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Topic: How much bleach to clean water tank (Read 856 times) previous topic - next topic

How much bleach to clean water tank

I'm getting ready to take the coach out of winter storage.
My fresh water tank is 150gal.
How much bleach should. I add to clean out the tank and water lines.
I think in years past I used about 1 cup, I want to make sure this is correct.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: How much bleach to clean water tank

Reply #1 –
Why use bleach? Why not hydrogen peroxide? Same results but you don't have to neutralize with vinegar afterwards. The hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water within 24 hours. You can use as much as you want without danger of harming the system or your taste buds. Cost? About a buck a quart at a dollar store.

Not sure on the amount? Put in $5 worth.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: How much bleach to clean water tank

Reply #2 –
I use H2O2 as well and it works well.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: How much bleach to clean water tank

Reply #3 –
don't spill any bleach on your carpet. non-reversible oops

Re: How much bleach to clean water tank

Reply #4 –
The standard formula for bleach is 1/4 cup per 50 gallons.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: How much bleach to clean water tank

Reply #5 –
FWIW,
Bleach is a better disinfectant than hydrogen peroxide.  I would recommend if the goal is killing bacteria that one use bleach.  That is what I use in my motorhome for the tanks.  If one did not like the taste (and it does have a taste). Would recommed that use perhaps more than the 1/4 cup ratio per 50 gallon and then leave for a couple of days and then drain tanks and refill with fresh water. 
Best of Travels

Re: How much bleach to clean water tank

Reply #6 –
Quote from: drcscruggs –
FWIW,
Bleach is a better disinfectant than hydrogen peroxide.  I would recommend if the goal is killing bacteria that one use bleach.  That is what I use in my motorhome for the tanks.  If one did not like the taste (and it does have a taste). Would recommed that use perhaps more than the 1/4 cup ratio per 50 gallon and then leave for a couple of days and then drain tanks and refill with fresh water. 

Agree 110%.  You can also use pool chlorine in granules or liquid...less odor & after taste.  It's what I use.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: How much bleach to clean water tank

Reply #7 –
True Bleach is better but I am not really worried too much on the tank but rather the hose reel too.  It helps keep the tank clean as well. 
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: How much bleach to clean water tank

Reply #8 –
For the inquisitive mind, Household bleach is essentially the same as pool chlorine, only higher concentration of chlorine:


Isn't pool shock really just liquid bleach?

(Edited)

Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: How much bleach to clean water tank

Reply #9 –
Guess were missing something, maybe well water :))

After initial bleach cleaning, years ago - city water has sanitizer in the process.

One thing were living dangerously ^.^d
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My advice and experiences are Free, you decide if they are worth anything .

John - driving Old Faithful
1994 U280 GV
C8.3, Banks, Pacbrake, 900 watts, Resonator, XLHD tow dolly
Retired Army Warrant Officer

Life is what you make of it - if it is lemons, make lemonade!
Former Coaches:
1988 GV 40' ORED 300HP CAT - 9 years
1990 Winnebago LeSharo - 3 years
2000 Newmar London Aire - 3 years (#18 of 23 produced)

Re: How much bleach to clean water tank

Reply #10 –
I have my way (though it wasn't the best) to get desired "stuff" in the fresh water tank, but I want to ask: How do ya'll add the bleach to the fresh water tank?
1998 U270 34'

Re: How much bleach to clean water tank

Reply #11 –
Put it in the hose before connecting to city water (diluted, of course).
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: How much bleach to clean water tank

Reply #12 –
I installed a water filter in a housing that all water passes through before it goes inside the MH.
I simply add the bleach to the empty filter housing ( no filter) and turn on the hose.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: How much bleach to clean water tank

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Lon and Cheryl –
I simply add the bleach to the empty filter housing ( no filter) and turn on the hose.

              This is what we do too. Works great and no more white splotches on my blue jeans.

 Dean
Dean & Deirdre

2012 Arctic Fox 22GQ
Was 2003 U270

Re: How much bleach to clean water tank

Reply #14 –
Ditto here. Simple and works!
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel