
So do you drain sanitized water into the grey tank? Draining then and sanitizing the grey tank...TIA
Hi Jane. Most campers have a tap under the camper to drain the water from the cold and hot lines. This will drain the tank on the ground. It's fresh water, so no harm to the area. Step 1, drain the water tank. Step 2, sanitize and wait 24 hours. Step 3, drain tank and refill. Flush lines. Most of the time, the last step has enough diluted water that you won't need to drain the tank a 2nd time. Hope this helps. Jerry...
Jerry - thanks for this video - I need to do this! I know there’s a valve under the sink which I’ve opened to drain my fresh water tank, but, as Jane has asked - would it not be a good thing to run all your taps and have the chlorinated water run into your grey tank (having emptied your grey tank first, of course), let it sit there for 24 hours also, then drain your grey tank into the sewer connection, thereby sanitizing your grey tank too? Get double use out of that chlorinated water!? This of course pretty much means you can’t use your rig for 2 days, but it seems like a good idea to me if you can swing it. What am I missing?
I doubt any harm. There is that time factor, plus running the pump (for me 40 gallons) till I empty the fresh water tank. I treat my gray tank once a month anyway with 2 scoops of Happy Camper. It will help dissolve the soap film, grease and food particles that build up from use. Jerry...
Happy new year jerry from Alabama
Happy New Year Rickey.
Thanks god bless
Glad we could help.
Where did you get the water house quick connect?
Purchased off Amazon. All brass. amzn.to/3i7i083
Any concerns with draining the chlorinated water onto the ground?
No worry. Is highly diluted. 1/4 cup per 10 gallons of water.
Thank You!!
My pleasure Fred.
Verry nice video
Thanks Robert
At 5:45, you say this is not for your fresh water but for your water tank. Huh? I'm confused. We only have one water tank. Please help me understand what you mean. BTW, great video!
Thanks a bunch Linda. By fresh water, I’m referring to a city water connection and not using the water tank. More of a slang expression, I should have been clearer.
Thank you so much.
You bet! Glad we could share.
Replace your water filter located under your kitchen sink also if your fortunate to have water filter Amazon has them.
Great tip for those higher end units. Thanks for sharing.
Here's a free hint. Get an inline plastic or brass valve for your water line; plastic costs about $3 and brass, about $8. You can hook up the hose, to the faucet bib, turn on the water, then connect your little hose to the valve, on the end of the regular hose, then just turn on the valve.
Great tip Patrick. Thanks for sharing. Jerry...
Hey Gerry have you ever camped around gulf shores Alabama ? If so could you name a few campgrounds in that area that you liked ?
We have and love it. There's a very nice state park across from the beach. Just minutes from the campground to the beach. We're Escapee members and usually stay a few minutes up the road in Springdale. Great park. Very reasonably priced. Full hook ups and very large double size lots. We love this area. The locals are so friendly. Love the fresh sea food. Shoot! I need to start making plans to head back. Safe travels. Jerry...
I do not have a bypass for my water heater is it necessary to have one in order to do this.
Hi Rosie. You don’t have to. Only issue will be the hot water tank will also fill. When you drain the main water tank and lines, you should pull the anode rod in the water heater to drain as well. This will also be a good time to see if the anode rod should be replaced.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones look alike 😂😂😂😂
No, not even close. This Jerry looks younger and more handsome.
With a much smaller bank account.
Oh my. LIA. Blushing a bit....🤭
Thanks 😊
My pleasure.
Jerry I have a new RV, should this be done the 1st time I use it or just flush with clean water. Thanks
I would sanitize. No telling how long it sat or what it may have picked up at the factory.
Will this get rid of sulfur smell
We had a couple months in Florida and the sulfur smell got quite bad. This helped after we moved out of Florida and flushed the tank.
@@iLoveRVlife I thought the sulfur smell came from the water heater. Something with rod that heats the water.
That shouldn’t be the case. Usually it’s the water source. If it continues, pour a 50 50 mixture of white vinegar and water in the tank and let soak for a couple of days. You can unscrew the pressure valve in the top to fill the tank. Just make sure the water isn’t hot and the water source is turned off. Then flush it. If you’re not using an inline water filter. Those blue units will also help.
Question: When in campground and hooked up to their water, does that water go through the Trailer Water Tank on its way out the faucet? We have not sanitized our water holding tank because we always use hookup but now you have me wondering if that water still goes through the water tank?
The water bypasses the tank. If you’re using good water sources and the camper doesn’t sit for long periods of time, your lines should be good.
My understanding is that the hook up "city" water from a spigot does not go into the fresh water holding tank but rather goes directly through to the water lines. You need the water pump to run to get water out of the fresh water holding tank. Hope this helps.
i was wondering how to do that. thank you
Glad to help.
Thank you I need to do that to mine
We usually sanitize out tanks and water lines every spring. Also a good time to inspect the water heater anode rod and see if needs replacing.
Yep I just replace that rod
I've been drinking the water out of my unsanitized tanks for 2 years. Maybe I should do this
It’s a little like insurance. Never know when it's need, but glad it's done if something happens.