I just found RVstreet and Martins videos are timeless. So sorry to hear about the loss of this amazing creator, love his passion and knowledge about the RV community. I have and still learning from these videos and some many more to watch. Thank you for keeping the channel going, these are so helpful and helps folks like me that just found him. Sincerely thank you…
How are you doing, Joannie? I'm trusting God to bless and comfort you always. I wish I could have met you guys. I feel like a friendship over the years. God bless Jimmy
Came here to find out how to sanitize my fresh water tank and came out shedding tears and saying a prayer for Martin. I did not know of his passing. My deepest sympathy for your loss. 🙏
Wonderful advice with clear and concise instructions and well edited. An RV pro myself, I'll refer customers who ask for advice to this video. RIP Martin. Thanks for leaving his video up so others may benefit. 👍
Your RV already has a BIG, food grade fresh water tank, so it’s NOT NECESSARY TO CARRY toxic plastic water bottles, big jugs of water, perhaps a Berkey water filter or maybe an under the sink filter that you use for drinking and cooking. I know some of you think using your fresh water tank is not safe to drink or cook with. If you want to keep practicing those methods, I mean that’s fine with me, but it’s just not necessary. All that other stuff you carry with you takes up more room, adds more weight to your RV & more plastic that ends up in the land fill. BASICS BEFORE SANITIZING… You have to plan for the day that you decide you’re going to sanitize because you will not be able to use any of the water in your RV for about 8hrs. except for the toilet. With the bleach concentration we’re using, 8hrs. is plenty of time to sanitize. If you’re staying at the RV during the day time that your sanitizing, always have some stand by water for drinking and cleaning. Now Joanie & I when we plan to sanitize our fresh water system, we do it right after dinner. We fill up a couple of cups of water to brush our teeth and what have you, get our water ready for the next morning coffee and tea, and we sanitize overnight while we’re sleeping. If you sanitize during the day make it easy on yourself. Eat an early breakfast, prepare a simple lunch prior to getting started or go to a Subway the evening before and get a Subway sandwich for lunch. This way you won’t have to be bothered by making lunch. Another idea if your sanitizing during the day, it’s a great time to go exploring to a winery, or go shopping, go to the pool, play cards with some friends or what have you. Just find something to do for about 8hrs. Some people suggest sanitizing on their move day. That way sanitation is taking place while you’re driving. But that just adds another thing to do on move day and finish up when you arrive at your destination. And of course you’ll be carrying a whole lot more weight while traveling. I personally don’t like this method. So we like doing sanitizing while we’re at a camp ground, where we are sitting in one place, have full hook ups and we pick a day that is designated for sanitizing. It just makes this process go a whole lot easier. Bleach amount - 1/4 cup per 15 gallons of water OR 1 cup per 50 gallons of water. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS TURN OFF YOUR CITY WATER AND WATER PUMP ANYTIME YOU LEAVE YOUR RV OR AT NIGHT TIME.
I STILL laugh when you jumped off from your RV roof: and said:- ‘Don’t try THIS at home!’ 😂 😂😂 May God bless Joanie and your family! Greetings from England ✝️🙏
Hey Martin Great vid mate , I purchased my class a winnebago about 2 years back now , the people that owned it used Bore water heavy in minerals , Mate it stank so i bleached the whole system for weeks , then flushed it about 20 times , then used a product for cleaning baby bottles (Sorry cant remember the name) so flushed again and then got a sample from every tap and gave it to the local guy at the Drug store (yes they will check the water for you )Cost about $5 he gave it the all clear , we then added new filters the two can type like you have and an In lime fill filter ,, i recon the water is now better than the water in our house ,, Again Great vid mate . Rob NSW Australia
You truly have a gift for teaching! I wish my husband and I would have seen this before we tried sanitizing our system recently! We struggled trying to get the bleach solution into our gravity fill. We have the same filter system as you, using that would have been so much easier! I’d love to see you do a video on taking care of rubber slide and door seals AND replacing them! Thanks so much for your great videos! You’re my new go to source!
I like your channel dude. I just bought a 40 foot diesel pusher that my lady and I are going to live in full time. Rent almost doubled, so we're hitting the road. We're going to stay close to home for a few months while we make sure everything is in good running order.
My setup is such that I have to thread a hose into the fresh water fill in order to put water into the fresh water tank. I'm going to cut about a 10 inch piece of house with the threaded end on one side and stuff a funnel into the cut end. That way I can thread the funnel hose into the fresh water fill and pour bleach into the funnel to put bleach into the fresh water tank.
I really appreciate this how-to video! Excellent material. If I could mention one thing, regular household bleach works perfectly for sanitizing, as you said. However, it loses its ability to sanitize quickly. 6 months after buying, it will only have half of the effective sanitizing ability, and after one year, it will basically be useless for sanitizing. Buy fresh bleach just prior to sanitizing for fully effective cleansing power.
Hey Martin, Class A newbe here. Great info, attention to detail is always the best way to teach. 2nd best is demonstration. You do it all so well that I will be using your vids to get me out there on the road and hopefully free of interuptions from premature breakdowns of common problems due to being uninformed of proper prevetative maintenance.
Thank you so much Martin for sharing your knowledge with those of us who don't have someone to guide us thru the process like you did for us. May God Bless you always ! Thank you.
Excellent video! Another important point. ALWAYS shut the water off to your house when you're gone for an extended period. I work for a big city FD and we attend serious water problems all the time.
I want to thank you very much for all your videos You've helped us so much we are newbies and without you I don't know if we would want to continue doing this journey so thank you so much you are such a wonderful person
I bought our very first ever travel trailer (used) about 6 years ago. It took me quite awhile to learn all of the systems and quirks etc about that unit. I always sanitized our fresh water system as soon as I de-winterized it. I let the bleach water sit in the system overnight, drained it and did 2 flushes, ( the second one was always done to ease my wife’s mind about having bleach in the system). This year we got to use our camper 1 time before it got hailed on so bad it was declared a total loss by the insurance company. Now we want to upgrade to a fifth wheel, and all I can think of is “Here we go again”. Going to have to re learn everything from scratch. But honestly, I am looking forward to it as well, and planning different mods and upgrades. Wishing I could retire and we could become full timers, take her to see some of this amazing gorgeous country before it gets completely wrecked. Unfortunately I still have 12 years to go before I can do that. Thanks for another great and comprehensive video. I learn a lot from you.
New to RVing and I've found your videos to be the most detailed and filled with helpful tips & tricks. I feel more confident in being able to more with my RV. TY!🙏
Wow. I’m overwhelmed but also recognize how important this is. Will be going full time by end of year. Just waiting for my 2021 Lance #2465 TT to be completed and ready to pick up. I’ll b a solo, senior female out there, terrified and excited at the same time. Soooo much to learn but I’m willing and able. This was informative and doable…..once I accomplish it the FIRST time! Your videos help prepare me and teach me preventative maintenance issues that I wasn’t even aware I needed! So thank you.
Hi Lauren, I totally understand how you are terrified and excited at the same time. Trust me, I really do. Your entering into a whole new world of living and having to do things you've never done before. But you can do this and you have the right-can do-attitude. I looked at your coach online, what type of options did your order? What type of truck are you going to pull it with?
