Steps to Clean and Check Your RV Plumbing Systems
The plumbing system in your RV is a critical system. Keeping it well maintained is an important part of enjoying life on the road. Before you head out on your next trip, make sure you take a closer look at the plumbing system, and perform these key checks.
1. Check and Lubricate the Toilet Seal
Your RV’s toilet has a seal that keeps the water in the bowl and the smell from the septic tank from leaking into your home on wheels. These seals are made of rubber, and they need regular lubrication. From time to time, the rubber will need to be replaced as it starts to disintegrate.
2. Check and Test All Valves and Fills
Whether you have a city fills, gravity fills, or a combination of both, check the fills for your system to ensure the seals are tight. Also, check any visible valves. Make sure they are in good, working order, and replace as needed. If any appear to be cracked or missing their caps, you will want to address the problem before you hit the road.
3. Inspect and Test All Hoses
Visually inspect all of the hoses in your rig for signs of wear, such as cracking or thinning. If you can, test them to ensure they do not have any leaks. If you notice any problems, replace the hose before you start your road trip, so you aren’t stuck buying a costly replacement at your first stop.
4. Clean the P-Trap
The p-trap is a curved piece of plumbing in the bathroom sink that holds water. It serves to trap heavy debris that might accidentally end up washed down the sink so it does not clog your plumbing system further down the line. The p-trap will seal the system to keep smells under control. It needs to be cleared from time to time to keep your sink running freely. You will also need to ensure that the water level is correct, unless you have a waterless p-trap.
5. Deodorize the Black Tank
The black tank holds the waste from your sewage system. One way to help keep the black tank as clean as possible is to add a deodorizer. This is a product you pour into the tank to help decompose its contents until you have a chance to dump. As the contents decompose, the stench breaks down as well.
6. Check the Vents
The last thing you want is for the smells from your black tank to end up inside your RV. You also do not want the resulting gases to build up in the system, creating dangerous pressure. Your sewage system has a vent to keep those problems from happening. Sometimes the vent can get clogged with debris or leaves, and that can create serious problems for you. Before you take your next trip, visually check the vent to ensure the system is completely clear so the gas can get out.
7. Clean the Water Lines
From time to time, it’s a good idea to clean the water lines completely. To do this, drain all of the water out of your systems, following the instructions in the owner’s manual. Then, flush the fresh water tank with a bleach/water solution, using about ½ cup of bleach per 30 gallons of tank capacity. Fill the tank with clean water, and switch on the pump. Turn on the faucets so water starts to flow, then shut them off. Allow the bleach solution to sit in the water lines overnight, then flush it again. Fill it with fresh water, and flush one more time. Now you can add fresh water and know the system is clean and safe.
Keeping your plumbing systems working well will help you fully enjoy your next trip. Go through these steps, and hit the road with confidence knowing your plumbing is ready to serve you well.
