Drain fresh water or not?

jwamiller · 07-03-2016, 12:42 PM

Hi all! Wondering if it will hurt anything to keep fresh chlorinated water in tank for 3 wks. Or should I drain? Thanks!

Still Kickin · 07-03-2016, 01:01 PM

No problem on that time frame. Did you do your Spring sanitize process, if so that should keep you good for the Summer camping season.

jwamiller · 07-03-2016, 01:03 PM

Yes, thank you for your help. Obviously I'm a newbie

**Mr. Dan** · 07-03-2016, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwamiller

Yes, thank you for your help. Obviously I'm a newbie

That's not the newbie-est question you'll see here... a valid question as a matter of fact.

brewjaz · 07-04-2016, 02:17 PM

I'm glad this was asked. I used my fresh water tank for the first time in May. I emptied it when I got home. Seemed like an awful waste of water to me. Now I'll know better. Thanks!

**Bama Rambler** · 07-04-2016, 05:24 PM

Once I partially fill our fresh water tank in the spring it doesn't get emptied until I drain it for freeze protection. And our camping season is about 10 months a year.

We replace the water with chlorinated water as it gets used up, so it's being refreshed throughout the year.

WFD · 07-04-2016, 06:49 PM

And I am in the other camp...when back home and parked that length of time, I drain it and use it on the lawn or garden so it's not wasted. I would rather put fresh water back in it if we are home a while....all comes down to personal preference.

Ford Idaho · 07-04-2016, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WFD

And I am in the other camp...when back home and parked that length of time, I drain it and use it on the lawn or garden so it's not wasted. I would rather put fresh water back in it if we are home a while....all comes down to personal preference.

X2

ilmor · 07-04-2016, 07:16 PM

If mine is holding much water (say 10 gallons +) and is going to sit awhile I'll add about a 1/2 teaspoon of "maintenance" chlorine to it.

DaveandSue · 07-04-2016, 07:44 PM

I had water in ours for two weeks,Did the chlorine thing and when we got to the CG,WOW some kind of smell.Smelled like old sweat socks. Drained and re chlorinated it..Left it in there and in fact it's still there.I forgot to drain when we went to the shop for warranty work.

I drain ours every time.Unless i have a senior moment

**Flybob** · 07-04-2016, 07:45 PM

There is no definite answer to this question. Depends on the water source and the climate. Try this. Fill a large glass with water from your FW tank. Cover it an sit it on the counter in your RV. Just before you get ready for your next trip. check the glass. Are OK drinking the water in the glass. In most cases the water in your FW tanks will be very similar. For those that say by adding fresh chlorinated water will refresh the tank. Top off the glass from above with fresh water and check it again. Make you own decision.

Ford Idaho · 07-04-2016, 07:52 PM

Once exposed to light and air Clorox breaks down to it's base elements rather quickly.

So if you use Clorox or other liquid bleach to sanitize and clean make a fresh bottle/batch every day.

Rinse any container with plenty of water to remove any salt residue.

Wandering · 07-04-2016, 08:45 PM

I keep fresh water in my tank between trips. Just hope it helps keep it sanitized. Then refill and flush with fresh before the trip.

Forester 2451s

markb422 · 07-04-2016, 09:38 PM

If you are filling with well water with any minerals in it make sure to drain. The aluminum tank on hot water heaters will react to the minerals in the water.

brandon 2 · 07-04-2016, 11:26 PM

We drain ours every time we return from a trip. I think the trick is to fill it with as much water as one plans on using, thus little or no waste. I just do not feel comfortable in leaving a tank/ or part of a tank of water sitting in 90 degree heat for over a week. Always sanitize in the spring and go from there.

Brandon 2
2014 2500TS
Sun Seeker

waltdk · 07-04-2016, 11:49 PM

I am just filling my first fresh water tank. You can't get much newer than that. How much chlorine do you recommend for each tank?

ilmor · 07-05-2016, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waltdk

I am just filling my first fresh water tank. You can't get much newer than that. How much chlorine do you recommend for each tank?

If the system is already sanitized, sometime ago I figured read / determined that 1/4 teaspoon per 10 gallons is sufficient maintenance chlorine. I've been doing this for 15 years without issues and always have at least 10 gallons in my tank (except during the winter when its winterized).

edit - p.s. I don't drink water from the tank.

Wolverine 1945 · 07-05-2016, 06:44 AM

I drain our complete sys after each trip,,, refill with soft water & TastPure,,, 2 or 3 days before we go on our little trip !!!

jeff64 · 07-05-2016, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WFD

And I am in the other camp...when back home and parked that length of time, I drain it and use it on the lawn or garden so it's not wasted. I would rather put fresh water back in it if we are home a while....all comes down to personal preference.

X3

I prefer the clean fresh water every time I go too, don't need any additional bacteria growing in the system( or mine either, not for 15 gal. of water!). I will sanitize the tank and lines if I haven't used it for a while too.

Major Oz · 07-05-2016, 12:01 PM

We drink and make coffee from only bottled water (ozarka). We use the tank for shower and flushing.....maybe cooking, if boiling is in the recipe.

We do not drink the local water when hooked up at campsite, either.

As such, we fill in the spring, and top it off as needed, from ONLY chlorinated sources; drain for winterization.

No muss, no fuss.

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