Waterline sanitation

[stenzack]

Each season I have been doing the usual sanitation treatment of the water lines and fresh water tank. Is it really necessary to do that if 75% of the time I am connected to chlorinated city water systems? When I've been boondocking, I generally fill my holding tank with that same sanitized water. Any opinions?

[stateboy]

My first thought is that the chlorinated drinking water is much less concentrated than the sanitized version. Also, the chlorinated water at our house is constantly moving day and night with its use versus an on-again-off-again use even if frequent that are campers are subjected to. A camper is a standing water solution versus a running water solution at home. I would still sanitize but perhaps you could get by with a less frequent method.

I have a new camper that has yet to come out of storage but will do so in about 3 weeks. I will sanitize it for maiden voyage. Coupled with that is the fact that it's a two-year-old unit that was sitting on the lot when I purchased it new. I'll be curious to see what blows out of the tanks from sitting for 2 years in central Michigan.

[TWP723]

Although I am just about always connected to chlorinated sources, I still disinfect the lines periodically.

[DonaandDon]

Most manuals will give you guidance for sanitation. That being said error on the side of safety. I sanitize every spring. This includes a solution in a bucket for all hose fittings too.

[BrentB]

My owner's manual says every 3 months. My feeling would be that it's not needed that often if it's in almost constant use but I'm no expert.

[RVhiker]

Even in a drained fresh water tank - and water lines - there are usually puddles of water. That water can help algae grow, especially if a water tank is not in an enclosed underbelly and therefore exposed to light. I think that disinfection at least annually is a must.