Been wondering about this for a while. I try to do it every other trip, I don't want to take any chances with bacteria growth, etc. growing in the tank.

I sanitize by filling it up and adding one cup of household bleach, running all the faucets till bleach water comes out, letting it sit a few hours or even overnight.

To remove chlorine odor, I drain tank, refill, add a box of baking soda, run all faucets, drain once again.

Anybody to this different? Is there an easier way?

Thanks!

P.S. I have heard of some people keeping the fresh water tank full for emergency situations, i.e. earthquakes, any thoughts or concerns doing this?

I rinse 1-2 times per season similar to what you described. I have had good luck draining the tank and leaving the drains open. Never had a foul smell from the tank or any other signs of bacteria or mold.

Going through that particular process every other trip sounds like overkill. Maybe once a season. I just add a couple tablespoons of bleach each time I fill up.

Is it city water? most cities treat the water. It sits in their tanks and lines until it comes out the spout. I dont hink it should be bad to sit in your tank... I do drain it completely every three or four trips. And I refill it so I have 150gal of emergency water in the driveway...

I think every other time is overkill.

I usually do this a couple of times a year. Once at the beginning of dune season and once before the first camping trip in the summer. In AZ in the summer is doesn't take long for the water to start to smell.

Next week they're going to release a report that indicates excessive chlorine releases carcinogens from the plastic tank into the water.

The following week they're going to release another report that indicates that the fluoride put in our water system, will counteract with the chlorines ability to release carcinogens from the plastic tank into the water, thus there will be no affect at all.

Except we'll glow in the dark from the interaction from the fluoride and the chlorine.

IF everyone glows, then we will save on batteries ........

I should add that I usually forget to put the caps on the tank after draining them while on the way home and my two pit bull love to chit and pee on both sides and in front of my trailer. I clean it up every day after work but can't help but think some of that bacteria may make it's way to the drain openings and some of it inside the tank.

A little paranoid, maybe, but I would rather be safe than sorry. Just gotta remember to put on those darn caps!

I don't drink the water....

I just recently opened up and drained a 60 gallon blue barrel I've had water stored in for 15 years (at least).

Caps were sealed and I'm sure I sanitized it prior to filling. Barrel was stored in a shed, usually dark.

The water that came out smelled fine, no odor. Did not find any mold/algae inside. There was a little scale that had formed.

As previously stated, city water is already treated. I do however sanitize the trailer at the beginning of the season. I drink it through a filter.

never.

If i don't drink the water do I still need to do this? Just purchased me first toyhauler this january.

Yes but I would only do it every 12-16 months.. 16 months if your always using clean city water and drain your tanks.

With the moho I drain the tank maybe once every year. Haven't sanitized it (five years and counting) but I always add water treatment every time I fill. I figure that plus the chlorination the water district does should be enough. We don't drink it, but there's never been an issue (tastes fine when I brush my teeth).

My first toyhauler, the water tank was translucent and slung under the frame (exposed to daylight, in other words). I never had a problem since I always treated, but the family I sold it to had an algae growth after a summer of sitting half-full in Santa Clarita. They were filling with well water BTW.

So; treating with chlorine + no daylight for photosynthesis = no plants in my water

I just add 1 cup of chlorine every other time I fill my tanks. I don't drain them, I use the water on the next trip and we never drink it. I usually leave my tanks full at home in case of an earthquake.

Is it bad to have your tanks filled for a long period of time like 3mths in the summer for emergency water? I would think it would be a lot of weight on those straps and a lot of stress on the tanks for three mths.

Once at the beginning of the season and once at the end. Pretty much the same cleaning process you mentioned, but I don't do the baking soda rinse.

I fill mine at each trip and pull the plug at the end of each trip and drain it dry. I then leave the drain valve open until the next trip for it to air dry. I have been doing this for 3 years and no funk issue. I don't drink my water though... just for showers, sink, and flushing.

In over three years I've never sanitized and never had any oder or color issues. I use city water to fill and never drink it (I do use it to brush teeth). I have drained the tanks completely once (150 gal). I guess putting a little bleach in at every fill can't hurt,,I should probably do that.

How big are your water tanks? 1,000 gallons?

If you add 1 cup of chlorine to even 200 gal of water, the smell would be so overwhelming, you wouldn't want to bathe in it.

Esco added 2 cups (spelled "capfuls" but he translated to "cups" ) of chlorine to his moho tank and esco lady had to come over and shower in our rig. Just opening their faucet cleared out your sinuses better than sudafed!

Those of you all gung-ho to add chlorine to your water tanks, might wanna ease up a bit. It's a poison, and 2 ounces in 120 gal of water will kill every organism in the tank, and your digestive tract if you cook with it or drink any of it.

*Ratio of Clorox Bleach to Water for Purification
• 2 drops of Regular Clorox Bleach per quart of water
• 8 drops of Regular Clorox Bleach per gallon of water
• 1/2 teaspoon Regular Clorox Bleach per five gallons of water
• If water is cloudy, double the recommended dosages of Clorox Bleach.
• Only use Regular Clorox Bleach not Fresh Scent or Lemon Fresh.
• To insure that Clorox Bleach is at its full strength, replace your storage bottle every three months.)

So for 150 gallons of water use 15 Teaspoons of Clorox bleach

I don't know about drinking it, been in plenty of pools with chlorine in them and never got sick, just bloodshot eyes, I know some of the water made it into my belly! Unless it's a different kind of chlorine used in pools.

Pool people on here know anything about this?

I did the bleach thing a couple seasons ago, and ran it through all the faucets, etc,, well... I forgot to drain the hot water heater, my wife got the first shower, and holy crap, she was NOT a happy camper. She did look all pink and clean though.....

I haven't sanitized and I have not noticed any odor (3 years). It’s a MH so it rarely sees light. We use it for showers, washing flushes and brushing. However.... we do fill the dog’s bowl. I wonder if chlorine would be good for her?

That sucks! Hope she didn't get you too bad.

Thanks for the reminder on the water heater though - I'm getting ready to flush my system.

J

One thing about water heaters, if you ever need to pull out the drain plug on the tank, make sure you relieve all residual water pressure from the system. I pulled the plug once, and it exploded in my face, with so much force, it actually pushed water back inside my eyes, and felt like I did a face plant while water skiing. ouch. Lucky for me, it was COLD water that nailed me. If it was hot, I would surely be effed up BAD.

I Have had my trailer for 4 years and I have never left the tanks empty for more than 24 hours and drain them fully twice a year. top off every trip and add water purifier/bleach every time. I have never had smelly or discolored water. and no strap problems. maybe i am lucky but it works for me.