What’s the Longest You Have Left Sanitizing Water in System

[1982]

Originally Posted by Fiesta48

I've do not use chlorine or bleach. I just dump as much fresh water tank as possible before the RV sits. Just before the next trip and flush out using 20-30 gallons.
My better half says she can taste even a very low concentration level. So I quit using bleach.

While I think leaving water in the water lines (no air exposure) may not be a big issue, I think the water tank is a risk. My last two RV's had the drain line on the side. Although near the bottom, it still left about 3/4" of water in the tank. Since the tank is vented, changes in barometric pressure will regularly be flushing air in and out. A long storage period in warm weather could promote the growth of unwanted stuff. I never got sick when I did not treat it, but one clean-out of my water pump filter produced lots of black slime.

[Bill Gail]

Originally Posted by vettenuts

Here’s another question, not sure what the answer is. Coach is currently winterized. I am wondering if the anti-freeze would kill off any microorganisms in the system? That would only necessitate sanitizing the tank itself.

If you're using the pink RV Antifreeze , then no , it won't kill any organisms . It is engineered to protect from freezing , not to sanitize .

The pink stuff is non-toxic , that's why it is approved in potable water systems.

To sanitize , I've found the best procedure is using bleach per recommendations every Spring before first outing.

[Paul R. Haller]

I don’t ever even use bleach. I pour in a handle of cheap vodka. No nasty bleach smell, no rinsing, no organisms.

[Bill Gail]

Originally Posted by Paul R. Haller

I don’t ever even use bleach. I pour in a handle of cheap vodka. No nasty bleach smell, no rinsing, no organisms.

I have a buddy who winterizes his MH with cheap vodka . It doesn't freeze , but I never thought about the sanitizing benefits . Definitely speeds up the Springtime de- winterizing and sanitizing .

It just seems like such a waste of Vodka !

Besides drinking it , you can dress wounds , start campfires and BBQ's , emergency fuel , mouthwash ( which can be swallowed ) and with Covid it can be used as a hand sanitizer !

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by Paul R. Haller

I don’t ever even use bleach. I pour in a handle of cheap vodka. No nasty bleach smell, no rinsing, no organisms.

Do use enough to fill you fresh water tank? If not how do you sanitize the complete inside? To me sanitizing the floor of the tank and nothing else is a waste of time.