At Lazydays RV, we know that new RV owners can feel a little intimidated by some of the maintenance required, especially when it comes to the plumbing. To help, our master certified RV technicians have put together a helpful guide on holding tank maintenance and winterization.
BASIC RV HOLDING TANK MAINTENANCE
The plumbing in an RV is typically composed of three different tanks: the fresh water holding tank, the grey water tank and the waste tank. Follow the tips below for how to service each tank.
FRESH WATER TANK
The fresh water tank is the easiest of the three tanks to maintain. It is only used to hold the fresh water that comes out of your sink taps and showerhead.
- Be sure to use a potable water hose whenever filling it.
- Don’t leave water sitting in it for long periods – empty it and let it dry at the end of each trip.
- If you smell any odor from this tank or water supply, empty the tank and pour a ¼ cup of bleach into the tank for every 15 gallons it holds. Fill the tank with water, and drain it. Allow the tank to sit empty for 24 hours, then refill it and drain until you no longer smell bleach.
GREY WATER TANK
The grey water tank is for runoff from your sinks, shower and dishwasher. This tank can be left open to drain freely when you are in a park and you won’t have to worry about it over filling.
- Be careful to avoid washing food particles down the sink to prevent clogs.
- Because this tank isn’t fresh water, it can start to smell – use the proper chemicals to clean the tank. Harsh chemicals can erode the valves and seals, so be sure to purchase RV safe chemicals.
- Just like the fresh water tank, you want to empty this tank and store it dry.
BLACK WATER TANK
The black water tank holds wastewater from your toilet. Depending on the number of people using the bathroom in your RV, it may need to be emptied as often as every other day.
- Be sure to have some water in the base of the tank and a few ounces of liquid holding tank chemicals before using the toilet.
- The tank should be dumped when it is approximately two-thirds full. Most newer models are equipped with an RV tank sensor that will let you know when it should be emptied.
- Always empty your black tank before your grey tank, so that you can use the gray water to flush the hose.
- If you have a flush valve, attach a hose and run clean water through the tank to give it a more thorough cleaning.
HOW TO WINTERIZE PLUMBING IN AN RV
Whether you’re putting your RV into storage or planning winter camping adventures, you should winterize your RV before the temperature dips below 32-degrees Fahrenheit. While parts of winterizing the RV holding tanks and water system can be completed by a seasoned RVer, it’s always safer to have your RV serviced by a professional. Not only are they familiar with complicated RV systems, but they’re also skilled at finding and repairing leaks, pressurizing the water system and ensuring that every single water line has been drained and winterized. Remember, improper winterization can cause costly repairs down the road.
Below are some of the steps our Lazydays service experts go through when winterizing RVs:
- Remove any inline water filters.
- Drain the fresh water tank.
- Drain and flush the black water tank.
- Drain and flush the grey water tank.
- Drain the water heater tank, once it has cooled.
- Drain the remaining water from the system.
- Use either a water pump conversion kit or a hand pump to introduce RV antifreeze into the system.
Our RV service experts average over 14 years of experience working on RVs, so you can trust them to get the job done and get your RV ready for the winter season! Plus, our basic Winterization Package starts at just $139*.
To schedule a service appointment, call or stop by your nearest Lazydays RV dealership in Tampa, Florida; Tucson, Arizona; Denver, or Loveland, Colorado; or Minneapolis, Minnesota.
*Pricing does not include taxes, shop supplies or any applicable fees. Offer valid through 1/31/19.
