Ask A Tech: Springtime RV Maintenance

Question: 

“What do I need done when I get my camper out of winter storage?”

Answer: 

This is a reasonable question. Our customers want to avoid problems when planning spring trips with their campers. So, it’s a great idea to bring the camper into our dealership for de-winterizing and seasonal maintenance. Don’t forget to Sanitize your freshwater System!

Obviously, the potable antifreeze that protected the camper’s plumbing during the cold winter months needs to be flushed out, but a complete sanitization of your freshwater system should be done at least once a year. If you use your coach frequently, 2X per year is recommended. 

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There are many great products available for customers to maintain their freshwater systems during the camping season, but the system should be thoroughly sanitized using diluted bleach at least once a year. 

Remember, Chlorine is corrosive and toxic by itself. But if diluted properly, it can break down and remove the bacteria and contaminants that cause bad odors and/or health concerns in your freshwater supply. The following procedure can be done yourself at home, or at the dealership as part of your regular seasonal maintenance process. 

Steps to properly sanitize a freshwater system:
1.    After flushing all the potable antifreeze from the system with clean water, flush the water heater tank (tank-filled water heaters only!). Set the water heater bypass to “normal use” and simply run clean water through the water heater with the drain open, so the minerals and sediment deposits can run out of the water heater drain. When the water runs clear from the water heater drain, shut off the water supply and plug the water heater drain. 
2.    Prepare a solution of ½ cup household bleach added to one gallon of water. Do NOT pour un-diluted bleach directly into the freshwater tank! Pour the diluted solution into the tank’s gravity fill or pressurized water fill. Add one gallon of pre-mixed solution for every 15 gallons of water capacity in the tank. For example, a 30-gallon FW tank will use 2 gallons of pre-mixed solution. 
3.    After adding the pre-mixed solution, fill the Fresh Water tank all the way with clean water. 
4.    Using the on-board water pump, open each faucet—cold and hot—one at a time until a distinct odor of bleach is detected. Leave the water heater bypass in “normal use” position! Don’t forget the low-point drains, exterior showers and any washer connections, if equipped. 
5.    Once the entire freshwater system has been completely purged with the chlorine/water mixture, let it sit for a minimum of one hour and allow the bleach to work. Wait longer, if the system is extremely bad. 
6.    After the wait time, flush the remaining contents of the freshwater tank through all the faucets and low point drains. Then fill the freshwater tank with clean fresh water. 
7.    Flush the system with clean water using the on-board water pump. Open each faucet’s cold and hot dials one at a time until bleach is no longer detected.
8.    This procedure can be repeated if the system is very dirty. The goal is to have fresh, clear water at every faucet. 

Of course, you should drain and flush your holding tanks prior to winter storage, and when the camper is being prepared for seasonal use, the grey and black tanks should already have chemicals in them. If not, just add drop-in probe cleaner/deodorizer product to the toilet and tub/sinks with a few gallons of water to help keep the tanks and probes clean and fresh. After they are filled from normal use, be sure to add tank chemicals every time they are dumped. 

This is not the only thing that needs addressed for seasonal maintenance. Make sure your propane and electrical systems are tested for safety and proper use. Also, your chassis, brakes, and tires require regular safety checks. However, sanitizing your water system is often overlooked. Be sure to get it done to ensure a safe and happy experience from your first trip through the entire camping season!

-    Keith Marshall, Level 4 RVTI Master Certified Technician

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Disclaimer:
The advice and suggestions provided in our "Ask an RV Tech" blog are for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional diagnosis or repairs performed by certified technicians. We are not liable for any damage or issues that may arise from attempting to apply the information provided here. For the safety and proper care of your camper, we strongly recommend visiting any of our dealerships to have a certified RV technician diagnose and address your camper's specific needs. Remember to always refer to your RV's manual for additional resources.