RV Fresh Water System Maintenance on a Long-Term Site
Answers: How do I keep my RV's fresh water system clean and safe on a permanent hookup? · Updated
On a monthly site your rig is connected to park water every day of the year. That makes pressure protection and hose hygiene more important than they are on a weekend trip.
Quick answer
Always use a pressure regulator, use a drinking-water-safe hose, filter sediment, sanitize the fresh system a couple of times a year, and service the water heater on the manufacturer's schedule including anode rod checks where applicable.
Protect the plumbing
- Adjustable pressure regulator set within your RV's rated pressure.
- White or blue drinking-water hose, not a garden hose.
- Inline sediment filter, changed on schedule.
- Support the hose off hot pavement where you can.
Sanitizing
If you drink or cook with tank water, sanitize the fresh tank and lines periodically following your RV manufacturer's procedure. Many residents also use a point-of-use filter for drinking water.
Water heater care
Tank-style heaters need periodic draining and, on steel tanks, anode rod inspection. Aluminum tanks generally do not use an anode. Tankless units have their own descaling routine. Follow the appliance manual — this is one place where guessing costs a tank.
Frequently asked questions
What water pressure is safe for an RV?
Follow your RV manufacturer's rating; many owners regulate to a conservative value well below typical municipal supply pressure.
Do I need to use the fresh tank if I'm on city water?
No, but cycling the tank occasionally keeps water from going stale if you rely on it during outages.
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Living here: monthly RV living · rates · full-hookup sites · RV park near Temple, TX