@@RVstreet hi again. I got ALL the options except the ‘lift’. I’m only 5’ nothing, so didn’t want the trailer raised higher. Got 2 solar panels, fireplace, the better stairs that are wider and closer together. (I have rheumatoid arthritis) so stairs can be painful for me. The electric jack, the ladder, televator TV in bedroom, triple propane tanks with cover, rear camera. All I know is I spent an additional $14,000 in ‘options’. I got every safety feature possible! I told them I want a weight distribution stabilizer bar put on once they get it to Yakima. And I plan on taking a training course of RV maintenance, but the one in Eugene might only be for Class A’s, which is where I first started my research 3 years ago, so might have to change course but I definitely want to take classes. The one in Eugene was like a $1000.00 but it was over 5 days. And I want to learn and practice as much as able to be as safe as I possibly can be. I had to buy a truck and sell my very new sedan. Again I researched cause I know absolutely NOTHING about trucks. Never drove one or even ridden in one b4! But I have a friend very knowledgeable and I finally found what I wanted, but it was 6 hours away, in Spokane! It’s a 2018 Ford 150 Lariat with 3.5 Eco Boost. I love it. Never knew a truck could b so luxurious. It’s loaded with all the options too. Most importantly, it has the button for backing up the trailer (after u put in the correct measurements), which I’m hoping will really help me. Only one owner, and he had hauled a travel trailer too. He just traded in for a newer year. I’m not sure where to take the trailer, once I’ve loaded it to be sure about the weight. Articles talk about truck weigh stations but say it’s dependent on who’s there at the time. I just want and need to b safe. It’s only going to b me out there and I have never camped with anything more than a chalet, A-frame, hard sided trailer. I am sooooo out of my comfort zone. But at least I’ve towed a trailer. Problem is, it only weighed 1000 lbs and folded down to a rectangular BOX. Nothing like what my new endeavor. Any words of advice will b most welcome. I now watch all your videos (since I accidentally found you when watching UA-cam videos about weight distribution stabilizers for RV’s). I have them saved. Some I watch over and over again just to help my brain retain the information . Have to say tho, your videos scare me because there is just tremendous amount of learning involved with my going solo. But in a good way. You don’t know what you don’t know, right? So I’m just gonna dig in, go slow, practice and practice and practice in parks close by, to gain confidence b4 I truly venture out .
@@laurenkeon3267 Well it sure seems to me that you've been doing your due diligence and that's good. Now all you have to do is over come your fears and concerns. I just got thru watching a tremendous 4 episode documentary on the first civilian space launch with SpaceX. It's called COUNTDOWN and it's on Netflix. You really should watch this. It's soooooo inspiring on how to to push your limits and overcome fears of the unknown. I know you'll really like it. 👍
I knew you were going to make this video so I waited on sanitizing my system. You of course have great information and after watching this I have to smack myself in the head for not thinking of it - to use the filter housing for the bleach, how simple. Now I can sanitize my water system with ease. I do like your idea of attaching a sewer hose to the drain port, but until then - another idea for others on draining the fresh water tank, I use a "Water Bandit" to hook up a garden hose to the drain port. Thanks again Martin for a wonderful video!
As I'm watching, the Roberta Flack song, First Time comes to mind.... The first time.....I ever saw your video..... I thought the ideas in your brain.. And the info and pictures were gifts you gave.... Thank you again, for an awesome and informative DIY! You two are fabulous! I can see that I should have been taking notes during these to make outlines to do them myself.
Good info Martin, also it's a good idea to remove all your faucet strainers after sanitizing to flush out all the gunk so it doesn't clog the strainers. Ask me how I know this?
I put the bleach in the freshwater hose. Just pour it in the empty hose end. Put the hose in the tank fill and turn the water on....done. This was in a Tech Tip Tuesday video. Using the winterizer siphon and the water pump (Martin's third way) would not work for me. I do not have a tank fill valve. This would not disinfect the fresh water tank on my rig. My pump only draws off the tank and will never fill it. Disinfecting the hoses. I drain them after use, but this is a good idea.
Great tips for sanitizing the H2o tank and lines and faucets. Thanks Keep the great videos coming. Your videos are always easy to do things for the average guy. Others rvers get waaaaay toooo technical for the average guy to follow.
Great video Martin. The last time I did this I forgot to write a checklist and try to do everything for memory and of course I forgot one or two things. Joanie After I went to bed I remembered to get up and shut my water off at the Spicket. Hopefully I will stay in that routine. Thanks for the great info also it was wonderful to meet you both. Francis and Lare.
Hi Francis. Thanks for chiming in. It was great to meet you and Lare. You've got quite a rig. Also don't forget to check and be sure the water pump it off too. when you leave or go to bed. 🔧👍
Really like the detail you go into when explaining how you do things. We do travel with water and fill up the fresh water tank when we get to the park. We learned our lesson when there was a water line break and the park was without water for hours and we didn’t have much water on hand.
Yep. Roger that. We do the same thing at a park. When traveling, we usually carry with us about 1/3 tank JIC. You never know what might happen between point A and point B.
as i always say and will always say, martin is the best, i have learned so much , he is a walking book of knowledge,,,,thank you sir i love your water filtration system and how its mounted , awesome, what kind is it ????
Well, I went into great detail of all what I did in the wet bay in the video below and in the description text of that video, I link to where I purchase all my water gear and all the part numbers. ua-cam.com/video/1Reh8q6-rC0/v-deo.html Thanks Michael for all your kind words. It keeps me going. 💗 BTW...have you ever checked out my PLAYLIST page: ua-cam.com/users/RVstreetplaylists
@@RVstreet i noticed it now , a real duh on my part, thank you martin for all your help , you and the better half make a awesome team and couple, im have learned so much from you , bmws i know , motorhomes im learning
Hi Martin and Joanie, love your videos. I have a question about this water tank sanitizing video. Is it a necessity to turn the water switch back to city water from the tank fill position after you have filled the tank with the sanitizing bleach solution and before you start running your Water faucets. If you do have to switch back to the city water position could you please explain why. Again love your videos. Thanks
Just ran across this video, great tutorial, thank you. Depending on how you treat your black tank, I would highly discourage using the toilet while bleach is in the lines. Many of the big name/popular tank treatments that people use are enzyme based and introducing bleach could/will kill those enzymes and render the treatment ineffective. You will have to do several black tank flushes to remove the bleach residue...as the saying goes "Ask me how I know" 😂 Sorry, didn't want to read through all 200+ comments to see if this was already addressed.
How long can water sit in a tank between uses ,it may be 1 to 3 months before we travel again. Should we drain then refill once a week once a month , how long can water sit unused or should we drain the tank after trips? We do like to keep the RV tank partially full just for emergency back up even when home not traveling. Thank you Karl
Well it depends on the quality of the water in the first place and whether it's filtered properly BEFORE it goes into your fresh water tank. If it's good water to start with and filtered properly 1-3 months shouldn't be a problem IMO. And of course it should go thru a water softener too. That will save your plumbing and appliances over time. I have a PLAYLIST of other videos covering this subject if you're interested: ua-cam.com/play/PLkQXtMp9xodT-mrqODN1IH_B2ZAJJ--1c.html
Well, whether you have an Atwood or a Suburban water heater the bypass valve will be in a specific location according to your make, model and year of RV. Check your user manual for it's location in your RV.
