Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Drain an RV Fresh Water Tank?
3. Preparing to Drain the Fresh Water Tank
• Turning off the Water Heater and Pump
• Opening All Taps and Valves
4. Locating the Fresh Water Tank Drain Valve
5. Draining the Fresh Water Tank
• Opening the Fresh Water Tank Dump Valve
• Opening the Low-Point Drain Valves
• Flushing the Toilet and Running the Water Pump
• Draining the Water Heater
6. How to Clean the Fresh Water Tank
7. Frequently Asked Questions
• Where is the Fresh Water Tank Drain?
• Should I Leave Water in My RV Fresh Water Tank?
• How Long Can You Leave Fresh Water in the RV Tank?
8. Conclusion

Introduction

Draining the fresh water tank in your RV is an important maintenance task to ensure the safety and quality of your water supply. It also helps manage the weight of your RV when traveling between campgrounds. By following the proper steps, you can easily and effectively drain your RV's fresh water tank.

Why Drain an RV Fresh Water Tank?

Before we dive into the draining process, let's understand why it's necessary to drain an RV fresh water tank. Draining the tank serves two main purposes:

• Water Safety: Regularly draining the fresh water tank helps prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and algae, ensuring that your water supply remains fresh and safe for drinking, cooking, and other uses.
• Weight Management: Water adds significant weight to your RV. By draining the fresh water tank when not in use or during transit, you can reduce the overall weight of your RV, improving fuel efficiency and preventing unnecessary strain on your vehicle.

Now that we understand the importance of draining the fresh water tank, let's proceed with the step-by-step process.

Preparing to Drain the Fresh Water Tank

Before you begin draining the fresh water tank, it's essential to take a few preparatory steps to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Turning off the Water Heater and Pump

To prevent damage to the water heater and pump, it's crucial to turn them off before draining the fresh water tank. These steps should be followed:

1. Locate the water heater and pump switches, usually found in the RV's control panel or near the water system.
2. Turn off the water heater switch and allow the water inside to cool down to room temperature.
3. Turn off the water pump switch to prevent it from running without water.

By turning off the water heater and pump, you ensure their safety and avoid any potential mishaps during the draining process.

Opening All Taps and Valves

Next, open all the taps and valves in your RV to release any remaining water pressure and allow air into the system. Here's what you need to do:

• Open all the faucets in your RV, including those in the bathroom, kitchen, and shower. This will help drain the water from the lines and ensure a complete emptying of the fresh water tank.
• If your RV has an outdoor shower, make sure to turn off the nozzle.
• Flushing the toilet is not necessary for a standard tank flush, but you can do so if desired.

Opening all the taps and valves will enable air to enter the system, facilitating the complete drainage of water from the lines and the fresh water tank.

Locating the Fresh Water Tank Drain Valve

Before you can drain the fresh water tank, you need to locate the drain valve. In most RVs, the drain valve is situated underneath the vehicle, near the fresh water tank. Follow these steps to find the drain valve:

1. Look for the fresh water tank, typically located underneath the RV. It may be attached to a pipe or hose.
2. Once you've located the fresh water tank, inspect the area near its lowest point. The drain valve should be nearby, either attached to a pipe or hose.
3. If you're having trouble finding the drain valve, consult your RV's owner's manual. It will provide specific instructions and diagrams for your RV model.

Knowing the location of the drain valve is essential for a successful draining process. Take your time to locate it properly before proceeding.

Draining the Fresh Water Tank

Now that you are prepared and have located the drain valve, it's time to drain the fresh water tank. Follow these steps:

Opening the Fresh Water Tank Dump Valve

1. Slowly open the fresh water tank dump valve, which is the main valve responsible for draining the tank.
2. Allow the water to flow out of the tank gradually. Opening the valve too quickly may result in a messy splashing of water.
3. Monitor the drainage and ensure that the water is flowing freely without any obstructions.

By opening the fresh water tank dump valve, you initiate the drainage process and allow the water to flow out of the tank.

Opening the Low-Point Drain Valves

In addition to the fresh water tank dump valve, many RVs have low-point drain valves. These valves help drain excess water from the hot and cold water lines. Follow these steps to open the low-point drain valves:

1. Locate the low-point drain valves, usually found near the fresh water tank drain valve.
2. There will typically be separate valves for the hot and cold water lines.
3. Slowly open the low-point drain valves to release any remaining water from the lines.
4. Monitor the drainage to ensure that both hot and cold water lines are draining properly.

Opening the low-point drain valves is crucial for removing any excess water from the water lines and ensuring a thorough draining of the fresh water system.

Flushing the Toilet and Running the Water Pump

To further aid in the draining process, flush the toilet and run the water pump. Here's what you should do:

1. Flush the toilet multiple times to remove any water remaining in the toilet bowl and tank.
2. Turn on the water pump briefly, allowing it to run until no more water is coming out.
3. This step helps remove any excess water that may be trapped in the system.

Flushing the toilet and running the water pump ensure that any remaining water in the system is expelled, resulting in a more complete drainage of the fresh water tank.

Draining the Water Heater

If you have a water heater in your RV, it's essential to drain it as well. Follow these steps to drain the water heater:

1. Locate the water heater drain plug, usually located at the bottom of the water heater tank.
2. Use a socket wrench or the appropriate tool to remove the drain plug.
3. Allow the water heater to drain completely, ensuring that all water is expelled.
4. If necessary, turn on the water pump briefly to remove any remaining water from the water heater.

Draining the water heater is an important step to ensure that all water is removed from the system and to prevent any potential damage during periods of non-use or winterization.

How to Clean the Fresh Water Tank

Once you have successfully drained the fresh water tank, it's advisable to clean it to maintain water quality and prevent the growth of bacteria or other contaminants. Here's how you can clean your fresh water tank:

1. Prepare a mixture of bleach and water. The recommended ratio is one ounce of bleach for every eight gallons of water in your fresh water tank.
2. Fill your fresh water tank halfway with the bleach-water mixture.
3. Fill the remaining half of the tank with clean water.
4. Allow the mixture to sit in the tank for approximately 10-12 hours.
5. After the designated time has passed, open the fresh water tank dump valve and drain the bleach-water mixture from the tank.
6. Run all the faucets, including the shower, to flush out the remaining bleach-water mixture from the system.
7. Continue running the faucets until you no longer detect the smell of bleach.

Cleaning the fresh water tank with a bleach-water mixture helps sanitize the tank and eliminates any potential contaminants. Remember to thoroughly flush the system to remove any traces of bleach before using the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Fresh Water Tank Drain?

The location of the fresh water tank drain valve may vary depending on your RV model. In most cases, it can be found underneath the vehicle, near the fresh water tank. If you're having trouble locating it, consult your RV's owner's manual for specific instructions. Here are some popular RV manufacturers' websites where you can find owner's manuals:

• Manufacturer 1
• Manufacturer 2
• Manufacturer 3

Should I Leave Water in My RV Fresh Water Tank?

It is generally recommended to drain the fresh water tank when not in use or during transit. Leaving water in the tank for extended periods can lead to the growth of bacteria, mold, and other contaminants. Additionally, the weight of the water can strain your RV's engine and reduce fuel efficiency. It's best to only fill the fresh water tank when needed.

How Long Can You Leave Fresh Water in the RV Tank?

The maximum recommended duration for leaving fresh water in the RV tank is around two weeks. However, this timeframe can vary depending on factors such as temperature, water quality, and RV storage conditions. It's important to regularly monitor the water quality and drain the tank if you suspect any contamination or odor. For longer storage periods, it is advisable to empty the tank completely.