Fresh Water Tank Maintenance

Pairadocs

Member
Jan 15, 2016
40
Fenton, MI/Tawas City, MI
Boat Info
400 Sundancer 1998
Engines
3116 Caterpillar
We really don't drink the water from our fresh water tank, but it seems like I am now seeing black streaks in the heads. They are appearing every couple weeks after cleaning. I have read about adding a small amount of bleach in the tank to clean it, but I am not sure how good that is for seals an pumps. Any thoughts on the best way to clean and maintain your fresh water tank? Thanks, Alan
 
I generally dump a bottle of tank cleaner into the tank every month or two. I buy it in the RV section at Walmart.
 
If you use bleach, only use a small amount -- a few ounces. Run the system for a minute. Then pressurize the system for an hour or so. Drain and refill the take a few times to rinse.
 
For regular maintenance use something like Aquabon or Camco water freshener. Only need a little - like 1 oz per 30 gallons or so. Works very well to keep water in a clean tank sweet.
 
Bleach works. it needs so sit for 4 hours or more. Like Golfman mentioned, a small amount like less than 1/2 cup in 5 gallons, and then don't let any drip on your carpets while you are flushing. For pure cheapness and efficiency, it is great.
 
I use both methods above.

When I place the fresh water system in service at the beginning of the season I use the bleach method and flush the system a few times ........ then I use Camco water freshener through out the season.
 
+1 on the Camco. I use it everytime I put water in the tank throughout the year. Note: I only fill my water tank to 1/2 full. You probably know this but it is advised to never fill "our" fresh water tank full. They tend to crack in the corner of the "L" shape.
 
Black streaks in your head are probably caused more by black seals deteriorating on your fresh water valve than your potable water tank. If you bleach the system, just be careful not to leave the bleach in the lines more than a day or so since it will start degrading those black rubber seals.
 
I posted in another thread how to use clorox to clean/sanitize your tank - the procedure should be in your Owner's Manual. I am careful not to flush any of the clorox treated water through my heads as the clorox would not be good for the bacteria that are working in the holding tank...
 

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