Great video. Can you save water by only using a half tank of bleach and water instead of filling it full. Since the water is sloshing around when driving sanitizing the tank while driving, it would save on water and gas mileage with less weight. I have close to 90 gallon tank. Thank You
What about the Refrigerator with Ice Maker. No one discusses what to do about the refrigerator water filter while sanitizing. What are your comments on what to do about that.
I NEED YOUR HELP!!!! I mentioned to a person that I was sanitizing the travel trailer water tank and lines using bleach, 1/4 per 15 gallons or 1/960 dilution rate. They were horrified and said that would destroy the PEX (?) (not sure what PEX is). The person advised I should be using ammonia for the job not bleach. I have never heard of using ammonia for sanitizing a rv's water tank and lines. Your advice is needed. Thank you.
Don't worry about it, that is a low concentration of chlorine and will not harm the PEX as it is treated to be resistant to chlorine when manufactured. Bleach is what you need, not ammonia and be sure to use pure bleach not one that contains scents or additives.
Bottled water is necessary in some areas just because the water tastes gross. I'm in Vegas right now and no amount of filtering fixes the tap water taste.
Hey Martin, love your channel. I have a question, I bought the Weboost through your Amazon store and I installed it and I think you had mentioned putting your outside antenna on a telescoping pole would you happen to have a pic of that you could share with me? I can only achieve 11 1/2 ft I would like to get it up around 13 1/2 ft and I can't figure out how to achieve that. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Lee, I don't know if you mean 11.5' from the ground or an additional 11.5' above your roof line. I mounted my weBoost up on the top of the RV rear ladder. That means it's right at 12' 3" and that's where it lives all the time. In 4yrs. we've only had one instance where even the weBoost couldn't help. And I have the older model. However, on the way to Maine this spring we stopped in NC at a park and I had a pretty weak cell signal. We we're kinda sitting in a bowl in the camp ground surrounded by a lot of trees. So I unbolted my weBoost from the ladder, took my telescoping washing pole and extended it all the way out (which is another 9') tied the weBoost to one end of the pole with zip ties, added another short cable to it so it could screw into my existing cable and then zip tied the other end of the pole to the vertical part of the ladder. It helped some. We were there for two weeks and I was able to maintain our YT channel and watch Netflix with no problem. If you want to go higher than that, you'll have to use a longer pole. Now remember this was a temporary fix to get me by for two weeks. If you want to rig something up that is more permanent so you can raise it up like that all the time, you'll have to design a mount where you can do that for your rig. But IMO-like us-our weBoost always comes thru for us so I never saw a need to go thru all that. Hope this helps. 🔧 👍 This is my pole I used: www.amazon.com/dp/B00192AAC6?ref=exp_rvstreet_dp_vv_d
@@RVstreet thank you Martin, that is very helpful. I have not had an opportunity to try it out yet but we have a trip set for the end of month I southwestern Colorado. I will try it then. Thank you so much for taking your time to respond. Have a Fabulous Fourth of July.
Nice video about sanitizing and martinizing the fresh water system. Going back to the back fill valve preventer, I have read elsewhere that they should be used specifically on the black tank flush system to prevent contaminated water backing up the hose. In your opinion, is this a common issue? Thank you.
We don't have a black tank flush system on our RV but many RV's do. I flush our black tanks with a wand down the toilet. Does a great job and I have a video coming out how that works. There's no way our black tanks could contaminate anything. But for you, I'd refer to your rigs user manual to see how yours is set up and the proper procedure. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
For those that have a designated black tank flush port on their rv, it is recommended that you buy a water hose that you only use for flushing the black water tank. Why? For the reasons your concerned about, back flush possibilities. Store that designated black tank flush water hose in your rv separately from your drinking water hose too. Cheers 🍻
@@RVstreet I use a designed hose. I add a little bleach and dawn dishwashing liquid. Flush it out with lots of water. I heard about the wand but exactly how deep into the toilet will it go? I have a 16’ Jayco Jayflight RB45.
@@WonderingMom Yep I use a dedicated hose too as I showed. The wand has a 27" shaft. I carry it in my Amazon Store in the "Everything Water" category: www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet
Martin, is there ever a time that you would install a backflow check valve (stop water from back flowing), and if so where in the system would you install it? Great info as always 👍👍
@@RVstreet A lot of times they are used to stop water from returning back in to the supply line. Like on a garden hose. Mostly to keep from contaminating the good water. I guess it was a question from someone who doesn't have a very good understanding of plumbing.
@@joeblow3939 Ya, cool.....the only place where water could even possibly return back to the supply line is from the fresh water tank and that isn't going to happen for two reasons: 1) If the fresh water tank gets to full it will just start to discharge out the over fill tube 2) On every RV that I've ever seen, on the main city water valve on the RV where you switch from city water or to fill the fresh water tank there's either a check valve right there already OR that valve either is turned to the RV or to fill the fresh water tank. So I see no way water contamination can take place.
I have it in my Amazon Store in the "Everything Water and Sewer" category. My Amazon Store link is in the description text under every video. www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet?listId=3Q0KMKYCTJVT Thanks Ken 🔧 👍
Martin, you provide a great service for all of us in maintaining our RV's. But I have a question that I am hoping you can help me with. I have an '07 Tiffin Allegro Bay with a 84 gal fresh water tank (I am a recent owner of). I have purchase a small in line hose water meter (like I see in your wet bay) to measure the amount of water I am putting into the tank. Problem: I can only get 40 gallons of water into the tank before it overflows out the gravity fill spout. I have fully drained the tank, the tank sensors confirms that the tank is empty, and yet I can only get 40 gallons into it. Any idea what is preventing it from completely filling? Thanks in advance for your help on this.
Ok, if I understand your story correctly, you're filling your 84 gallon fresh water tank with a line hose water meter (like mine) but the tank starts to overflow out the gravity fill spout when the meter reads only 40gallons. If your fresh water tank water overflows out the gravity fill spout that means the tank is in fact full. But the line hose water meter is only showing 40 gallons has passed thru. Here's what I'd check: 1) Make sure your line hose water meter is set to gallons and not liters. You can change that by pushing the two red buttons 2) Replace the battery and reset by holding both buttons down 3) Get a 5 gallon bucket and run a hose to it with your line hose water meter hooked to the end and see if it's calibrated correctly. When the 5 gallon bucket is full the line hose water meter should read 5 gallons In conclusion I suspect either your have it set to liters not gallons OR the line hose water meter is defective and not calibrated correctly. Please follow up with me and let me know what you find out. 🔧 👍
Hi Martin thanks for the video. My question is I looked at the fresh water tank line it’s got some black stuff in the line. Will flushing the system get that out? I’m not sure if it’s mold or just garbage My other questions is the tech I had a while back said that theirs debris in the tank from manufacturing. Will doing this get that out of my fresh water tank? Single Woman RVing! 💪🏼
Well it should get rid of it, but since you can see it, that means you have some sort of access to it also. What I'd do is get an appropriate diameter, long bottle brush, dip it in a bleach/water solution and clean it as best as you can....THEN.....do your flushing. Now if the line you're referring to is the bottom of the drain line I wouldn't worry about it b/c it's below the fresh water tank drain valve. I don't know how that tech knows there is debris in the tank from the factory. How would he know that? Now.....sometimes I guess it could happen, but that's why you sanitize even a brand new tank. So yes, it will clean it out and sanitize it too. It does my heart good to see that you're jumping right in and taking care of these things and not being afraid to tackle this stuff. 🔧💪
Hi Martin, long-time viewer, and first-time blogger. I have a question about getting bleach into the fresh water tank. My dilemma is my winterizing kit bypasses the freshwater tank and goes directly to the pump. There is a short connection from the outside "city fill" connector to the "bottom" of the freshwater tank. The outside connector has a built-in check valve, (which is higher than the top of the tank), so I am unable to simply pour bleach into the freshwater tank. Do you know of a "gadget" or a simple solution that will bypass the outside "city fill" and get bleach into my tank? BTW, love your channel and really appreciate your work.
