DIY: How to clean fresh and grey water tanks

In this article the RV Repair Centre shows us how to clean the freshwater and greywater tanks in our van.

One of the most fundamental functions of caravan living is access to clean drinking water and dealing with the ‘dirty’ water you create as a result of washing dishes, showering and so on. Core components of these plumbing functions are the freshwater tanks, greywater tanks and the water filter.Freshwater tanks must always be held to the highest hygiene standards to keep the water safe for drinking. Part of this process is cleaning the tank periodically with a suitable cleaning solution, flushing the cleaning solution and then adding new fresh water. Greywater tanks require a similar cleaning process with some slight variations. Inline filters used in the freshwater system need to be replaced regularly to maintain high water quality.In this article, The RV Repair Centre steps us through these processes.

Fresh water:

Empty a freshwater tank

Fresh water:

Adding a cleaning solution

STEP 1 Select a suitable drinking water tank cleaning solution	STEP 2 Add the tank cleaning solution to a suitable container following the directions	STEP 3 Mix the tank cleaning solution with drinking water following the directions
STEP 4 Ensure that the water tank valve is closed	STEP 5 Use a funnel or similar for easy pouring	STEP 6 Pour the cleaning solution into the tank
STEP 7 Using a trusted drinking water source, a drinking water hose and filter is best practice	STEP 8 This water filter required a hose connector to be screwed into either end	STEP 9 Connect the water filter to a drinking water hose
STEP 10 Connect the drinking water hose to the tank inlet	STEP 11 Fill the tanks	STEP 12 Turn on the pump
STEP 13 Run all the taps briefly to purge ‘old water’ and fill the lines with cleaning solution	STEP 14 Top up to full capacity so the cleaning solution makes contact with all of the tank interior surfaces	STEP 15 Allow the cleaning solution/water to sit in the tank as per instructions (about 24hrs)

Fresh water:

Fill with fresh water

1. Repeat the process of draining the tank — refer to ‘Empty a Freshwater Tank’
2. Repeat the process of filling the tank with fresh drinking water — refer to ‘Add a cleaning solution’, steps 7–14
3. Repeat filling and draining the tank with freshwater until you are satisfied the chemical has been flushed — The RV Repair Centre typically repeats the process 2–3 times

Grey water:

Clean the greywater tank

STEP 1 Empty the grey water tank at a designated dump point prior to commencing the cleaning process	STEP 2 Select a suitable tank-cleaning solution	STEP 3 Add the tank cleaning solution to a suitable container following the directions
STEP 4 Mix the tank cleaning solution with drinking water following the directions	STEP 5 Add the solution to the greywater tank by pouring it down the sink or shower drain	STEP 6 Fill the greywater tank with fresh water by running the taps
STEP 7 Top up to full capacity so the cleaning solution makes contact with all of the tank interior surfaces	STEP 8 Allow the cleaning solution/water to sit in the tank as per instructions (about 24hrs)	STEP 9 Empty the greywater tank at a suitable location
STEP 10 Repeat the process if the drained water still looks dirty

Change the van Inline drinking water filter

STEP 1 Turn off the water pump	STEP 2 Open the tap in the same line as the filter and run until no water comes out	STEP 3 Locate the filter and place a towel under it to catch any water that may leak
STEP 4 Rotate the filter to disengage it	STEP 5 Remove the filter	STEP 6 Insert a replacement filter
STEP 7 Rotate the filter to engage it	STEP 8 Turn the pump on	STEP 9 Turn the tap on to allow water to run through the system
STEP 10 Turn the tap off and check for leaks at the filter connection point

Hacks

• Consider doing the freshwater tank clean and the greywater tank clean one straight after the other. This way you can transfer the cleaning solution/water from the freshwater tanks to the greywater tank by running the taps into the sink and/or shower. This will save water and cleaning solution.
• Some caravanners use DIY greywater tank cleaning solutions such as heavily diluted vinegar or dishwashing detergent. Check the internet for potential ‘brews’.
• Some caravanners prefer to part-fill their greywater tank with water and cleaning solution and then hit the road. Water sloshing around in the tanks creates a mechanical cleaning action to remove dirty material attached to the inside of the tank.

If in doubt, consult a professional

Improper maintenance can lead to injury, death or property damage. Maintenance work of this nature should only be undertaken by people with suitable competence. The information provided is general in nature, not comprehensive and should only be taken as a guide. Individual discretion must be exercised and persons undertaking described tasks do so completely at their own risk. Publishers and creators of this content accept no responsibility for loss or damage. Thanks to Andrew Phillips and the team from the RV Repair Centre, 120 Canterbury Road, Bayswater North Vic 3153, P: 03 9761 4189.

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