RV Sanitation Tips for Fresh Water and Sewer

RV sanitation refers to the proper way to clean and take care of your RV when you go on camping trips. To keep your RV in good shape, it's important to do things like use the correct chemicals to clean your bathroom and make sure your water is clean and free from bacteria. Here are some simple steps to follow:

To keep your bathroom clean, use special chemicals that help get rid of bad smells and break up waste. Use toilet paper that's made specifically for RVs so you don't have any problems with your sewer.

To sanitize your water, you need to make sure bacteria doesn't grow in your RV's tank and plumbing system. If bacteria is present - it could make you and your family sick if ingested accidentally. To ensure a clean and safe bathroom and fresh water experience while on your camping trip, follow these instructions to clean your Fresh Water Tank using Thetford's Fresh Water Tank Sanitizer Detergent and Sanitizer Treatment:

To clean the Fresh Water tank, follow these steps:

1. Empty the tank and add concentrated detergent solution to the fresh water tank. The amount of solution needed is 1 ounce for every 4 gallons of tank capacity. For example, if your tank is 40 gallons, you need to add 10 fl oz of detergent.
2. Fill the tank with water and run the diluted detergent solution through each faucet, shower, and water outlet for about a minute.
3. Empty the tank and flush it and the faucet lines with clean water. This will prepare you for step 2. Important tips:

• Use the markings on the label to measure the proper dilutions.
• If there is no direct opening in the tank, you can add solutions through a water filter canister (with the filter removed) or by pouring the solution into a hose and connecting the hose to the external water inlet.

To sanitize the interior hard non-porous surfaces of the water holding tanks, follow these steps:

1. Shut off the incoming water line.
2. Wash the units/tanks with the enclosed compatible detergent and rinse them with potable water before sanitizing.
3. Prepare a solution of 2 ounces of product per 8 gallons of water (200 ppm active quaternary).
4. Apply the solution or circulate it (if possible) to wet all surfaces and allow it to contact the surfaces for at least 60 seconds.
5. Drain the unit.
6. Return to service by opening the incoming water lines.

When dumping your waste tanks, make sure all the connections are tight and there aren't any leaks. And when using a public RV sanitation station, leave it even cleaner than when you found it. Treat others the way you want to be treated!  It costs nothing to be kind!  

Remember, keeping your RV clean and well-maintained is important for it to continue serving you on all of your camping trips! So be good to your rig!

How Often Should I Sanitize my RV Fresh Water Tank?

It's generally recommended to sanitize your RV fresh water tank at least once a year, or any time you notice an odor.  Generally speaking, many people do not drink the fresh water from their RV - they only use it for hand washing, showers, and washing dishes, etc.. - for drinking purposes they use bottled water. 

The frequency of sanitization can depend on how often you use your RV, the quality of the water you're using, and how well you clean and maintain your tank.

If you're using your RV frequently or traveling to areas with poor water quality, you may want to sanitize your tank more frequently. On the other hand, if you're not using your RV very often, you may be able to go longer between sanitizations.

In addition to regular sanitization, it's important to always use a high-quality water filter to help maintain the cleanliness of your fresh water tank. Also, be sure to follow proper maintenance procedures for your RV's water system, such as flushing the system regularly and draining the tank when not in use for extended periods of time.

How Long Can I Keep Fresh Water in my RV Tank? 

The length of time you can keep fresh water in your RV tank depends on several factors, including the temperature, the quality of the water, and how well the tank is maintained.

As a general rule, it's best to replace the water in your RV tank every 2-3 days to ensure freshness and avoid the growth of bacteria and other contaminants. However, if you're using a high-quality water filter and the water source is clean and free of contaminants, you may be able to keep the water in your tank for up to a week.

If you plan to store your RV for an extended period of time, it's important to drain and sanitize the fresh water tank before storing to prevent the growth of bacteria and other contaminants. It's also a good idea to drain and refill the tank before each trip to ensure that the water is fresh and safe to use.

Overall, it's important to regularly monitor the quality and freshness of the water in your RV tank and take steps to maintain it properly to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.

What is the Difference Between Black Tank and Gray Tank in RV? 