Thank you Keith for your question... Well....you should have some sort of outside water filtering system BEFORE water goes into the RV or the fresh water tank. If you don't have one you should for safety and good tasting water. Get one and add the bleach like I do. Other than that I don't know of any gadget that would bypass the outside "city fill". I don't think that's possible. You may have already watched this video on how my water system is set up, but if not here it is again: ua-cam.com/video/14Zo8Vkvh5o/v-deo.html Here's where you can get an excellent water filtering system to have good tasting, safe water throughout the RV: www.rvwaterfilterstore.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Affiliate=RVstreet
Thank you for another great video. I just sanitized our Winnebago Navion just as you instructed and it worked great. Did you have any thoughts regarding Purogene vs. bleach for sanitizing or general use in the water you are carrying?
Thank you for another great instructional video! I successfully sanitized the fresh water supply in our motor home for the first time. From that experience, I have a couple of questions. I noticed that you added bleach to the second filter canister so everything from that point downstream was sanitized. You also sanitized the water hose. Should the connector hoses, first filter canister and water softener also be sanitized?
Thank you Mimi 👍 You could sanitize those to short hoses that I connected together to bypass the water softener separately if you want but NEVER the water softener itself. But in reality I don't think it's necessary. Remember those two short hoses are special custom hoses, the material there made from is protected from the sun and they also get a good blast of bleach as you fill the fresh water tank. The long main water hose that I sanitized is long, usually out in the sun all time and is more prone to need sanitizing. I hope that answered your question.
I always look forward to viewing your videos for great tips for keeping my RV rolling along. By reusing the water filters and just reconnecting the an un-serviced softener, won't this leave the possibility of re-contaminating the water system?
No not at all. There's was nothing contaminated in the first place. We're just doing an annual cleansing. Now concerning the filters, in my case, I had just changed both of those filters a couple of weeks ago. I normally change out my filters about every quarter or so. Depends on my water usage and where I am. But they were still practically brand new. The water softener doesn't need any servicing during sanitation. You want to bypass both those areas and any other filters you may have too. All filters and the water softener if you have one are bypassed. If you ran bleach in any of those areas they'd be ruined. Once sanitation is complete, you hook everything back the way you had it. Thanks for the question Walt. 👍
Very much enjoy your site. I have a question. If my camper sits for a month in 90 degree weather with no AC on, do I empty my fresh water tank or do I leave water in it. Will I need to re sanitize the system again?
If you have previously sanitized your fresh water tank in the last 6 months, letting it sit for a month is totally fine to continue to use. If you haven't sanitized it lately, just add additional water to what you have that's been sitting there, add the appropriate amount of clorox, fill it up to the top, let it sit for 6-8hrs. drain, rinse and fill it up to the level you normally do.
new to rving. we are only going camping about 3 to 4 trips a year. is this a do it once a year thing? or everytime i'm going on a trip. my travel trailer is new. we have gone on one trip and didn't use the water except to shower, and toilet. the RV had be de winterized when i picked it up last month. guess i need to do this soon. again, if its just sitting in my driveway for weeks at a time , do i need to do this before every trip???
In your case since you winterize every winter, then in the spring when you de-winterize, sanitize the fresh water tank. That will get you to fall or early winter when you winterize again.
As a 4 time owner of RV I still didn’t know how to properly care for water and d sewer system. Thanks much , SUBSCRIBED
We truly miss you Martin. I know you’re still taking care of all of us from up there.
I have no doubt about that at all. It is hard to believe he has been gone for a year and a half. I think about him everyday and miss him greatly.
I just found RVstreet and Martins videos are timeless. So sorry to hear about the loss of this amazing creator, love his passion and knowledge about the RV community. I have and still learning from these videos and some many more to watch. Thank you for keeping the channel going, these are so helpful and helps folks like me that just found him. Sincerely thank you…
How are you doing, Joannie? I'm trusting God to bless and comfort you always. I wish I could have met you guys. I feel like a friendship over the years.
God bless
Jimmy
Came here to find out how to sanitize my fresh water tank and came out shedding tears and saying a prayer for Martin. I did not know of his passing. My deepest sympathy for your loss. 🙏
Thank you so much 💔
@@RVstreetyes. He is a national RV treasure
Man... Your details on what to do, how to do it, why your doing it and when to do it. FREAKING ROCKS !!!!
Thank you Kerry. All details matter. 😜
Wonderful advice with clear and concise instructions and well edited.
An RV pro myself, I'll refer customers who ask for advice to this video.
RIP Martin. Thanks for leaving his video up so others may benefit. 👍
You are my go to guy for RV maintenance, Martin. My Southwind is now “Martinized.”
Being MARTINIZED is good. Very good. 😜
I agree 👍👍👍
Ditto!
Your RV already has a BIG, food grade fresh water tank, so it’s NOT NECESSARY TO CARRY toxic plastic water bottles, big jugs of water, perhaps a Berkey water filter or maybe an under the sink filter that you use for drinking and cooking. I know some of you think using your fresh water tank is not safe to drink or cook with. If you want to keep practicing those methods, I mean that’s fine with me, but it’s just not necessary. All that other stuff you carry with you takes up more room, adds more weight to your RV & more plastic that ends up in the land fill.
BASICS BEFORE SANITIZING…
You have to plan for the day that you decide you’re going to sanitize because you will not be able to use any of the water in your RV for about 8hrs. except for the toilet. With the bleach concentration we’re using, 8hrs. is plenty of time to sanitize. If you’re staying at the RV during the day time that your sanitizing, always have some stand by water for drinking and cleaning. Now Joanie & I when we plan to sanitize our fresh water system, we do it right after dinner. We fill up a couple of cups of water to brush our teeth and what have you, get our water ready for the next morning coffee and tea, and we sanitize overnight while we’re sleeping. If you sanitize during the day make it easy on yourself. Eat an early breakfast, prepare a simple lunch prior to getting started or go to a Subway the evening before and get a Subway sandwich for lunch. This way you won’t have to be bothered by making lunch. Another idea if your sanitizing during the day, it’s a great time to go exploring to a winery, or go shopping, go to the pool, play cards with some friends or what have you. Just find something to do for about 8hrs. Some people suggest sanitizing on their move day. That way sanitation is taking place while you’re driving. But that just adds another thing to do on move day and finish up when you arrive at your destination. And of course you’ll be carrying a whole lot more weight while traveling. I personally don’t like this method. So we like doing sanitizing while we’re at a camp ground, where we are sitting in one place, have full hook ups and we pick a day that is designated for sanitizing. It just makes this process go a whole lot easier.
