We all know that water is a huge blessing, especially when you’re away from the city enjoying your off-grid camping. The majority of the RVs feature water tanks, separate for fresh and grey water, to help you have a reliable supply of water whenever you need it out there in the wilderness.
However, it is also important that you know how to drain the fresh water on your RV. Although it is good to have water backup and you cannot survive without it, especially in the woods but there are some implications attached to it.
In this piece, we have thoroughly discussed why you should be draining your RV fresh water tank, what all you need to do it, and how to do it properly.
How you can Easily Drain an RV Fresh Water Tank
A water tank on an RV is not just a bucket of water that you can pour off into a stream. An RV, just like your residence, is a mini home with all the complex engineering, amenities, and equipment. You need to take care of a few things and be vigilant while draining the fresh water tank on your RV, so let u help you with our step-by-step guide;
Securely Park your RV at a Suitable Spot
It is crucial that you park your RV at a safe spot, particularly on a ramp and an equal height, before you drain the freshwater tank. To secure the RV, engage the parking brakes and place a hurdle behind the rear tires for surety.
Secondly, you must ensure that there is enough space beneath the RV to place a container and easily move around for hassle-free drainage.
Cut off the Water Supply
The next step is to detach the water pipe if connected and cut off the water supply by closing the inlet valves. This is very important because if the water is running continuously, you’d never be able to check the water level in the tank, and neither would it empty, as the water would be continuously flowing in.
Turn off the Water Pump and Heater
This step is crucial and must be ensured because if the water pump or heater is running, water can get diverted into them and cause a huge splash and flood the inside of the RV.
Similarly, a running water heater can become a safety hazard and can even burn the operator or nearby electronics and wires.
Open all Faucets and Taps to Drain the Water
Opening all the faucets and taps, such as the shower and sink would get rid of the main chunk of water in the tank. This is how you empty the major portion of the freshwater tank on your RV, and you must try that this water is not wasted but rather gets used for cleaning floors or watering the garden.
Once you notice that no more water is coming out, close all the faucets and proceed to the next step.
Open the Drain Valve
You must be thinking that you’ve gotten rid of all the water. But that’s not true. After draining the tank via the faucets, there still remains some water in the tank that needs to be drained by the drain valve.
You have to locate it by either going through the owners’ manual or consulting online. It is usually located right underneath the water tank. Slowly open it and let the remaining water collect in the container you placed underneath your RV.
Open the Low-Point Drain Valves
You must now be wondering, what are these low-point drain valves? These are meant to drain the cold and warm water from the RV’s drain lines. Located right next to the main drain valve, these valves can be simply twisted open and in a few minutes, your water lines are emptied.
Check the Water Level
To make sure that you’ve completely drained the fresh water tank on your RV, check the water level. You can do it by looking at the transparent scale located on the side of the tank, or manually by looking inside the water tank.
Flush the Tank and all the Pipes
Now that you’ve drained the old water, it is crucial that you clean your RV’s water system, including the main tank, valves, pipes, and hoses. The best way is to prepare a detergent water solution and propel it via the inlet valve into the system. The water pump pushes it through all the pipes and lines, and you can clean the whole water system in under 15 minutes.
Close all the valves
Finally, flush again with a burst of clean water and close all the valves. If you forget this step, you might drain all the water when you try to fill your tanks next time, and waste a lot of precious water.
Look for Leaks and Refill the Tank
If you’re planning to set off on a journey soon, fill your RV’s fresh water tank right after this cleaning session. It is also an ideal opportunity to look for leaks and cracks in the water system and get them repaired ASAP.
FAQs
How Long can the water be left in RV’s fresh water tank?
Ideally, water should not be left in the RV’s tank for more than 2 weeks, and drained after 14-15 days. This prevents bacterial growth and corrosion of the metallic components.
Which is the best time to drain the RV water tank?
The afternoon is the best time to drain the RV fresh water tank as the temperature is at its peak and there’s no chance of it freezing, unlike at night. You can also easily look for damage and call for help in case of an emergency, which is not possible at night.
Is it compulsory to use chemicals while draining the RV water tank?
Although you can flush the system with a detergent solution but using potent chemicals to speed up the process can be dangerous and damage the delicate parts of the water system.
Conclusion
Water is a necessity and a must-have asset when setting foot on the gas pedal of an RV. You could not survive without it in the countryside, but you must maintain the water system of your RV as well.
Draining the fresh water tank on your RV is the most important part of it, and leaving the water to stand for a long time can cause a health hazard and mechanical damage. Follow our detailed guide and drain the RV fresh water tank today! Without any hassle.
Citations
https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f232/how-do-i-drain-the-fresh-water-tank-170323.html
https://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46656
https://www.classbforum.com/forums/f5/how-to-drain-fresh-water-tank-of-roadtrek-9300.html
https://www.rvforum.net/threads/sanitize-draining-fresh-water-tank.116813/
https://kzfamilyforum.com/thread/3219/fresh-water-tank-drain
Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by travel. I inherited this passion from my parents. Since my college years and to this day, I have had a passion for traveling in a motorhome. I am here to share my experiences with you.
