How To Sanitize Your RV Water System! The Easy Way!

Today I wanted to give you a walk thru of how to sanitize the RV Fresh water tank and system. It is a fairly easy process and will make your water system more usable while RVing. This is something we plan on doing once a year to our RV for maintenance and would definitely do it when getting an RV out of storage. This is the biggest step to de-winterizing your RV. Here are a few of the items we used for sanitizing the RV tanks and water system.
Water Meter amzn.to/3ZWNBzT
Bleach. amzn.to/41Y65Bc
Water Filter amzn.to/3Je2G8X
R.O. System. amzn.to/3ytA1I5
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[@AllAboutRVs]

I hope this video helps you out if you were looking for any of the stuff we used in the video here are the links. Water Meter amzn.to/3ZWNBzT Bleach. amzn.to/41Y65Bc Water Filter amzn.to/3Je2G8X R.O. System. amzn.to/3ytA1I5

[@migueltron24]

For the water filter, what type of filter are there to use, to buy them in amazon?

[@Oriskany34Ken]

Jared, another great video! I noticed that every sanitizing recommendation says to bypass the hot water tank. I wonder if that needs sanitizing as well. Is the short time the water solution is in the tank enough to really harm the tank? Looking forward to the next video! 😀

[@chachi5975]

​@@Oriskany34Ken he mentioned using vinegar but didn't show how. Chlorine will react with metals so that's why you bypass it.

[@keneastabrooks5607]

@@chachi5975 Hi! Isn’t Jared great! Yes, most seem to say that chlorine will corrode the tank. I was questioning how accurate that really is, being that the tank is exposed for such short duration, and it is a pain to put mine in bypass. Thank you for your reply!

[@salley82-vr6ce]

What about 83 Winnebago chiefan can you help me with old school system? Not enough info on u tube classic RV,s .

[@sl0rion]

Ha! Loved the literal 'night cap'

[@AllAboutRVs]

Haha, Thanks.

[@Sixer-]

I thought the same thing😂😂😂😂😂

[@scottfirman]

I would recommend doing this with your fresh water hose as well. Adding the bleach solution to the hose, filling the hose holding the end higher allowing only a small amount out then connect both ends together and laying the hose flat on the ground allows the bleach water to properly sanitize the hose. I usually flip the rolled hose over half way through the process. Flush the hose and drain well before using. Do NOT store the hose with a bleach solution in the hose over the winter.

[@ernestdesimone2234]

I also coil up my drinking water hose in a 5 gallon bucket and then flood it with bleach water to clean it inside and out, and then drain it out. Then I use the leftover bucket of bleach water to clean my dump hose ("stinky slinky").

[@Jdmorris143]

This is a great idea but a few things are missing. To achieve sanitization using 50 ppm, you must ensure the concentration did not drop below 25 ppm. Otherwise, you could have bacteria still living. If you bump that number to say 100 ppm, the wait time is 4 hours. If you use 200 ppm, the contact tone is dropped to instant. So fill it, drain it. One last note, it isn't a bad idea to drain all of the water into your black water tank. Doing this can reduce the number of coliform bacteria and halt any smell in the black water tank.

[@JustinBradleyPhotographer]

I was wondering about the black water tank, definitely going to try this next time I am hooked up or near a dump station. Thank you

[@jt7559]

How would you be able to add that much fresh water to black? Besides flushing the toilet for 3 hours?

[@Jdmorris143]

@jt7559 i only have a black water tank. No heat water. So i leave the facet and shower on.

[@averyprolawncare5273]

Thanks for the great info!! Camping season is almost here in Michigan so I came to your channel to see what I need to do. Love your videos

[@robinbabcock4620]

Truly appreciate the videos. Easy to understand, no nonsense videos. Looking to go full-time later this year, and your videos have helped with my buy list and saved videos list. Thanks!

[@mikew2046]

Great video on cleaning system. I think you missed an important step not showing how to clean all the way to and clean the screen in the pump , it doesn't take long to get buildup from the algie using water from several areas during your adventures Thanks for all you share and do

[@briandurant2145]

Loved the night cap! We just sanitized our system before we headed to Camp Gulf. Great video! Keep up the great work!

[@milts3546]

I use the sanitizer that is sold to home brewers at brewing supply stores. It is food grade and eliminates the dangers of using bleach.

[@jamesbitb]

Never thought about using the filter housing. So much easier! Great suggestion!

[@timurray2000]

I’ve always assumed the filter didn’t filter until the water is pumped OUT of the fresh water tank. I assumed the water went straight from the connection to the fresh tank, unfiltered.

