HOW TO FLUSH OUT AND CLEAN DRINKING WATER TANKS
WORDS BY DAVID SLORACH, PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME
Having access to drinking water is of the utmost importance when on the road. Here’s how to keep your drinking water tanks in tip-top shape
It’s important for every vanner to know how to clean their tanks, to maintain healthy drinking water. All too often we have readers writing in with inquiries concerning strange tasting water in their van. Sometimes it can be a simple problem, like the plastic taste when you purchase a new tank, but other times it can be far more severe, such as mould or algae growth inside your water tanks.
We also here of readers who have gone to the utmost efforts to clean their tanks, only to use the wrong products and cause some serious damage. Here are some handy from Dave from Northern RV, on the best way to eradicate some of these issues.
NEW TANKS
The best way to remove the plastic taste from new tanks is to dissolve one cup of
bicarb soda and one cup of vinegar to the filler of your tank. Leave this overnight or even better take the van for a run on a bumpy road and then flush out several
times after letting the sit for 17-24 hours, using the bung or drain plug at the bottom of the tank. This should remove that plastic taste from the water. When you are refilling your tanks ensure that you use a specific drinking water hose that is stored in a cool position, as sunlight will also react with the hose and add that plastic taste you are trying to avoid. You can find specific drinking water hoses in most RV stores.
OLD TANKS
The vinegar and bicarb mixture is also an ideal solution for older tanks with algae or mould build-up. However, severe cases of algae or mould build-up will require 30- 40ml per 100L of bleach or liquid chlorine. Alternatively, you can use one of the many tank cleaners on the market, such as Tank Cleen or Puratab. Just make sure to closely follow the instructions on the pack. To avoid algae and mould all together, ensure your tanks are kept full when storing your caravan. The more air space you leave in a tank, the more oxygen is present to aid in growth of mould or algae.
TIPS FOR ON THE ROAD
• Remember to flush the pipes and hot water system by running the hot and cold tanks in the sink or the shower. Never run the system dry as the hot water element will fail and always flush with clean water or the specific cleaning additives.
• Flushing out your tanks will also help the flow of water in your van as bacteria builds up in the piping, valves and taps restricting the flow of water.
MEET THE EXPERT
David Slorach has been in the RV industry for over 20 years. Originally a plumber by trade and not afraid to pick up the tools, David has built his business based around solid expertise and in depth experience from working with manufacturers and supplying to both manufacturers and retail clients. There is no one else we’d trust more for advise on free camping.