Bleach amount - 1/4 cup per 15 gallons of water OR 1 cup per 50 gallons of water.
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS TURN OFF YOUR CITY WATER AND WATER PUMP ANYTIME YOU LEAVE YOUR RV OR AT NIGHT TIME.
I STILL laugh when you jumped off from your RV roof: and said:- ‘Don’t try THIS at home!’ 😂 😂😂 May God bless Joanie and your family! Greetings from England ✝️🙏
Great video, I have been waiting for that one, our Montana will be getting the fresh water tank sanitized soon!
Thanks again Martin!
Martin god bless you, we miss you, I refresh my mind with issues with your Videos
Hey Martin Great vid mate ,
I purchased my class a winnebago about 2 years back now ,
the people that owned it used Bore water heavy in minerals , Mate it stank so i bleached the whole system for weeks , then flushed it about 20 times , then used a product for cleaning baby bottles (Sorry cant remember the name) so flushed again and then got a sample from every tap and gave it to the local guy at the Drug store (yes they will check the water for you )Cost about $5 he gave it the all clear , we then added new filters the two can type like you have and an In lime fill filter ,, i recon the water is now better than the water in our house ,,
Again Great vid mate .
Rob
NSW
Australia
You truly have a gift for teaching! I wish my husband and I would have seen this before we tried sanitizing our system recently! We struggled trying to get the bleach solution into our gravity fill. We have the same filter system as you, using that would have been so much easier!
I’d love to see you do a video on taking care of rubber slide and door seals AND replacing them! Thanks so much for your great videos! You’re my new go to source!
My PLAYLIST page: ua-cam.com/users/RVstreetplaylists
Taking care of rubber slide and other stuff: ua-cam.com/video/F5YSBrmuTCA/v-deo.html
I like your channel dude. I just bought a 40 foot diesel pusher that my lady and I are going to live in full time. Rent almost doubled, so we're hitting the road. We're going to stay close to home for a few months while we make sure everything is in good running order.
My setup is such that I have to thread a hose into the fresh water fill in order to put water into the fresh water tank. I'm going to cut about a 10 inch piece of house with the threaded end on one side and stuff a funnel into the cut end. That way I can thread the funnel hose into the fresh water fill and pour bleach into the funnel to put bleach into the fresh water tank.
I really appreciate this how-to video! Excellent material. If I could mention one thing, regular household bleach works perfectly for sanitizing, as you said. However, it loses its ability to sanitize quickly. 6 months after buying, it will only have half of the effective sanitizing ability, and after one year, it will basically be useless for sanitizing. Buy fresh bleach just prior to sanitizing for fully effective cleansing power.
Hey Martin, Class A newbe here. Great info, attention to detail is always the best way to teach. 2nd best is demonstration. You do it all so well that I will be using your vids to get me out there on the road and hopefully free of interuptions from premature breakdowns of common problems due to being uninformed of proper prevetative maintenance.
I am always amazed at how much I did Not know about my Motorhome. Thanks so much for all you have taught me!
Thank you so much Martin for sharing your knowledge with those of us who don't have someone to guide us thru the process like you did for us. May God Bless you always ! Thank you.
Excellent video!
Another important point. ALWAYS shut the water off to your house when you're gone for an extended period. I work for a big city FD and we attend serious water problems all the time.
This guy should have hundred of thousands of subscribers
thx Goof-y....😜
I humbly ask you to please pass the word.
ua-cam.com/users/RVstreet
@@RVstreet I already do…..keep ‘em coming. Peace.
Hi Martin,
Great info. I would add it's a good time to clean the inlet filter/screen bowl to the pump also.
I want to thank you very much for all your videos You've helped us so much we are newbies and without you I don't know if we would want to continue doing this journey so thank you so much you are such a wonderful person
You are so welcome!
Goodness!!! What could we do without you!!!!!! Thank you a million!!!
I bought our very first ever travel trailer (used) about 6 years ago.
It took me quite awhile to learn all of the systems and quirks etc about that unit.
I always sanitized our fresh water system as soon as I de-winterized it. I let the bleach water sit in the system overnight, drained it and did 2 flushes, ( the second one was always done to ease my wife’s mind about having bleach in the system).
This year we got to use our camper 1 time before it got hailed on so bad it was declared a total loss by the insurance company.
Now we want to upgrade to a fifth wheel, and all I can think of is “Here we go again”.
Going to have to re learn everything from scratch.
But honestly, I am looking forward to it as well, and planning different mods and upgrades.
Wishing I could retire and we could become full timers, take her to see some of this amazing gorgeous country before it gets completely wrecked. Unfortunately I still have 12 years to go before I can do that.
Thanks for another great and comprehensive video. I learn a lot from you.
I'm glad it was helpful. You got this 👍
Martin
You are certainly saving money for RVers by using normal products
Kudos to you
New to RVing and I've found your videos to be the most detailed and filled with helpful tips & tricks.
I feel more confident in being able to more with my RV. TY!🙏
I am so pleased you find the videos helpful. You can do this. 👍
Wow. I’m overwhelmed but also recognize how important this is. Will be going full time by end of year. Just waiting for my 2021 Lance #2465 TT to be completed and ready to pick up. I’ll b a solo, senior female out there, terrified and excited at the same time. Soooo much to learn but I’m willing and able. This was informative and doable…..once I accomplish it the FIRST time! Your videos help prepare me and teach me preventative maintenance issues that I wasn’t even aware I needed! So thank you.
Hi Lauren,
I totally understand how you are terrified and excited at the same time. Trust me, I really do. Your entering into a whole new world of living and having to do things you've never done before. But you can do this and you have the right-can do-attitude. I looked at your coach online, what type of options did your order? What type of truck are you going to pull it with?