[@papasammeh]

Thx for the reminder! Just did mine. Been right at about 13 months!

[@TheNovaNorm]

Brilliant to use the filter housing, thanks! BTW, the sleeping ballcap was hilarious.

[@larrywmo4]

Thank you for the great information. Worked like a charm.

[@Powerstroke98]

Great ideas on ways to get water into the tank, as ours is similar, in that water has to be pushed into the tank & lines. I like the idea of taking the filter out of the canister, and adding water using this method.

[@danforret1358]

Awesome video, clear simple instructions with options....love options !

[@daveczarnecki8656]

Once my fresh water tank is filled with the chlorine mixture, I use the dry camping pump to flush the chlorine through my water lines. Don't forget the lines running to a possible washer location and outside water access lines. To sanitize my fresh water hoses, I attach them to an outside line and fill the hoses with the bleach solution and cap the ends. After bleach solution is in each line, I top off the fresh water tank once again. Then wait the 12+ hours before flushing.

[@mikecolie9290]

LOL.... Loved the "nitecap".... Thanks for all you do.

[@deanschumacher1123]

Love the hat change from working hat to sleeping hat.

[@jerrykeenan3557]

I'm a new RVer, you made it very clear! Thanks

[@tjshine7444]

I run that hypochlorinated water through all faucets and the shower for 15-20 minutes to sanitize all the water lines. This goes into the grey tank and helps clean that too. Thanks!

[@DavidHBurkart]

Good 'ol Clorox Bleach... there are few substitutes & it is worth the time & effort it takes. Thanks Jared.

[@herb7877]

Nicely done. I sanitize once a year and by pass the hot ware tank. I do wonder if I'm really doing a complete job though by skipping the hoses that go into the hot tank & those that exit. Oh well so far over the last 40yrs we've survived.

[@garychristensen5632]

My favorite part was switching your daytime hat for your sleeping hat!! Keep up the great videos!!

[@lsruch]

Love the hat swap..... and glad to see you include sanitizing the hose & filter. I also spray the fittings on both ends and the fitting on the RV with Chlorine+water and the garden spigot fume the pressure regulator (and wait 5 min to make sure it is all sanitized) I follow a similar process, but add 2 very important steps. After filling with Chlorine (not clorox) water I drive my motorhome on a 15 minute trip with lots of turns and stops. That makes sure all sides of the fresh water tank (and water heater) are washed/sanitized as it sloshes around. And repeat the drive later with fresh water to ensure a good rinse. If you don't, then it's like only washing part of your dishes and eventually what you consume will have touched the dirty parts.

[@michaelferver5707]

Thanks for another great video!

[@chrischeesennancysemiretir5063]

Great info, many thanks!!!

[@BobElder-vs1tn]

Love the videos you put out. Simple and easy to follow. Always best to watch prior to doing it, my memory isn’t that good. 😂 Thanks

[@AllAboutRVs]

Glad it helped!

[@badbiker666]

When I buy my RV I will be retiring into it and living in it full time. As a result, my water tanks will never be sitting idle for long. However, even under those circumstances, I can see the benefit of occasionally, perhaps even once a year as you suggest, performing this process just to keep things healthy. We will be parking for the winter at a sight we own in a southern state where it rarely freezes at night, but during the summer we will be moving back and forth between our children. So we will be hooked up to various waters supplies. I can see a benefit in doing this sanitization procedure each fall when we return to our home base.

[@Brenda-es3gw]

Thank you! So helpful!

[@JohnnyLawBMC]

Great info. Even when full timing, it needs sanitized, just because lol. Like spring cleaning, except for microbes.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks!

[@PentaxLife]

Great tips love the hat change way to go.

[@mikeehrhart9488]

Great video!

[@1bobbylarue]

Good reminder sir,.... Gotta get me one of those sleeping hats.

[@DavesGarage365]

Hey man, thanks for the great tutorial. Im going to sanitize my Rv and your video answered all of my questions. Well done. P.S. I like the ballcap switch before bed, lol.

[@thousel9325]

Great video. I use the pour the bleach into the hose method, but I poor from the faucet end, so that it gets the whole hose. You also answered my question on how Full Timers do this in a campground. I wouldn't think dumping a whole tank TWICE on the ground would make the campground, or other campers, happy. (Loads of bleach is Not good for a septic system). Love your videos.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks! Yes you are right bleach is not good for septics.

