Sanitizing - Best Way to Eliminate Bleach Smell / Taste?

[Ontherock]

Hi:

We've always used bottled water for drinking but I've decided that I should sanitize the water lines this year as a part of my maintenance routine. The original owner had winterized with the pink stuff (I always use compressed air) so the f/w tank is still about 1/4 full. After I drain that off and flush the tank, I'll use the recommended bleach solution to do the sanitizing. Other than using copious amounts of water (which seems wasteful) are there any tips / tricks to get rid of the bleach taste / smell?

Also: should I sanitize the water heater as well? I've seen mixed comments on this on the forum but if I'm sanitizing the system, shouldn't I do all of the system?

[Ford Idaho]

Water is about the only thing to dilute the bleach enough to get rid of the taste and or smell.

Beer might work but is not very cost effective.

Yes do run some thru the water heater, make double sure you flush it well.

Outside shower?

Low point drains?

Water hose and fittings?

I carry a spray bottle of water and bleach to spray down the CG spigot.

[Mr. Dan]

I read at the following link to use baking soda dissolved in fresh water, although I don't remember ever using it myself.
Sanidumps: How to Sanitize Your RV Water System

Do a search for 'sanitize' or 'sanitizing' or 'bleach' and you'll find your answers in threads like these:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ce-101987.html

[Ontherock]

Thanks for the suggestions and advise though I'll think I'll save the beer flush for me after I have the sanitizing completed (fill with beer, empty, fill with beer, etc...)!!!

[Skyliner]

Baking soda about 1/2 cup for 40 gallon tank should do it. I don't mind the smell anymore. I use a pur water filter to filter it out if I run out of bottled water and the residual bleach allows me to stay and feel clean longer when boondock camping.

[A32Deuce]

I use spring fresh every year. Seams to do a good job and don't have to get rid of a bleach smell or taste.

[stlouielady]

My brother always poured a fifth or two of Vodka into the tank. Now, I'm not sure how helpful it would be to eliminate any odors (since its odorless), but no complaints about what ended up coming out the tap. He was always one on the happiest campers in the campground the first trip out for the year!!

[kcdelan]

I have posted this advice before. I will assume that the chlorine bleach flushing has been completed and the tank and system have been flushed with fresh potable water. Refill the tank using a mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and fresh water in the same concentration that you used when sanitizing with bleach. Permit this mixture to be passed through the system and sit in the tank, preferably overnight. Then drain and flush the tank & system a few times. At best there may be a slight smell/taste of Apple Cider Vinegar which is one heck of a lot better than Bleach. It will dissipate over a short period of time. Why does this work?...... Chlorine Bleach is an Alkali and Vinegar is an Acid. Therefore, the acidic Vinegar neutralizes the alkali Bleach. The Chlorine available in most municipal water supplies will be enough to keep the water safe. I have used this method for many years since first learning about it and can testify that it does work. There is no reason that you could use ordinary Vinegar but any residual taste is much more pleasant and anyway it's one heck of a lot cheaper than Vodka!!!

[TURBS]

I refill the tank once after sanitizing and run through the lines then drain. Good to go!


2008 2500hd Duramax
2015 Columbus 320RS
2016 nights camped "0"
2015 nights camped "34"

[A32Deuce]

I kinda like the Vodka method. Sounds like happy campers!

[DSQR]

Originally Posted by A32Deuce

I kinda like the Vodka method. Sounds like happy campers!

Easy screwdriver - just reconstitute your orange juice concentrate with the tap water!

[A32Deuce]

Yep!

[lacamastraveler]

Depending on the size of my fresh water tanks I've always added a gallon or two of the cheapest white vinegar I can find and then pump it through the system. The vinegar smell quickly dissipates. We used to full-time and sanitized our system every 6 months.

[kcjoe1]

I've always used White Vinegar after the bleach. A couple of cups and let it set for a while. Flush with fresh water and yourr good to go. Been doing this for 25 years.

[lacamastraveler]

kcjoe1 - maybe I've been wasting vinegar by dumping in a gallon or two. Next time I will try the cup or two. Saved pennies equals more diesel equals more fun!

[kcjoe1]

Yes it does.

[Ontherock]

Again - thanks for all the advice!!! I think I'll try plain water first and then move to the vinegar flush if I'm still having issues.

[Too Tall]

The hotter the water the better it will dissipate chlorine.

[MaineCampingFan]

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

Beer might work but is not very cost effective.

I've tried this one....filtered thru the kidneys first.

[bfhammer]

I came across some interesting information. Thymol is as effective as bleach but without the hazards, side effects, and smell.

I was a bit surprised that bleach is worthless after it's 3 months old.


http://education.nh.gov/instruction/...infectants.pdf