Keeping your van's water tank clean involves regular sanitization and good maintenance practices. Here's a guide to help you maintain a clean and safe water supply in your van:
Regular Sanitization
Sanitizing your water tank regularly prevents the buildup of bacteria, algae, and other contaminants.
Sanitizing Solution
- Bleach Method: Use unscented household bleach (typically 5-6% sodium hypochlorite). A common ratio is ¼ cup of bleach for every 15 gallons of water your tank holds. So, for a 30-gallon tank, use ½ cup of bleach.
Sanitization Procedure
- Drain the Tank: Completely drain your water tank.
- Prepare the Bleach Solution: Mix the appropriate amount of bleach with about a gallon of water.
- Pour the Solution into the Tank: Use a funnel to carefully pour the bleach solution into your empty freshwater tank.
- Fill the Tank: Fill the tank completely with fresh water.
- Run the Water: Open all faucets (hot and cold) one at a time until you smell the bleach. This ensures the entire plumbing system is sanitized. Don't forget the shower and any other water outlets.
- Let it Sit: Allow the solution to sit in the tank and plumbing lines for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight (12+ hours).
- Drain and Flush: Drain the tank completely.
- Refill and Flush Again: Refill the tank with fresh water and flush the entire system again by running all the faucets until the bleach smell is gone. You may need to repeat this process multiple times to completely remove the bleach.
- Consider a Final Rinse: For extra precaution, you can add a water tank cleaner or freshener to the final tank of water, following the product instructions.
Preventative Maintenance
Beyond sanitization, these tips will help keep your tank clean longer:
- Use a Water Filter: Install a water filter on your water inlet. This will remove sediment and impurities before they even enter the tank. Replace the filter regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Only Use Potable Water: Fill your tank with water from a reliable source known to be safe for drinking. Avoid filling from questionable sources like garden hoses or untreated wells.
- Regularly Drain and Refill: If the tank isn't being used, drain it completely. This prevents stagnant water from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. Refill with fresh water before your next trip.
- Inspect Regularly: Periodically inspect the inside of the tank (if accessible) for any signs of algae, mold, or sediment buildup.
- Avoid Overfilling: Overfilling can create pressure that can damage the tank or plumbing.
- Consider an Inline Filter: Install an inline filter on your water pump to protect the pump and further filter the water coming from the tank.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your van's water tank stays clean and provides you with safe, potable water on your adventures.
