Why does my fresh water holding tank smell?

If your freshwater tank is older, or if it’s been sitting in your stored RV for a while, it may begin to harbor bacteria. As a result, the tank can develop an unpleasant smell or make your drinking water taste bad. You can solve this problem with some old fashioned bleach.

How do you clean and deodorize RV holding tanks?

Directions for Cleaning an RV Black Water Tank:

  1. Close the gray water tank valve the night before cleaning.
  2. Clean your toilet.
  3. Connect your hose.
  4. Slowly turn on the water.
  5. Pull the black water tank valve.
  6. Slowly turn the water on more.
  7. Close the black water tank valve.
  8. Open black water tank valve again.

How do you deodorize a black water tank?

How To Get Rid Of Awful Black Tank Smells

  1. Start with fabric softener. Begin your troubleshooting by simply adding two capfuls of liquid fabric softener to the tank.
  2. Fill the bowl.
  3. Close the valve.
  4. Check the vent.
  5. Pull out the water hose.
  6. Try ice and soap.
  7. Dump in some water softener.
  8. Resort to bleach.

How do I stop my RV water from smelling?

We recommend having at least one 16 ounce bottle of hydrogen peroxide for this task, preferably two. If you don’t want to use hydrogen peroxide (which is toxic if swallowed) you can also use household vinegar. To further prevent the rotten egg smell, use an aluminum-zinc anode.

How do I freshen my RV fresh water tank?

Go inside your RV and turn on your water pump. Then open all the faucets and showerheads and allow the bleach water to run through every part of your freshwater system for 2-3 minutes. Once the water has circulated through for several minutes, you can close the faucets and shut off your water pump again.

How much Borax do I put in a black tank?

¼ cup
You can also add 1 cup of the original “blue” Dawn dishwashing detergent. Or, add 1 cup of eco-friendly laundry detergent to the black tank when you add the water softener. This helps to further clean and deodorize the tank. Many RVers also include ¼ cup Borax to the black tank along with the detergent.

How do I sanitize my RV fresh water tank?

7 Easy Steps to Sanitize Your RV Water Tank

  1. Turn Off Water Heater and Drain All Fresh Water.
  2. Bypass Your RV Water Heater.
  3. Add Diluted Bleach Mixture to RV Fresh Water Tank.
  4. Fill Fresh Water Tank with Fresh Water.
  5. Open Every Faucet One at a Time and Run It Until You Smell Bleach.
  6. Let Sanitizing Mixture Sit for Several Hours.