Ask any
RV dealers and they will tell you that proper maintenance of your holding tanks can make your adventures more enjoyable. There are specially developed sanitizers for use in RV holding tanks, but a 1:4 solution of bleach water will be sufficient for most applications.
Your RV Storage Tanks
Older RV came with only 2 holding tanks: one for freshwater and one for wastewater. Newer RVs will also have a 3rd tank designed for holding your RV’s gray water-- the drains from your sinks and shower. Each tank performs a specific purpose and requires different maintenance. Your local
RV dealers in the Bay Area are located at Nohr’s RV Center, and you can have your holding tanks serviced by us.
Freshwater Tank
This tank is the one that you fill with fresh, potable water. Be sure to
use a potable water approved hose, easily identified by its white color. Using a different type of hose may transmit an unwanted rubbery taste and should not be used.
This tank supplies all of the water for your shower, toilet, and sinks. If it is used for drinking water as well, you will need to sanitize the tank periodically to avoid contamination. This tank can be sanitized by flushing it with a bleach solution and allowing the tank to drain completely before refilling.
Black Water Tank
After cleaning your sanitary water tank, drain and clean your black water holding tank. It may be necessary to repeat this process multiple times. Because this tank holds solid waste, it is important to use plenty of water, both when cleaning the tank and using the facilities. Failure to use enough water can result in a tank that registers as full prematurely and becomes very difficult to empty and clean. Drain and clean this tank often to avoid odors and other contamination. If desired, add deodorant to give the tank a more pleasant odor.
Gray Water Tank
Gray water is the water that flows out through your shower and sink drains. Your gray water tank should be sanitized at the start of the season, and then as necessary through the year. If you wish, you can add deodorizer to this tank, but it probably isn’t necessary in most cases. Drain the gray water tank after you drain the black water tank. This is because the soap in the gray water will help clean debris from the blackwater tank out of your RV’s drain lines.
Keeping your tanks clean and in good working order is important for the health and comfort of everyone who rides with you. Most
RV parks will provide waste stations where you do regular dumping and rinsing. Finally, make sure your gray and black water tanks are empty before getting back on the road. It reduces the weight you are carrying and avoids potentially unpleasant odors.
