How to store water tanks?

[mike_nofx]

Just wondering what the procedure is if you have water tanks in your 4x4/caravan etc, when they arent being used for a month or so.

Does the water tank have to be drained and dried 100%?
Im guessing the answer is yes, but in some cases (such as mine) its difficult to get every drop of water out.

Do i just have to stop being lazy and take the time to do it?

Mike

[GUJohnno]

I wouldn't stress about getting 100% of the water out.

With my camper trailer I undo the drain plug and let it drain out and then re-fit the plug.

When re-filling I run the hose a little to clean out the hose then partially fill the tank and empty again. Then I refill it.

I have done it this way for over two years and have never had an issue. The drain on the camel water tanks is pretty low though so there can't be too much left.

In my 4WD I have a jerry can set up and you can't drain it all. With the above method I haven't had any issues with it either.

[guzzla]

Work out the volume of the tank then dilute the required amount of Bi-Carb Of Soda in hot water and pour into tank then fill to rim with fresh water. This cleans off any crap that may have already started to grow and keeps it sanitised when not in use. Simply drain and flush it a couple of times when you're ready to use it.

I do this to my water tank periodically and have never had any issues with contaminated water or after taste.

[vanbox]

x2 on the above.

Seeing as you couldnt get the tank sides completely dry, I would imagine as full of water as possible would be the best. Just drain/flush it when you want to use it.

[80's_delirious]

I wouldnt worry about it too much. my parents have had a campervan for the past 15years, tank always has some water in it, and has been flushed once in 15yrs. They make a point of only putting in clean water.
Buy yourself a 'food grade' clear PVC hose from bunnings etc and keep it to use only for filling the tanks. It will stop you getting a stale rubber hose taste to the water

[sprungupcruiser]

I was under the impression that algaes (sp) only grow when the water has sunlight on it, true or false? I use an inline water filter anyway just in case.

[GUJohnno]

I was under the impression that algaes (sp) only grow when the water has sunlight on it, true or false? I use an inline water filter anyway just in case.

Algae grows best in dark damp places...

[sprungupcruiser]

Isn't that fungus?

[GUJohnno]

Isn't that fungus?

mmm... maybe....