09/09/10

If you notice a stale odor when using your water from the holding tanks, it usually occurs when water was left in the system for quite some time. The best thing to do when this happens is to sanitize the entire water system. First drain all of the water out of the system, and then close all of the drains.
Take ¼ cup of household bleach for every 15 gallons of water that your fresh water holding tank holds. Mix the bleach in one gallon of water and pour it into the fresh water tank. Fill the fresh water tank with potable water. Turn the water pump on and open all faucets, one at a time, and run water until you smell the bleach. If possible drive or tow the RV to assist in cleaning the entire holding tank. Let it sit for twelve hours and then drain the entire system. Refill the fresh water holding tank and run water through the system until you no longer smell the bleach. It may be necessary to repeat this more than once. When you no longer smell bleach the system is sanitized.

This tip contributed by Mark Polk at RV Education 101

http://www.rveducation101.com/trainingvideos.htm?SiteID=15
Dewinterizing the RV Water System

Dewinterizing is simply the process of removing all traces of the RV antifreeze that was used to protect the water system.

* 1. Put several gallons of water into the fresh water tank.
* 2. Turn on the on-board water pump, and open a cold water tap.
* 3. Allow the water to flow for several minutes.
* 4. Connect the water hose to your city water supply inlet. Turn on the supply.
* 5. Open all taps one by one and allow the water to flow for several minutes.
* 6. Flush the toilet several times.
* 7. Now open the water heater bypass and fill the water heater with fresh water. (You may want to allow a few gallons to flow through the water heater, then let it drain completely before re-installing the water heater drain plug)
* 8. Run water through all the hot water faucets.

That's it!