Quote:
Originally Posted by dmerrill48
Why do you put bleach in your fw tank? Do you then have to drain and flush everything?
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Yes, you do need to drain and flush everything.
The tank needs to be sanitized if you plan on using the water for drinking, cooking and teeth brushing.
The usual mix is 1/4 cup of regular bleach to 15 gallons of water. Be sure the bleach label says "kills 99.9% of germs". Don't use scented or splashless bleach.
Add the correct amount of bleach for the number of gallons in your fresh water tank.
I switch my water heater valves to bypass, turn on the pump, run each faucet including the outside shower and flush the toilet until I faintly smell bleach.
Since I gravity fill my tank I also use a tool to carefully depress the check valve on my city water hookup while the pump is on to sanitize that line as well. Warning: Stand to one side to avoid getting a wet surprise.
I let mine sit overnight then drain, refill and flush all lines. You may need to do this more than once.
After you no longer smell bleach it's time to change the water heater valves back and fill the tank for use.