[@rondo122]

great vid, thanks

[@MikeJordanUnCamplicated]

I am getting ready to sanitize my system, which I have done numerous times. But I never thought of the bleach in the hose idea, so I wanted to watch again. I must have looked away at the wrong time, the first time I watched. I missed the "night cap" 😆

[@gorvlivin]

My rv is a2008. I stopped drinking from it. Appreciate your video content

[@Rollout123]

Hi Jared, I am looking at adding the same RO system you have for your kitchen drinking water, but in line with the theme of this video, are you concerned about bacteria/mold in the RO tank at all?

[@chriskoran836]

The bedtime hat swap cracked me up!

[@heathobarr4785]

Great video as always!! Can you do a video on your RO (Reverse Osmosis) system?

[@rcarey3965]

I liked the hat swap at bedtime! Rob

[@michaelpreviti9168]

Thanks For the tip. We are full timers and I’m growing tired of the clear 2o primary and secondary water filters. The course filter breaks too easily Can you refer me to a video or tell me what I might consider in the way of a canister system? I currently use an adjustable regulator followed by the large Clear dirt guard then the 2 micron secondary then an “On the Go” softener. Generally a good system but the dirt guards are fragile. Thanks again!

[@digitalmediasvcs1]

Good video and a project for me to add in a couple of weeks. I do have a question: What about using pol chlorine instead of regular chlorine?

[@wpatters1229]

This is a great video if you have a fancy RV. With a class C I just pour the bleach into the tank from the inlet that is provided for water into the tank or the inlet used to hook up a water hose. Also do not have a way to bypass the hot water heater. What will the bleach water do to that tank and lines? Your thoughts please

[@weztankersley2293]

LoL Jared. Pajama hat. Great video. Thanks!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Haha, is there another way to sleep?

[@Assassin1959]

Wait wait.... do you sleep with your cap on? LOL great video and thanks for sharing .

[@paulkoehler7061]

From my experience, only refilling and flushing the fresh water tank and water lines once after the initial sanitization and then dumping this water DOES NOT completely rid the tank and water lines of the chlorine taste and smell. I flush with fresh water (completely filling the tank each time) two times, also flushing all the water lines each time, and then on the third fill, I add two cups of dissolved baking soda to the water as the tank is filling. I let this solution sit in the tank and the water lines overnight and then drain it all the following day. Yes, this does add another day to the entire process but the resulting water does not have any chlorine taste or smell.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Not a bad option if you still smell bleach. It also probably helps just the water sitting in there with time to let the residual bleach water mix with the new flushing out water.

[@shiftfocus1]

I flush it three times after the bleach solution is removed. Any less and I hear complaints of smelly water.

[@bark_adventures]

Thank you. What do you suggest for full timers?

[@RDHouston62]

Hi! Do you have a video covering the install of your water treatment setup?

[@larsambrose7259]

Great topic! Don't over due, bleach is hard on o-rings and will destroy your charcoal carbon filter. Change filter if you forget. Great job putting this training video together. Bleach will also destroy your R/O membrane, best to bypass your R /O system while doing this.

[@davidkozina8856]

Since we have a c class mh I can just dump bleach In my fill connection and fill my tank normally. Is this correct,? Plus I can leave my hot water tank bypassed . Mine isn't as simple as yours but I think I get the idea. Thanks and maybe catch up with you guys . Safe travels

[@goldie74]

I have a camper van with 20 gal. tank One option was to do continuous santitation with 2tsp of chlorine, no dumping….. What are your thoughts? We do not drink or brush with this water. Is it sufficient? Thanks so much for the info!

[@donhaller7367]

I have a Girard On-demand water heater that does not have bypass plumbing as is the case for traditional tank heaters. Any recommendation for sanitizing this system without going to the trouble and expense of creating a bypass loop in the plumbing.

[@johnr5545]

Thanks god bless

[@angilivermore8599]

Thanks for the video, but what if you have an AquaHot system for hot water?

[@markratliff7991]

If you have a whole RV water filter do you remove the filter before adding the bleach water if you are adding the bleach in a bucket?

[@Baileywandering]

I also have a Grand Design, is there a drain to the fresh tank under the rv?

[@dawnr6577]

Thank you so much for this video. It helped me a lot. Do you by chance have one on sanitizing the furrion tankless water heater?

[@AllAboutRVs]

I don’t have a video on it but the Truma has tablets to descale it and the one we had before I set it up with a separate pump and ran vinegar through it for a few hours.

