Your RV's water system is the lifeblood of comfortable camping. From fresh drinking water to managing wastewater, proper maintenance prevents foul odors, clogs, and expensive repairs.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining your fresh, gray, and black water systems.

Understanding the Three Tank System

Fresh Water Tank

Stores clean water for drinking, cooking, and showering. Typical sizes: 30-100 gallons.

Gray Water Tank

Collects wastewater from sinks and shower. Does NOT include toilet waste.

Black Water Tank

Holds toilet waste and flush water. Requires the most maintenance.

Fresh Water System Maintenance

Sanitizing the Fresh Water Tank (Do This 2x Per Year)

1. Drain the tank completely
2. Mix bleach solution: Use 1/4 cup household bleach per 15 gallons of tank capacity
3. Fill tank: Add bleach solution, then fill tank completely with potable water
4. Circulate: Run water through ALL faucets (hot and cold) until you smell bleach at each one
5. Let sit: Allow solution to sit for 4-12 hours
6. Drain and flush: Drain completely, refill with fresh water, and flush again
7. Repeat flush: You may need to flush 2-3 times to eliminate the bleach smell

Water Filter Maintenance

• Inline filters: Replace every 3-6 months or when flow decreases
• Carbon filters: Replace every 6-12 months
• Sediment filters: Check monthly, replace when visibly dirty

Water Pump Care

• Clean the intake screen annually to prevent debris from damaging the pump
• Check for leaks at pump connections
• Listen for unusual noises (grinding or squealing = pump failure imminent)
• Winterize properly to prevent freeze damage (see our winterization guide)

Gray Water Tank Maintenance

Best Practices

• Flush regularly: Don't let gray water sit for more than 3-4 days
• Use RV-safe products: Biodegradable soaps and detergents
• Strainer baskets: Use sink strainers to catch hair and food particles
• Deep clean: Add tank cleaning solution every few months

Dealing with Gray Tank Odors

If your gray tank smells, it's usually from:

• Food particles rotting: Flush with hot soapy water
• Biofilm buildup: Use a tank cleaner like Happy Camper or Unique Tank Cleaner
• Dry P-traps: Pour water down drains to refill traps

Black Water Tank Maintenance

The Golden Rules of Black Tank Care

1. ALWAYS add water before flushing: Never let waste sit dry
2. Keep the valve CLOSED until dumping: You need liquid to help carry solids out
3. Use plenty of water: Flush 2-3 times per toilet use
4. Use RV toilet paper or marine-grade paper: It dissolves faster

Proper Dumping Procedure

1. Pull up to dump station and put on gloves (seriously, do it)
2. Connect sewer hose to RV outlet, then to dump station inlet
3. Dump BLACK tank first (counterintuitive but correct)
4. Close black tank valve
5. Dump GRAY tank second (this rinses the hose)
6. Close gray tank valve
7. Disconnect and rinse hose
8. Add fresh water and treatment chemicals to black tank for next use

Black Tank Treatments

Enzyme-Based Treatments (Recommended):

• Happy Camper, Unique Tank Cleaner, or Walex treatments
• Digest waste and control odors naturally
• Safe for septic systems

Chemical Treatments (Avoid if Possible):

• Formaldehyde-based treatments kill beneficial bacteria
• Not allowed at many dump stations
• Can damage seals over time

Deep Cleaning a Black Tank

Do this 2-4 times per year if you're a frequent user:

1. Dump the tank completely
2. Add a tank cleaner like Flush King rinse or enzyme treatment
3. Fill tank 2/3 full with water
4. Drive around for 30 minutes to agitate (serious!)
5. Let sit overnight, then dump and flush with freshwater
6. If equipped with a tank flush system, run it for 10-15 minutes

Common Water System Problems & Solutions

Low Water Pressure

• Cause: Clogged inline filter, failing water pump, or kinked hose
• Fix: Replace filter, check pump function, inspect hoses

Foul Smell from Drains

• Cause: Dry P-trap allowing sewer gases to escape
• Fix: Pour water down the drain, add a bit of oil to slow evaporation

Tank Sensors Reading Wrong

• Cause: Buildup on sensor probes inside the tank
• Fix: Use tank rinser or GEO Method (Calgon + Dawn dish soap treatment)

Preventive Maintenance Schedule

Before Every Trip

• Check for leaks at all connections
• Fill fresh water tank
• Ensure tank valves are closed

Monthly (For Full-Timers)

• Deep clean black tank
• Check water filter condition
• Inspect pump and hoses

Every 6 Months

• Sanitize fresh water system
• Replace water filters
• Check all seals and gaskets

Annually

• Inspect all plumbing for cracks or wear
• Replace toilet seals if needed
• Winterize system if storing in freezing temps

Conclusion

RV water system maintenance isn't glamorous, but it's essential. A few minutes of regular care prevents disgusting problems and keeps your rig comfortable and functional.

Follow this guide, stay on top of your maintenance schedule, and you'll never have to deal with a clogged black tank or foul odors ruining your trip.