@@RVstreet hi again. I got ALL the options except the ‘lift’. I’m only 5’ nothing, so didn’t want the trailer raised higher. Got 2 solar panels, fireplace, the better stairs that are wider and closer together. (I have rheumatoid arthritis) so stairs can be painful for me. The electric jack, the ladder, televator TV in bedroom, triple propane tanks with cover, rear camera. All I know is I spent an additional $14,000 in ‘options’. I got every safety feature possible! I told them I want a weight distribution stabilizer bar put on once they get it to Yakima. And I plan on taking a training course of RV maintenance, but the one in Eugene might only be for Class A’s, which is where I first started my research 3 years ago, so might have to change course but I definitely want to take classes. The one in Eugene was like a $1000.00 but it was over 5 days. And I want to learn and practice as much as able to be as safe as I possibly can be. I had to buy a truck and sell my very new sedan. Again I researched cause I know absolutely NOTHING about trucks. Never drove one or even ridden in one b4! But I have a friend very knowledgeable and I finally found what I wanted, but it was 6 hours away, in Spokane! It’s a 2018 Ford 150 Lariat with 3.5 Eco Boost. I love it. Never knew a truck could b so luxurious. It’s loaded with all the options too. Most importantly, it has the button for backing up the trailer (after u put in the correct measurements), which I’m hoping will really help me. Only one owner, and he had hauled a travel trailer too. He just traded in for a newer year. I’m not sure where to take the trailer, once I’ve loaded it to be sure about the weight. Articles talk about truck weigh stations but say it’s dependent on who’s there at the time. I just want and need to b safe. It’s only going to b me out there and I have never camped with anything more than a chalet, A-frame, hard sided trailer. I am sooooo out of my comfort zone. But at least I’ve towed a trailer. Problem is, it only weighed 1000 lbs and folded down to a rectangular BOX. Nothing like what my new endeavor. Any words of advice will b most welcome. I now watch all your videos (since I accidentally found you when watching UA-cam videos about weight distribution stabilizers for RV’s). I have them saved. Some I watch over and over again just to help my brain retain the information . Have to say tho, your videos scare me because there is just tremendous amount of learning involved with my going solo. But in a good way. You don’t know what you don’t know, right? So I’m just gonna dig in, go slow, practice and practice and practice in parks close by, to gain confidence b4 I truly venture out .
@@laurenkeon3267 Well it sure seems to me that you've been doing your due diligence and that's good. Now all you have to do is over come your fears and concerns. I just got thru watching a tremendous 4 episode documentary on the first civilian space launch with SpaceX. It's called COUNTDOWN and it's on Netflix. You really should watch this. It's soooooo inspiring on how to to push your limits and overcome fears of the unknown. I know you'll really like it. 👍
Just take baby steps, you'll be fine. There is a world of wonderful RV's out there that will help you along the way.
I knew you were going to make this video so I waited on sanitizing my system. You of course have great information and after watching this I have to smack myself in the head for not thinking of it - to use the filter housing for the bleach, how simple. Now I can sanitize my water system with ease. I do like your idea of attaching a sewer hose to the drain port, but until then - another idea for others on draining the fresh water tank, I use a "Water Bandit" to hook up a garden hose to the drain port. Thanks again Martin for a wonderful video!
I know simple right?
Yeah that would work too. My drain hose was to large for a Bandit to work.
Another great video Martin.
This was great. Thank you. The tip to turn off the water is new to me. Thank you!
Ya, and that tip is a BIG one 👍
Marty you are a gift to this World Brotha 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
As I'm watching, the Roberta Flack song, First Time comes to mind....
The first time.....I ever saw your video.....
I thought the ideas in your brain..
And the info and pictures were gifts you gave....
Thank you again, for an awesome and informative DIY! You two are fabulous!
I can see that I should have been taking notes during these to make outlines to do them myself.
thx 👍 Like the analogy too.
If you're interested I have some other good videos here: ua-cam.com/users/RVstreetplaylists
Sanitized my water system this weekend thank you Martin !
Good info Martin, also it's a good idea to remove all your faucet strainers after sanitizing to flush out all the gunk so it doesn't clog the strainers. Ask me how I know this?
Yep another good step to take.
I put the bleach in the freshwater hose. Just pour it in the empty hose end. Put the hose in the tank fill and turn the water on....done.
This was in a Tech Tip Tuesday video.
Using the winterizer siphon and the water pump (Martin's third way) would not work for me. I do not have a tank fill valve. This would not disinfect the fresh water tank on my rig. My pump only draws off the tank and will never fill it.
Disinfecting the hoses. I drain them after use, but this is a good idea.
Thanks for your hot water tank cleaning. I followed your instructions to the letter
Great tips for sanitizing the H2o tank and lines and faucets. Thanks Keep the great videos coming. Your videos are always easy to do things for the average guy. Others rvers get waaaaay toooo technical for the average guy to follow.
We have done this same operation in our well in the country
Great video. You're a great teacher.
Great video Martin. The last time I did this I forgot to write a checklist and try to do everything for memory and of course I forgot one or two things. Joanie After I went to bed I remembered to get up and shut my water off at the Spicket. Hopefully I will stay in that routine. Thanks for the great info also it was wonderful to meet you both. Francis and Lare.
Hi Francis. Thanks for chiming in. It was great to meet you and Lare. You've got quite a rig. Also don't forget to check and be sure the water pump it off too. when you leave or go to bed. 🔧👍
Great advice. Carry water and l never thought about the water pump.
Hi Martin, you are an excellent teacher. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge with us. One thing how often do we need to sanitize the RV?
Depends on how and where you use your RV. I do it twice a year.
Wow, I am so grateful for you sharing this information in such an easy to digest way.
So glad it was helpful 👍
Great video, Can't wait to see you on the road so we can talk RV's for a couple of hours. :)
Great video....When quoting gallons I assume you are talking US gallons ? If so Canadian viewers should multiply US gallon by 1.2. FYI.
Really like the detail you go into when explaining how you do things. We do travel with water and fill up the fresh water tank when we get to the park. We learned our lesson when there was a water line break and the park was without water for hours and we didn’t have much water on hand.
Yep. Roger that. We do the same thing at a park. When traveling, we usually carry with us about 1/3 tank JIC. You never know what might happen between point A and point B.
Thanks Martin for the education on Sanitizing
As always, great vid/info. Keep them coming amigo.
Nice presentation, thank you . I subscribed.
Miss you Martin. The RV Street Legacy continues.
♥️♥️♥️
as i always say and will always say, martin is the best, i have learned so much , he is a walking book of knowledge,,,,thank you sir i love your water filtration system and how its mounted , awesome, what kind is it ????
Well, I went into great detail of all what I did in the wet bay in the video below and in the description text of that video, I link to where I purchase all my water gear and all the part numbers.
ua-cam.com/video/1Reh8q6-rC0/v-deo.html
Thanks Michael for all your kind words. It keeps me going. 💗
BTW...have you ever checked out my PLAYLIST page: ua-cam.com/users/RVstreetplaylists
@@RVstreet i noticed it now , a real duh on my part, thank you martin for all your help , you and the better half make a awesome team and couple, im have learned so much from you , bmws i know , motorhomes im learning
Great Video. Very informative. Thanks Martin
Thank you Martin for another great video!! Keep up the good work!
Great show! Thank you!
Another Great Video Martin , Ill check out your safe Rv water Video maybe ill upgrade! I have a Basic exterior Filter and then a filter under sink!
Ya I love my fresh water system. It just makes everything so easy and it's all right there in one spot.
Thanks Martin for sharing your knowledge and time…..🤟🏼
My pleasure!
Thank you for this info. I'm a newbie at RV living and learning as I go. 😂
Hi Martin and Joanie, love your videos. I have a question about this water tank sanitizing video. Is it a necessity to turn the water switch back to city water from the tank fill position after you have filled the tank with the sanitizing bleach solution and before you start running your Water faucets. If you do have to switch back to the city water position could you please explain why. Again love your videos. Thanks
Great information for new Rv’ers!
Another outstanding video. As always be safe.
Just ran across this video, great tutorial, thank you.
