How to Clean Out RV Water Lines

Nothing is better than an exciting road trip in your weekend warrior toy hauler. After you've toured the Grand Canyon or camped by the ocean, you may be reluctant to come home to the reality of cleaning out your RV. After you unpack all your gear, you will need to clean out the water lines. This process is not as difficult as you think. Follow these simple steps to keep your water system from smelling musty.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water
• Clorox bleach

1. DRAIN
   Drain the water heater first. After checking to be sure the water heater is cool, move the drain plug and open the pressure relief valve. You should find these in the bottom left corner of the water heater compartment. Next, move on to the low point water line drains. Drain the hot line and the cold line completely. Turn on your water pump for a few seconds to force out any remaining water hiding in the lines. Then turn off the pump and close the lines.

2. DISINFECT
   Mix a bleach and water solution of 1/4 cup clorox for every 15 gallons your tank holds. Pour the solution into your fresh water tank and then finish filling it with water. Turn on the water pump and run water from every faucet until you smell the bleach solution running through. As soon as you begin to smell the bleach, turn off the faucets and let the tank soak for at least twelve hours before you drain it.

3. REFILL
   Your water lines should be sparkly clean and you can refill your fresh water tank with new water. Then turn on your faucets until you can't smell the bleach solution anymore. When the bleach smell disappears, it is safe to drink the water.

Tips & Warnings

• Though this process may seem like a hassle, you will be glad you took the time when you board your weekend warrior next time. There's nothing worse for an RV-lover than that nasty stale smell that can flood the cabin every time you turn on a faucet. Keep your vacations happy and problem-free by cleaning your water lines between trips.