[@StationaryNomad361]

I’m hooked up to the septic lines. What do you think about draining the water into the septic in portions? Moving the camper is pretty much out of the question

[@patheidingsfelder6650]

Hah! Love the sleep hat!

[@romo9296]

Do you have a video on the water filter system you installed?

[@JC-rg2qp]

😂 ok, the ‘night cap’ thing just broke me 😂😂😂

[@33atomlinson]

Jared, as an rver who uses their camper on a seasonal site and never uses their fresh water tank, is it ok to just pour bleach in my fresh water hose to put bleach and water in my lines? In that case, how much bleach should I use?

[@LoveShackBBQ]

Thank you!!!! I’ve been trying to remember the one thing I had left to do to my RV. This month is year 2 with our Imagine and I’ve done everything but this. Time to make a spreadsheet I guess.

[@GanderFlight]

The bedtime baseball hat was hilarious!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Hahaha. Is there any other way to sleep?

[@jessicajordan449]

Newbie here….I have found so many of your videos helpful! I wish you could do a video on the Nautilus P4 -3 handle setup….I am so confused on the water heater bypass valve (red) missing from the easy to get to control panel. It is located behind a panel you have to remove! Can antifreeze (winterize/de-winterize). & bleach (sanitize) can go into the water heater. So many videos say no & then some for my system say yes!! HELP!!!

[@LisaKilgourNutritionist]

Love this! Thanks! Do you have any suggestions if you're on a small septic system? We're living in our RV on our lot while building our house and our sewer hose is connected to our septic. Would vinegar be a better option? I'd love your thoughts.

[@cruisinguy6024]

There are commercial septic safe products to sanitize RV water systems.

[@Gr8LakesCamper]

Sleeping hat vs. Daytime hat. Nice.

[@paulgandyjr.6999]

Which brand night cap do find most comfortable?😊

[@Rooster0529]

I like using the bleach in the hose method so it gets sanitized as well.

[@bryanthornton6787]

I made an adapter to fit on my fresh water dump that I can screw my water hoses onto and I sanitize them too while I'm at it.

[@irapickard6775]

This is funny. I am sanitizing my system today.

[@reelamor9950]

Did mine yesterday.. all about timing !

[@21trips]

Doesn’t Grand Design’s manual have you sanitize without bypassing the water heater?

[@jabrilkeitt5674]

If I used vinegar do I use the same measurement of bleach. I have a 32 gallon fresh water tank and if I used bleach your measurement would be .6th of a cup. Would 1 cup of vinegar be enough?

[@radioactivemike1]

Ever try bleach tabs? I like to break the correct amount and place them in the hose. Hook up to the bib and let er rip. Sanitize the hose and the whole system. Seems safer to handle. And I have better use of storage space.

[@thinblueswinebbq]

I don’t really know how to ask this question, so I am hoping you see the comment and can help. Have you ever made a video on exactly how to set up your slinky that hold the dump hose…. I fight that thing all the time. Is there any special way to set it up to avoid it falling over or collapsing in the middle? Thanks for your videos.

[@johnhines3591]

What's the reason for not using bleach in water heater? Been doing it for years. No issues. A lot of campgrounds have a septic system & all that bleach water can really mess up a septic system.

[@osaroan415]

Do we dump the black and grey tank before hand!?

[@fendr1962]

My travel trailer doesn’t have a water bypass for the water heater. So even thought I don’t turn the electric on for my water heater the chlorinated water will flow into my water heater. Correct? I am guess that after I treat my fresh water tank and turn on both my hot and cold faucets to let the chlorinated water run I need to pull the plug on my water heater to let all the chlorinated water drain out out. Then fill my tank a second time and drain everything ( hot water tank). Does that sound about right?

[@itskerbc]

Can I open not just the kitchen faucet, but also bathroom faucet, and shower?

[@fm71450]

Dear Mr. Gillis, in Spring or after a month or more of not using the water system - we use a funnel to run bleach into our 1/2 full fresh water tank, then we completely fill the tank. Subsequently, We use the pump to run the bleach/water solution throughout the RV, and then allow it to sit for 1 - 2 hours. Then we dump the contents of the fresh water tank, and fill with water to flush all of the the cleansed lines. Looking at your video, I believe there is a short run of pipe that is not getting the treatment - from the city water connection to where it connects to the cold water line. Thanks, I will use your method, also, in the future. Thank You - your presence in the RV space is a real benefit to the community.

[@bicentennialbuck]

I also make sure to open my low point drains to get the solution down in there too.

[@livethemoment9070]

Thanks for the idea on using the sewer hose under the fresh water drain outlet. Just curious how long were you holding it to empty out your 50gal tank?

