RV Water Systems

RV Water Systems



Recreational Vehicles have two connected water systems.  The fresh water tank supplies a 12 volt demand water pump, which pumps water through lines when the taps are open.  The city water connection supplies the water lines with pressurized tap water.  When in fully serviced campgrounds, you would use city water and only use your fresh water tank when water service was not available.  Be sure to always use a non-toxic water hose for drinking water.  You should carry a water pressure regulator to prevent over-pressurizing the water lines which causes leaks.

The water system also includes two separate waste tanks.  These tanks are known as the grey and black water tanks.  Grey water is a combination of sink and shower water.  Never store valuables in the bathtub, as this is where the grey water will back up when the tank is full.  Black water contains only toilet waste.  Chemicals are available to break down solids and control odour in the black water tank.  Both have gate valves which can be pulled to drain the tanks.  Be sure to connect a sewer hose to the outlet and into the dumping station drain before pulling the valves.

Winterizing the water system is fairly simple.  First, get a gallon of non-toxic RV antifreeze, and then by-pass the hot water tank (some units have a by-pass kit).  With a by-pass kit, simply turn the taps to by-pass the tank.  Without a by-pass kit, disconnect both water lines at the back of the hot water tank and join them together.  Once the tank is by-passed, unscrew the tank's drain and pull the pressure relief valve to drain the tank.  Make sure fresh water and waste tanks are now completely empty.  Next, disconnect the main water line at the fresh water tank (this is the line that feeds the water pump).  If this is inconvenient, pull off water line at inlet side of water pump, then fasten a length of hose to it.  Now place the hose in RV antifreeze, turn on water pump and beginning with the closest taps to pump, turn on taps one at a time.  Let the taps run until the colour of antifreeze is visible.  Run every tap in the unit, hot and cold separately.  Don't forget to flush the toilet until the colour appears as well.  Once this is done, all the water in the system has been forced out, leaving none left to freeze. 

We are not responsible for any damage that may occur by following these guidelines.