Flush out the hot water tank once a year.
1. Shut off the hot water tank and wait until the hot water cools.
2. Turn off the water supply and reduce the water pressure by opening up the hot water faucets.
3. Access and open the drain plug. (Water should pour out. Note you might want to use an object to break up
any sediment which may be blocking the plug's opening.)
4. Use a water hose to spray water into the drain hole to loosen up any other sediment. Continue to flush until
the water coming out is clean.
5. Remove the water and let tank drain.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the water coming out is clean. Continue to flush until the water coming out is clean.
7. Reinstall the drain plug.
8. Turn the water supply back on to the hot water tank.
9. Turn on the hot water faucets.
10. Wait for water to run out of the hot water faucets.
1. Shut off the hot water tank and wait until the hot water cools.
2. Turn off the water supply and reduce the water pressure by opening up the hot water faucets.
3. Access and open the drain plug. (Water should pour out. Note you might want to use an object to break up
any sediment which may be blocking the plug's opening.)
4. Use a water hose to spray water into the drain hole to loosen up any other sediment. Continue to flush until
the water coming out is clean.
5. Remove the water and let tank drain.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the water coming out is clean. Continue to flush until the water coming out is clean.
7. Reinstall the drain plug.
8. Turn the water supply back on to the hot water tank.
9. Turn on the hot water faucets.
10. Wait for water to run out of the hot water faucets.
Maintaining the holding tanks
Dump tanks when they are full. Dumping a full tank allows for greater amount of water to flush the solids in the tank.
This prevents the solids from building up
With multiple tanks, dump the dirtiest tank first. Dump the black tank first followed by the grey tank and/or tank from
the shower and sink
Clean the tanks after dumping
To clean tanks use water softener. Water softener will help loosen the solid material from the sides of the tanks.
Simply dissolve 2-3 cups of water softener in hot water and pour down the drain of the empty tank. Keep the valve
closed then use the tanks normally and drain once they are full. Do this for each tank
If you add water softener to the black tank you can also add a cup of laundry detergent to the black tank
If you want to monitor the "dirtiness" of the water when dumping, use a clear pvc/plastic elbow to connect to the
sewer drain line and the waterwaste output on your RV
Use a disposable water filter on your frershwater intake line
Add a small amount of chlorine bleach in the freshwater tank to disinfect the tank and lines. Note flush out before
using or your water will taste of bleach.
To prevent odors from the holding tanks you can add enzyme based chemicals for cleaning your holding tanks
Dump tanks when they are full. Dumping a full tank allows for greater amount of water to flush the solids in the tank.
This prevents the solids from building up
With multiple tanks, dump the dirtiest tank first. Dump the black tank first followed by the grey tank and/or tank from
the shower and sink
Clean the tanks after dumping
To clean tanks use water softener. Water softener will help loosen the solid material from the sides of the tanks.
Simply dissolve 2-3 cups of water softener in hot water and pour down the drain of the empty tank. Keep the valve
closed then use the tanks normally and drain once they are full. Do this for each tank
If you add water softener to the black tank you can also add a cup of laundry detergent to the black tank
If you want to monitor the "dirtiness" of the water when dumping, use a clear pvc/plastic elbow to connect to the
sewer drain line and the waterwaste output on your RV
Use a disposable water filter on your frershwater intake line
Add a small amount of chlorine bleach in the freshwater tank to disinfect the tank and lines. Note flush out before
using or your water will taste of bleach.
To prevent odors from the holding tanks you can add enzyme based chemicals for cleaning your holding tanks
Water supply and water system maintenance.
Use a separate water hose that is designed specifically and only for drinking water. It is a good idea to color
code your hoses so that they do not get mixed up
Use a water filter for your fresh water intake to your water tank.
If possible run your water through a purifying system
Test the water from campground sources before using. Check for clarity and odor
Keep a supply of bottled water in your RV or motorhome
If the water looks clean but you are not entirely convinced that it is safe to drink or prepare food with, you may
want to boil your water as a precautionary measure
RV water pressure is designed to be 50-70 pounds per square inch. If you want to be sure of the water
pressure from various resources you can hook up a water regulator at the faucet end of your hose
If you will be spending a lot of time in your RV you may want to consider investing in a water system
conditioner that can act as a purifier and water softener
Use a separate water hose that is designed specifically and only for drinking water. It is a good idea to color
code your hoses so that they do not get mixed up
Use a water filter for your fresh water intake to your water tank.
If possible run your water through a purifying system
Test the water from campground sources before using. Check for clarity and odor
Keep a supply of bottled water in your RV or motorhome
If the water looks clean but you are not entirely convinced that it is safe to drink or prepare food with, you may
want to boil your water as a precautionary measure
RV water pressure is designed to be 50-70 pounds per square inch. If you want to be sure of the water
pressure from various resources you can hook up a water regulator at the faucet end of your hose
If you will be spending a lot of time in your RV you may want to consider investing in a water system
conditioner that can act as a purifier and water softener
Water System Maintenance
