How To Sanitize Camper Water System After Dewinterizing

How to Sanitize Your Camper Water System After Dewinterizing

Winterizing your RV protects your plumbing from freezing temperatures, but once spring arrives, you'll need to dewinterize and sanitize your camper's water system. Failing to properly sanitize can lead to bacterial contamination and make you sick. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your water is safe and clean for drinking and use.

Why Sanitize Your Camper Water System?

Before we dive into the process, let's understand why sanitization is crucial. During winterization, your system sits idle, potentially accumulating bacteria, mold, and other contaminants. The process of dewinterizing doesn't remove these; it simply reintroduces water into the system. Sanitizing is the critical step to eliminate these harmful microorganisms. Think of it as giving your plumbing a thorough spring cleaning, but on a microscopic level. Ignoring this step puts your family's health at risk.

Essential Supplies for RV Water System Sanitization

Before you start, gather these necessary supplies:

• Household bleach: This is your primary sanitizing agent. Use unscented, regular bleach.
• Measuring cup: Accurate measurement is key for effective sanitization.
• Water hose: To flush the system.
• RV water filter: For ensuring clean water post-sanitization. (Optional, but highly recommended)

Step-by-Step Guide to Sanitizing Your Camper Water System

Follow these steps carefully to ensure a thorough and effective sanitation:

1. Flush the System

First, completely flush your system with fresh water. This removes any residual antifreeze or other contaminants from the winterization process. Run all faucets and shower heads until the water runs clear. This initial flushing helps prepare the system for the sanitizing process.

2. Prepare the Bleach Solution

This is where accuracy is vital. Mix one cup of unscented household bleach with one gallon of fresh water. This is a standard ratio that ensures effective sanitization without leaving behind an unpleasant bleach taste. Do not deviate significantly from this ratio.

3. Fill and Circulate

Pour the bleach solution into the fresh water tank. If you have a low-point drain, open it and let the solution drain out into a bucket. This helps fully saturate the system and ensure every part is disinfected. Turn on all faucets and shower heads to let the bleach solution circulate through the entire water system. Let this solution sit for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This dwell time is crucial for killing bacteria and other microorganisms.

4. Thoroughly Rinse

After the dwell time, thoroughly rinse your system with fresh, clean water. Run all faucets, showerheads, and toilets until you no longer smell bleach. This step is extremely important; residual bleach can be harmful and will affect the taste of your water. The rinsing process should be longer than the original flush; take your time.

5. Final Water Test

Before using the water for consumption, test the water quality using water testing strips, if possible. This step gives you peace of mind and confirms that the sanitization process has been effective. If the water passes the test, you can proceed to drink and use the water for any household functions.

6. Consider a Water Filter

After sanitization, using a water filter to remove any lingering taste or small particles is a great idea. This ensures the water tastes fresh and clean.

Maintaining a Clean Water System

Regular maintenance is key to preventing future contamination. Flush your system regularly and consider adding a water filter for better taste and quality. With these steps, you can ensure your camper's water system is clean, safe, and ready for your next adventure. Remember, your health depends on it!