Do you know how to drain fresh water tank on RV? Leaving water in your RV’s freshwater tank for too long can lead to bacteria growth and odor.

Furthermore, it can lead to polluted water unfit for human consumption.

So how do you drain this water? Don’t worry; we have the solution! This guide will show you the easiest and most efficient method. Read on to learn how to drain your fresh water tank easily.

How To Drain Fresh Water Tank On RV

First, make sure to park your RV on level ground. You can use a bubble level or equivalent tool to check this.

Next, begin by shutting off the water heater and pump in your RV. You should do it ahead of time to allow the water heater tank to cool down. To relieve the water pressure in the system, open all taps and showers, and flush your toilets.

Locate the low-point drain beneath your RV; you’ll find it next to your freshwater tank. These drains are easy to find. They are blue and red hoses with a valve or little plastic caps.

To begin draining the water, unscrew the caps. You’ll find the drain valve when the water is draining.

Once you’ve found the drain valve, please turn it on by pulling the handle. Allow the water to flow out until it has stopped draining.

Once that’s done, you can drain the water heater. Turn off the power to the heater at the breaker box.
Open the pressure relief valve on the top of the unit. You’ll need a 15/16″ socket, a ratchet, and an extension. Next, open the drain valve to drain the water until the water heater tank is empty. Finish up by tightening everything.

What’s An RV Fresh Water Tank?

An RV fresh water tank is a holding tank that stores fresh water for use in an RV. The tank is usually made of plastic, fiberglass, or metal and is mounted on the frame of the RV.

The water enters and leaves the tank through hoses that run along the side of the vehicle.

RV fresh water tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, all work on the same principle: they store potable water for the RV owner.

The size of the tank will vary depending on the size of the RV. The larger the RV, the larger the freshwater tank. The average tank size is around 30 gallons, but some tanks can hold up to 100 gallons.

One of the benefits of owning an RV is traveling wherever you want, whenever you want. However, before starting your road trip, you need to stock your RV with fresh water fully. That’s why many RVers store freshwater in tanks.

There are a few reasons why it’s a good idea to store fresh water in tanks. It allows you to have plenty of drinking water while on the road, for starters. It also ensures that you always have enough water to flush the toilet and take showers.

You’ll have access to freshwater for cooking and cleaning dishes. And lastly, it saves you from constantly refilling your freshwater tanks while on the road.

Why Drain Your RV Regularly?

It would help if you remembered a few things to keep your RV in good condition. One of these is not to leave water in the freshwater tank for a long period.

If you do, the water will eventually turn to algae. The algae will clog the tank and hoses and be very difficult to remove.

In addition, it can also cause corrosion on the metal parts of your RV. It is best to empty your freshwater tank after each trip.

In addition, the water will start to turn a greenish-black color and will become slimy to the touch. In short, the water becomes unsafe to consume and use on dishes.

How Long Should You Leave Fresh Water In Your RV?

You want to make sure you have enough freshwater to last on the road. But how long should you leave the fresh water in before needing to dump it and refill it again?

Here’s a general rule: You can leave fresh water in the RV tank for about 14 days before dumping it. However, this will vary depending on how often you use the RV’s fresh water and water quality.

When you’re not sure about the campground water, you should dump it at least once before the two weeks.

How Often Should You Sanitize RV Fresh Water Tank?

Sanitizing the RV tank is an important step in ensuring your water quality and preventing the spread of harmful bacteria.

It should be done once a month. Or more often if you are traveling to areas known for having high bacteria levels.

Use Bleach

There are a few different ways to sanitize your RV freshwater tank. One is to use a bleach solution. Here’s how to do it:

Mix 1 gallon of water with 1/4 cup of bleach for every 15 liters of water. Then pour this mixture into your RV freshwater tank.
You should then refill the tank with clean water and stir the bleach around well.
Next, you should open all your faucets and let the water run when you smell bleach coming from the faucets.
Turn them off and let the mixture sit for around 8 hours, then drain the tank and refill it with fresh water.
Run all of the faucets in the RV until the smell of bleach is gone. You can then fill it up again with clean water.

Use An Inline Water Filter

An inline water filter in an RV works by filtering the water into the RV. It is a great way to ensure that you always have clean, safe drinking water while on the road. The filter will remove sediment, chlorine, and other impurities from your freshwater supply.

Therefore, you can rest easy knowing that you’re getting the best possible water quality. It’s easy to install and can be attached to almost any hose. Plus, it’s affordable and available at most camping stores.

You’ll find it between the faucet and the water hose of an RV. The filter will usually have a couple of different stages that it goes through to clean the water.

Keep Potable Water Hose Clean

Keep your potable water hose clean. It’s among the most important things you can do to maintain the sanitation of your freshwater tank in your RV.

If not cleaned regularly, you allow dirt, mud, and other debris to build up inside the hose. And it will eventually make its way into your tank and could cause contamination. Fortunately, keeping your hose clean is a relatively easy task.

First, disconnect the hose from your RV and place it on the ground.

Place the potable water hose in a bucket of clean water, and allow it to soak for a few minutes.
Pour a small amount of bleach into the bucket, and stir it around with the hose.
Let the hose sit in the bleach water for a half-hour, then rinse with fresh water.
Hang the hose up to dry completely before using it again.

Where Should You Refill Your Freshwater Tank?

RVers have several options for getting water for their rigs: from campgrounds, rest stops, and other places.

Campgrounds

Campgrounds are a great option because many of them have water hookups and dump stations. The disadvantage is that they can have a large crowd of RVs. The water quality might also be questionable, especially from wells.

Rest Stops

Rest stops can be a great option, especially if traveling through rural areas. They usually have clean restrooms and vending machines, and some even have water hookups. The disadvantage is that they’re not always open, and they can be quite a distance apart.

Travel Centers

Travel centers are a great place to refill your freshwater tanks. Many travel centers have water hoses and pumps available for travelers to use. They also have a dump station, which is great for getting rid of your greywater.

They also usually have restrooms and restaurants, making them a great place to stop for a break. Furthermore, they’re open 24/7, so you can get service any time of day.

If you’re not near a campground or rest stop, you can get water from other places. You might be able to find a hose spigot at a gas station or public park.

If you’re lucky, you may come across someone willing to let you fill up your tanks from their garden hose.

Conclusion

So, do you now know how to drain fresh water tank on RV? RVs come with a freshwater tank that needs to be drained periodically. As an RV owner, you need to learn how to drain your fresh water tanks to keep your RV in good condition.

This article has provided easy-to-follow instructions on draining your RV’s freshwater tank. Therefore, you can do it yourself and avoid moldy water and bad odor, which can be harmful.