Depending on how you treat your black tank, I would highly discourage using the toilet while bleach is in the lines. Many of the big name/popular tank treatments that people use are enzyme based and introducing bleach could/will kill those enzymes and render the treatment ineffective. You will have to do several black tank flushes to remove the bleach residue...as the saying goes "Ask me how I know" 😂 Sorry, didn't want to read through all 200+ comments to see if this was already addressed.
Thank you for your input and helping the RV community with your knowledge.👍
Excellent video. Thank you sir!
Nicely done!
How long can water sit in a tank between uses ,it may be 1 to 3 months before we travel again. Should we drain then refill once a week once a month , how long can water sit unused or should we drain the tank after trips? We do like to keep the RV tank partially full just for emergency back up even when home not traveling. Thank you Karl
Well it depends on the quality of the water in the first place and whether it's filtered properly BEFORE it goes into your fresh water tank. If it's good water to start with and filtered properly 1-3 months shouldn't be a problem IMO. And of course it should go thru a water softener too. That will save your plumbing and appliances over time.
I have a PLAYLIST of other videos covering this subject if you're interested: ua-cam.com/play/PLkQXtMp9xodT-mrqODN1IH_B2ZAJJ--1c.html
Hi there 😊 thank you so much for this video. I have the suburban water heater. How do you bypass it?
Well, whether you have an Atwood or a Suburban water heater the bypass valve will be in a specific location according to your make, model and year of RV. Check your user manual for it's location in your RV.
Great video. Can you save water by only using a half tank of bleach and water instead of filling it full. Since the water is sloshing around when driving sanitizing the tank while driving, it would save on water and gas mileage with less weight. I have close to 90 gallon tank.
Thank You
Thank you for your input and that is a good plan.
Great video and very helpful. I'm a subscriber now! 😊
Thanks for the sub!
So thankful for Martins videos
What about the Refrigerator with Ice Maker. No one discusses what to do about the refrigerator water filter while sanitizing. What are your comments on what to do about that.
I did discuss that and advised on what to do.
I NEED YOUR HELP!!!! I mentioned to a person that I was sanitizing the travel trailer water tank and lines using bleach, 1/4 per 15 gallons or 1/960 dilution rate. They were horrified and said that would destroy the PEX (?) (not sure what PEX is). The person advised I should be using ammonia for the job not bleach. I have never heard of using ammonia for sanitizing a rv's water tank and lines. Your advice is needed. Thank you.
Don't worry about it, that is a low concentration of chlorine and will not harm the PEX as it is treated to be resistant to chlorine when manufactured. Bleach is what you need, not ammonia and be sure to use pure bleach not one that contains scents or additives.
Why do I love this guy off the rip? lol
Bottled water is necessary in some areas just because the water tastes gross. I'm in Vegas right now and no amount of filtering fixes the tap water taste.
I totally understand that.
Your videos are outstanding
Thank you !!
Thank you for all your info!!
Hey Martin, love your channel. I have a question, I bought the Weboost through your Amazon store and I installed it and I think you had mentioned putting your outside antenna on a telescoping pole would you happen to have a pic of that you could share with me? I can only achieve 11 1/2 ft I would like to get it up around 13 1/2 ft and I can't figure out how to achieve that. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Lee,
I don't know if you mean 11.5' from the ground or an additional 11.5' above your roof line. I mounted my weBoost up on the top of the RV rear ladder. That means it's right at 12' 3" and that's where it lives all the time. In 4yrs. we've only had one instance where even the weBoost couldn't help. And I have the older model. However, on the way to Maine this spring we stopped in NC at a park and I had a pretty weak cell signal. We we're kinda sitting in a bowl in the camp ground surrounded by a lot of trees. So I unbolted my weBoost from the ladder, took my telescoping washing pole and extended it all the way out (which is another 9') tied the weBoost to one end of the pole with zip ties, added another short cable to it so it could screw into my existing cable and then zip tied the other end of the pole to the vertical part of the ladder. It helped some. We were there for two weeks and I was able to maintain our YT channel and watch Netflix with no problem. If you want to go higher than that, you'll have to use a longer pole. Now remember this was a temporary fix to get me by for two weeks. If you want to rig something up that is more permanent so you can raise it up like that all the time, you'll have to design a mount where you can do that for your rig. But IMO-like us-our weBoost always comes thru for us so I never saw a need to go thru all that. Hope this helps. 🔧 👍
This is my pole I used: www.amazon.com/dp/B00192AAC6?ref=exp_rvstreet_dp_vv_d
@@RVstreet thank you Martin, that is very helpful. I have not had an opportunity to try it out yet but we have a trip set for the end of month I southwestern Colorado. I will try it then. Thank you so much for taking your time to respond. Have a Fabulous Fourth of July.
Great Job!
Nice video about sanitizing and martinizing the fresh water system. Going back to the back fill valve preventer, I have read elsewhere that they should be used specifically on the black tank flush system to prevent contaminated water backing up the hose. In your opinion, is this a common issue? Thank you.
We don't have a black tank flush system on our RV but many RV's do. I flush our black tanks with a wand down the toilet. Does a great job and I have a video coming out how that works. There's no way our black tanks could contaminate anything. But for you, I'd refer to your rigs user manual to see how yours is set up and the proper procedure. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
For those that have a designated black tank flush port on their rv, it is recommended that you buy a water hose that you only use for flushing the black water tank. Why? For the reasons your concerned about, back flush possibilities. Store that designated black tank flush water hose in your rv separately from your drinking water hose too. Cheers 🍻
@@RVstreet I use a designed hose. I add a little bleach and dawn dishwashing liquid. Flush it out with lots of water. I heard about the wand but exactly how deep into the toilet will it go? I have a 16’ Jayco Jayflight RB45.
@@WonderingMom Yep I use a dedicated hose too as I showed. The wand has a 27" shaft. I carry it in my Amazon Store in the "Everything Water" category: www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet
Great channel
Thanks god bless
Martin, is there ever a time that you would install a backflow check valve (stop water from back flowing), and if so where in the system would you install it?
Great info as always 👍👍
Stop water from back flowing from where?
@@RVstreet A lot of times they are used to stop water from returning back in to the supply line. Like on a garden hose.
Mostly to keep from contaminating the good water.
I guess it was a question from someone who doesn't have a very good understanding of plumbing.
@@joeblow3939 Ya, cool.....the only place where water could even possibly return back to the supply line is from the fresh water tank and that isn't going to happen for two reasons:
1) If the fresh water tank gets to full it will just start to discharge out the over fill tube
2) On every RV that I've ever seen, on the main city water valve on the RV where you switch from city water or to fill the fresh water tank there's either a check valve right there already OR that valve either is turned to the RV or to fill the fresh water tank.
So I see no way water contamination can take place.
What water meter do you use? I think knowing how many gallons you put in is great. Also I really enjoy your videos, thanks.
I have it in my Amazon Store in the "Everything Water and Sewer" category. My Amazon Store link is in the description text under every video.
www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet?listId=3Q0KMKYCTJVT
Thanks Ken 🔧 👍
Martin, you provide a great service for all of us in maintaining our RV's. But I have a question that I am hoping you can help me with. I have an '07 Tiffin Allegro Bay with a 84 gal fresh water tank (I am a recent owner of). I have purchase a small in line hose water meter (like I see in your wet bay) to measure the amount of water I am putting into the tank. Problem: I can only get 40 gallons of water into the tank before it overflows out the gravity fill spout. I have fully drained the tank, the tank sensors confirms that the tank is empty, and yet I can only get 40 gallons into it. Any idea what is preventing it from completely filling? Thanks in advance for your help on this.