In an RV, the black tank and gray tank are two separate tanks that serve different purposes.

The black tank is a holding tank for wastewater from the RV toilet. This tank is usually located directly beneath the toilet and is connected to the RV plumbing system. The black tank is designed to hold and contain solid waste and toilet paper until it can be properly disposed of at a dump station.

The gray tank, on the other hand, is a holding tank for wastewater from the RV's sinks, shower, and kitchen. This tank is located beneath the RV and is also connected to the RV plumbing system. The gray tank holds and contains water that has been used for cleaning and personal hygiene until it can be properly disposed of at a dump station.

The main difference between the black tank and gray tank is the type of wastewater they hold. The black tank holds only waste and wastewater from the RV toilet, while the gray tank holds wastewater from the RV's sinks, shower, and kitchen.

It's important to regularly empty and clean both the black tank and gray tank to prevent buildup and ensure proper functioning of the RV plumbing system. 

Think about getting a RHINO BLASTER from Camco RV for rinsing your Black and Gray Tanks!  It provides a degree angle and allows water to flow up the center of the pipes directly to the tank. Regular tank rinsing helps reduce unwanted odors, keeps the sensors clean to ensure an accurate reading, and reduces the risk of clogs! 

How Long Can I Leave Sewage in My RV Tank?

It's generally recommended to not leave sewage in your RV tank for more than 3 to 4 days. Leaving sewage in your tank for an extended period of time can lead to a buildup of bacteria and unpleasant odors, as well as potential damage to your RV's plumbing system.

To prevent problems with your RV sewage system, it's best to dump your tanks regularly, ideally when they are at least two-thirds full. You can find dump stations at many RV parks and campgrounds, or you can use a portable waste tank and dump it at a designated dump station.

If you need to store your RV for an extended period of time with sewage in the tank, it's best to first dump and flush the tank thoroughly, and then add a tank treatment product designed to break down waste and prevent odors. This can help prevent issues with the tank and plumbing system when you're ready to use your RV again.

How Do I Flush and Clean the Black Tank in My RV?

Here is a step-by-step guide to flushing and cleaning your RV black tank:

1. Before starting, put on gloves and protective clothing to avoid contact with any waste materials. Masks are also recommended so as not to ingest sewage or bodily fluids. Your safety is important to us!  
2. Locate the RV dump station and position your RV over the dump hole.
3. Open the black tank valve and let the contents drain out completely.
4. Close the black tank valve and open the gray tank valve to flush out any remaining debris.
5. Use a black tank wand or high-pressure hose to spray water into the toilet and flush out any remaining waste from the black tank.
6. Add a specially formulated black tank cleaner to the tank, following the instructions on the product label.
7. Fill the black tank with enough water to cover the bottom of the tank.
8. Drive or tow the RV around for a few minutes to agitate the water and cleaner in the tank.
9. Drain the tank again, and repeat steps 5-8 as necessary until the water runs clear and there is no visible debris or waste.
10. When the tank is fully cleaned, close the black tank valve and open the gray tank valve to drain any remaining water.
11. Once the tanks are empty, flush them with fresh water to ensure they are completely clean.
12. Close all valves and disconnect the sewer hose.
13. Clean and sanitize the toilet and surrounding areas thoroughly with a disinfectant cleaner.

By following these steps, you should be able to flush and clean your RV black tank effectively and help prevent issues with your RV plumbing system.

Can I Put Bleach in My RVs Black Water Tank?

While bleach can be an effective cleaning agent for many surfaces and appliances in your RV, it is not recommended to put bleach in your black water tank in an RV. The black water tank is designed to hold human waste, and adding bleach to it can be dangerous and cause damage to the tank's system.

Bleach is a strong chemical that can be corrosive to the seals and components in the black water tank, causing leaks or other problems. Additionally, bleach can kill off the beneficial bacteria that help break down the solid waste in the tank, making it more difficult to properly empty and maintain the tank.

If you need to clean your RV's black water tank, there are specialized RV tank cleaners available that are designed to be safe and effective for use in black water tanks. These cleaners contain enzymes and bacteria that help break down the solid waste and prevent odors.