[@ScottEaton74]

My tank would take a long time!

[@jbrobinson996]

So….. question. I have a 2023 Jayco with a tankless water heater and no bypass. If bleach is bad for hot water heaters - how do I sanitize my system. It is winterized right now with antifreeze in the water heater - but I’m trying to get ready for spring. One manual says to bypass - but that is talking about the regular storage tank heaters. The manual for the hot water heater does not mention sanitizing. HELP!!

[@adamlevine2320]

Thanks for the tips. One question, I have a Fleetwood Flair Class A gas motor home. I'm not sure if my fresh water tank has a drain or if i just have to run my pump. I also don't believe I have a water heater bypass. I have an electric and propane control. How does this complicate things? LOL. Any tips to help. This will be my first time to sanitize and I don't want to mess anything up. This is my first rig and plan to go full time in the very near future. Thanks again

[@robertpiepenhagen2012]

All rv's have a drain on the fresh water tank. You can check it out in the owners manual or contact you dealer about it. The bypass is generally right behind the water heater. Look for it inside the storage compartment next to the water heater.

[@lurchlogan]

I have to do this with my 32ft. 5th wheel. I'm dreading it though. Because I'm only 1 year into RV living and I feel like I'm going to mess something up. I already messed up big time by not getting RV skirting. I froze my ass off all winter and my carpet got wet. So, I'm covering all my bases. And making a step by step guide. I gotta get this right.

[@markmiller9217]

We are seasonal campers and don't use our fresh water holding tank. Should I still sanitize the city water side of the system?

[@pawpawcar]

Darn, forgot to remove the water filter in the bay. Will it hurt to just rinse and use? Or buy new?

[@thomasstewart7973]

What happened to the hydrogen peroxide use were using in the fresh water system to clean the lines??

[@patrickholmes1044]

Thank you for the great video as always. How often do you repeat this procedure?

[@feraxks]

He recommends doing this once a year.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Once a year or if it has been in storage for a couple months

[@gregoryrobbins752]

I heard you can use Hydrogen peroxide to sanitize fresh water tank. Is that a option?

[@tranquiltrekkers]

What if you have a tankless water heater? Bypass?? Not sure I I have a bypass.

[@ramboronkim]

what camera and microphone are you using?

[@SlimShady771]

I'm new to RVs and I bought a 34 foot safari Serengeti. Under the bed is a water tank probably about 25 gallons big and then another larger tank behind the wall. What is the smaller tank used for?

[@AllAboutRVs]

I can't say for sure on that model but our last 5th wheel had 2 fresh tanks and one flowed into the other.

[@t-rex558]

We have never used our fresh water tank on the RV. We have a seasonal site at a campground 40+ miles away. Our getaway for the weekend. I do sanitize the rest of the system the same way.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Good plan

[@Sonya_Barnes_On_Move]

Does turning off the water heater work for the tankless water heater as well? Or is there another method to clean with that style?

[@AllAboutRVs]

Yes I still bypass for our tankless water heater. Ours is a Truma and takes tablets but on our last tankless water heater we setup a pump and pumped Vinegar through it for 2-3 hours.

[@kdooms]

LoL gotta change into your sleeping hat. I get this.

[@TheFirephoenix76]

Hey Jarod; longtime subscriber...thanks for the sanitizing tips...Question: how do I find campsites for RVs...? I appreciate all of your RV maintenance tips. Thanks in advance, partner...

[@CuriousinNY]

Hi Radaryn. Since Jarod hasn’t answered you I think this will be helpful. There are some nice apps you can download. Campendium, Allstays and RV life are some good ones. If you’re looking for boondocking sites, then look for the apps that say free in them. Like Free Roam. There are also national forests and BLM lands you can camp in. Sounds like you are just getting started? Whatever you do, do get hooked into buying into the camping time shares. There are plenty of places to stay that are really nice if not nicer, you are not crammed on top of your neighbors, and you won’t have to pay yearly expensive fees for.

[@TheFirephoenix76]

@@CuriousinNY Thank you... Appreciate the tips and response...

[@CuriousinNY]

@@TheFirephoenix76 I also forgot to tell you about Reserve America online reservation site. If you want to stay at any of the State parks you have to go through them. That site is free to book from. Now, because some places are hard to get in, always booked, or particular sites are always booked, there is a site called Arvie that can help you with that too, but for a fee. So check this out too. Happy camping.

[@aufan57]

Great video! I love how you change hats for your nap. haha