Ok, if I understand your story correctly, you're filling your 84 gallon fresh water tank with a line hose water meter (like mine) but the tank starts to overflow out the gravity fill spout when the meter reads only 40gallons. If your fresh water tank water overflows out the gravity fill spout that means the tank is in fact full. But the line hose water meter is only showing 40 gallons has passed thru. Here's what I'd check:
1) Make sure your line hose water meter is set to gallons and not liters. You can change that by pushing the two red buttons
2) Replace the battery and reset by holding both buttons down
3) Get a 5 gallon bucket and run a hose to it with your line hose water meter hooked to the end and see if it's calibrated correctly. When the 5 gallon bucket is full the line hose water meter should read 5 gallons
In conclusion I suspect either your have it set to liters not gallons OR the line hose water meter is defective and not calibrated correctly.
Please follow up with me and let me know what you find out. 🔧 👍
Hi Martin thanks for the video. My question is I looked at the fresh water tank line it’s got some black stuff in the line. Will flushing the system get that out? I’m not sure if it’s mold or just garbage My other questions is the tech I had a while back said that theirs debris in the tank from manufacturing. Will doing this get that out of my fresh water tank? Single Woman RVing! 💪🏼
Well it should get rid of it, but since you can see it, that means you have some sort of access to it also. What I'd do is get an appropriate diameter, long bottle brush, dip it in a bleach/water solution and clean it as best as you can....THEN.....do your flushing. Now if the line you're referring to is the bottom of the drain line I wouldn't worry about it b/c it's below the fresh water tank drain valve.
I don't know how that tech knows there is debris in the tank from the factory. How would he know that? Now.....sometimes I guess it could happen, but that's why you sanitize even a brand new tank. So yes, it will clean it out and sanitize it too.
It does my heart good to see that you're jumping right in and taking care of these things and not being afraid to tackle this stuff. 🔧💪
I tripped upon your channel.. great video.. followed your tips to the “T”. .. I had one RV friend say use vinegar instead of bleach.. your thoughts?
Unless the vinegar is HOT it will not sanitize all forms of bacteria. Bleach will sanitize it all at ambient temperature.
Hi Martin, long-time viewer, and first-time blogger. I have a question about getting bleach into the fresh water tank. My dilemma is my winterizing kit bypasses the freshwater tank and goes directly to the pump. There is a short connection from the outside "city fill" connector to the "bottom" of the freshwater tank. The outside connector has a built-in check valve, (which is higher than the top of the tank), so I am unable to simply pour bleach into the freshwater tank. Do you know of a "gadget" or a simple solution that will bypass the outside "city fill" and get bleach into my tank? BTW, love your channel and really appreciate your work.
Thank you Keith for your question...
Well....you should have some sort of outside water filtering system BEFORE water goes into the RV or the fresh water tank. If you don't have one you should for safety and good tasting water. Get one and add the bleach like I do.
Other than that I don't know of any gadget that would bypass the outside "city fill". I don't think that's possible.
You may have already watched this video on how my water system is set up, but if not here it is again:
ua-cam.com/video/14Zo8Vkvh5o/v-deo.html
Here's where you can get an excellent water filtering system to have good tasting, safe water throughout the RV: www.rvwaterfilterstore.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Affiliate=RVstreet
👍"Nobody has to go to the school of hard knocks". RVstreet
But many do unfortunately 😂 🤣 👍
Good info, thanks.
Nice job god bless
I'm taking possession of a brand new rv in two weeks. Should I sanitize before my first trip?
Yes!
Yes.
Thank you for another great video. I just sanitized our Winnebago Navion just as you instructed and it worked great. Did you have any thoughts regarding Purogene vs. bleach for sanitizing or general use in the water you are carrying?
Never considered Purogene and no need to have in the fresh water tank if you filter it right to begin with and use it often like we do.
@@RVstreet Thanks again.
I have a majestic 23C. I can't find the release for freshwater. Help please.
I'm very sad to say that Martin has passed away and I am of no help to you. Sorry
Thank you for another great instructional video! I successfully sanitized the fresh water supply in our motor home for the first time. From that experience, I have a couple of questions. I noticed that you added bleach to the second filter canister so everything from that point downstream was sanitized. You also sanitized the water hose. Should the connector hoses, first filter canister and water softener also be sanitized?
Thank you Mimi 👍
You could sanitize those to short hoses that I connected together to bypass the water softener separately if you want but NEVER the water softener itself. But in reality I don't think it's necessary. Remember those two short hoses are special custom hoses, the material there made from is protected from the sun and they also get a good blast of bleach as you fill the fresh water tank. The long main water hose that I sanitized is long, usually out in the sun all time and is more prone to need sanitizing. I hope that answered your question.
Funny. I also spent about 18 months and $10K upgrading our RV before we started our official retirement touring of the US.
That was a smart thing to do Tom.
How long can you keep the bleach (at the mix ratio you suggest) in the Fresh water system before draining and rinsing. Is 48 hours too long?
We would keep it in there overnight so about 8 hours. Keeping it in here for 48 hours will run the risk of damaging the seals.
I always look forward to viewing your videos for great tips for keeping my RV rolling along. By reusing the water filters and just reconnecting the an un-serviced softener, won't this leave the possibility of re-contaminating the water system?
No not at all. There's was nothing contaminated in the first place. We're just doing an annual cleansing.
Now concerning the filters, in my case, I had just changed both of those filters a couple of weeks ago. I normally change out my filters about every quarter or so. Depends on my water usage and where I am. But they were still practically brand new. The water softener doesn't need any servicing during sanitation. You want to bypass both those areas and any other filters you may have too. All filters and the water softener if you have one are bypassed. If you ran bleach in any of those areas they'd be ruined. Once sanitation is complete, you hook everything back the way you had it.
Thanks for the question Walt. 👍
Water system cleaning
Thank you awesome!!!!
Very much enjoy your site. I have a question. If my camper sits for a month in 90 degree weather with no AC on, do I empty my fresh water tank or do I leave water in it. Will I need to re sanitize the system again?
If you have previously sanitized your fresh water tank in the last 6 months, letting it sit for a month is totally fine to continue to use. If you haven't sanitized it lately, just add additional water to what you have that's been sitting there, add the appropriate amount of clorox, fill it up to the top, let it sit for 6-8hrs. drain, rinse and fill it up to the level you normally do.
new to rving. we are only going camping about 3 to 4 trips a year. is this a do it once a year thing? or everytime i'm going on a trip. my travel trailer is new. we have gone on one trip and didn't use the water except to shower, and toilet. the RV had be de winterized when i picked it up last month. guess i need to do this soon. again, if its just sitting in my driveway for weeks at a time , do i need to do this before every trip???
In your case since you winterize every winter, then in the spring when you de-winterize, sanitize the fresh water tank. That will get you to fall or early winter when you winterize again.