It's important to follow the instructions for any cleaning product that you use in your black water tank, and to avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners that can damage the system or harm the environment.

What Kind of Chemicals Should I Use in My RV Toilet? 

When it comes to choosing chemicals for your RV toilet, there are several options available. Here are some of the most common types of chemicals and their uses:

1. Toilet Bowl Cleaners: These are used to clean the toilet bowl itself and remove stains and odors. Look for a product that is specifically designed for RV toilets to avoid damage to the plumbing system.
2. Tank Treatments: These are used to break down waste and control odors in the black water tank. Tank treatments come in liquid or drop-in tablet form and usually contain enzymes, bacteria, or chemicals to break down waste and reduce odors.
3. Deodorizers: These are used to mask odors in the RV bathroom and black water tank. Deodorizers come in many forms, including sprays, gels, and drop-ins, and are available in a variety of scents.

When choosing chemicals for your RV toilet, it's important to avoid using household cleaners or chemicals that could damage the RV plumbing system or contaminate the environment. Look for products that are specifically designed for RV use and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Additionally, some RVers prefer to use natural or eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical products. For example, you can use baking soda and vinegar to clean and deodorize your RV toilet, or choose tank treatments and deodorizers made with natural enzymes or bacteria.

Should I Use any Chemicals in my Bathroom Sink or Shower Drain in my RV? 

Generally, there is no need to use chemicals in your RV bathroom sink or shower drain unless you have a specific issue to address, such as a clog or unpleasant odor. In most cases, regular cleaning with soap and water is sufficient to keep your drains clean and functioning properly.

However, if you do need to use a chemical product to address a specific issue, be sure to choose a product that is safe for use in an RV and will not damage the plumbing system or contaminate the environment. Look for products that are specifically designed for RV use, or consult with a professional if you're unsure which product to use.

It's also important to avoid pouring any harsh chemicals down your RV sink or drains, as they can damage the plumbing system and harm the environment. Instead, dispose of chemicals properly at a designated hazardous waste collection site or recycling center.

To keep your RV bathroom sink and shower drain functioning properly, it's a good idea to avoid pouring grease, food particles, and other debris down the drains. Use drain screens to catch any debris and clean them regularly. Additionally, avoid using too much water at once in the bathroom sink or shower, as this can lead to drainage problems.

How Do I Sanitize My RV Gray Water Tank?

Sanitizing the gray water tank in an RV is not typically necessary, as the tank only holds wastewater from the sinks, shower, and kitchen, and does not contain human waste like the black water tank. However, if you notice an unpleasant odor coming from your RV's gray water tank or want to give it a deep cleaning, there are a few options! 

The easiest and quickest way to freshen up your Gray Water Tank is to use Elemonate Grey Water Tablets! 

Simple to Utilize For RV/Marine application, just insert the rapid dissolve tablet into any drain located in the kitchen, bathroom, or shower. Allow water to flow over the tablet for a brief period until it completely dissolves. Each Elemonate tablet has the capability to treat a tank or drain line with a P-trap of up to 60 gallons.

For an even deeper clean for the Grey Water Tank - try the following: 

1. Drain the gray water tank completely: Before sanitizing the tank, you need to make sure it's completely empty. To do this, locate the valve for the gray water tank and open it to allow all the water to drain out.
2. Fill the tank with fresh water: Once the tank is empty, fill it up with fresh water to about 2/3 full.
3. Add a cleaning solution: You can use a specialized RV tank cleaner - like Grey Water Tank Deodorizer by Dometic OR Grey Water Odor Control by Camco RV.  Add the solution to the tank according to the product instructions or your own mixture.
4. Drive around: Close the valve for the gray water tank and drive your RV around for about 30 minutes to allow the cleaning solution to slosh around and clean the inside of the tank.
5. Drain the tank: After driving around, open the valve for the gray water tank and drain out the cleaning solution.
6. Rinse the tank: Once the tank is drained, fill it up again with fresh water and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, drain the tank again to rinse out any remaining cleaning solution. 

By following these steps, you can sanitize your RV's gray water tank and remove any unpleasant odors or buildup inside the tank.

We hope this article has helped you understand the basics of RV Sanitation! 

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