A clean water tank is one of the most overlooked essentials for healthy, hassle-free caravanning. Whether you’re topping up at home, filling up at a campground, or drawing water from more remote sources, keeping your tank clean isn’t just about taste — it’s about safety.
If you’re planning your next adventure and researching caravans in Heatherbrae, knowing how to maintain your water system properly should be right up there with tyre pressure and tow ball weight. A contaminated tank can lead to illness, foul smells, clogged lines, and damaged appliances — none of which belong on a road trip.
Why Clean Your Caravan Water Tank Regularly?
Even if your water looks and smells fine, bacteria and biofilm can quietly build up over time — especially in warm weather or if your van sits unused for long stretches. Cleaning your tank ensures:
- Safer drinking and cooking water
- Reduced risk of mould, algae, or bacteria
- Better performance from your water pump and appliances
- Less chance of foul odours in your van
It’s not just about personal health — it’s about protecting your investment.
How Often Should You Clean Your Water Tank?
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, but a good general guide is:
- Every 6 months for regular travellers
- After every long trip (especially if topping up from unknown sources)
- Before a trip if your van has been sitting unused for months
- Immediately if you notice strange smells, cloudy water, or poor flow
Think of it like servicing your van — preventative care is always cheaper than repairs.
Step-By-Step Guide To Cleaning Your Tank
Let’s break it down into a simple process:
- Empty the tank completely.
Open your taps and drain valves to flush out as much water as possible. - Add a cleaning agent.
Use a food-safe tank cleaner or a homemade solution (more on that below). Fill the tank with the correct ratio of product to water. - Run the taps.
Turn on each tap until you smell the solution coming through — that ensures your lines are also being cleaned. - Let it sit.
Allow the solution to sit in the tank for 12–24 hours, depending on the product instructions. - Flush the system.
Empty the tank completely, then refill with clean water and run the taps again. Repeat this until the smell or taste is completely gone. - Final rinse.
Some cleaners may require one last rinse — check the label.
Job done.
What Cleaning Products Are Safe To Use?
There are two main options:
- Commercial caravan tank cleaners
Look for brands that are biodegradable and food-safe. Names like Tank Clean, Camco, or BioMagic are commonly used in Australia. - DIY solution
A mix of white vinegar (1 cup per 40 litres) or food-grade hydrogen peroxide can also do the trick — but avoid household bleach unless absolutely necessary. It can damage seals and leave a strong aftertaste.
Always read the instructions and test on a small scale if unsure.
Don’t Forget Your Pipes And Hoses
Cleaning the tank is only half the job — bacteria can build up in the pipes and hoses too.
- Run cleaning solution through all taps and outlets
- Detach and rinse your filler hoses and connections
- Check for perished rubber, algae growth, or smells in fittings
- Replace any components showing signs of wear
If you’re shopping for caravans for sale in Newcastle and planning future trips, it’s worth knowing that water quality can vary widely from site to site — so it pays to be prepared.
How To Keep It Clean Between Trips
Once your tank is spotless, here’s how to keep it that way:
- Use a carbon or inline water filter when filling up
- Let tanks dry out if the van will sit idle for a while
- Avoid topping up from poor quality or untreated sources
- Flush your lines if the van’s been parked for more than a month
- Store hoses off the ground and out of the sun
These small steps can massively extend the life of your system.
Signs Your Water Tank Needs Cleaning
Watch out for:
- Sulphur or “rotten egg” smell
- Discoloured water
- Reduced water pressure
- Unusual taste
- Pump making strange noises
These can indicate anything from bacteria to a clogged filter or internal residue.
Don’t wait until your water’s unusable — act early and keep things flowing smoothly.
Can You Use Boiling Water To Clean A Tank?
Boiling water might seem like a logical option — but it’s usually not effective or practical. Most caravan tanks aren’t built to withstand high temperatures, and boiling water won’t reach every crevice of the system. Stick with chemical or food-safe cleaning agents.
If you want to disinfect your drinking water without cleaning the tank, portable UV filters or tablet-based purifiers are a safer bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can I Use Household Bleach To Clean My Caravan Water Tank?
You technically can, but it’s not recommended unless you’re in a bind. Household bleach is strong, and even small residues can damage seals, affect water taste, and potentially harm internal pump components over time. If you choose to use it, dilute it heavily — no more than 1 tablespoon per 40 litres of water — and flush your tank thoroughly, at least 2–3 times. Always run every tap so the bleach makes its way through the full water line. Then flush again. You might also want to run a neutralising rinse with baking soda or vinegar to remove the smell. Still, dedicated tank cleaners are safer, simpler, and easier to rinse out.
2) How Can I Tell If The Tank Is Fully Clean?
It comes down to a few senses: smell, taste, and flow. Once you’ve flushed the tank and lines, run every tap for 1–2 minutes and smell the water. If there’s no chemical, musty, or earthy smell — you’re likely good. Taste a small sample only if you’re confident no strong chemicals were used. Finally, check your water pressure. A clean system usually runs smoother and quieter. If any of these are still off — repeat the flush. Some cleaning products may require multiple cycles depending on how dirty the tank was before cleaning.
3) What If I Don’t Use My Caravan Often?
If you only use your caravan a few times a year, your cleaning schedule should be tied to storage periods. Clean the tank before storage, leave it empty and open if possible, and flush it again before your next trip. If the van is stored in a hot or humid climate, bacteria growth can still occur in a supposedly “dry” tank. Make sure your filler cap is closed tightly, vents are clean, and your hoses are drained completely. If unsure, do a light flush before departure — peace of mind goes a long way when you’re miles from the nearest tap.
4) Should I Filter My Water Before It Goes Into The Tank?
Yes, if you want the cleanest system possible. Inline carbon filters or basic sediment filters are a cheap and easy way to stop dirt, debris, and chlorine from entering your tank in the first place. This not only keeps your water fresher — it also reduces how often you need to deep clean. Most caravan supply stores sell hose filters that attach directly to your filling hose. These are especially useful if you’re topping up from caravan parks, public taps, or rural sources where water quality varies. Filtering on the way in is one of the best long-term habits you can form.
5) Is It Safe To Drink Water From A Caravan Tank?
Yes — if it’s cleaned regularly, properly filtered, and topped up with good-quality water. Many travellers drink straight from their caravan tanks without issue, especially when using food-grade hoses and carbon filters. However, you should never assume water is safe just because it looks clear. Microbes, heavy metals, or chemicals can still be present. If in doubt, boil your water before drinking or use bottled water for consumption and rely on your tank for washing and cooking. When travelling off-grid or through rural Australia, it’s smart to treat water from unfamiliar sources.
Clean Water, Happy Travels
Keeping your caravan’s water system clean isn’t just a maintenance job — it’s about protecting your health, extending the life of your equipment, and making sure your trips go off without a hitch. Like most things in caravanning, it’s all about preparation and routine.
Speak With The Local Experts At 7th Street Caravans
Whether you’re new to caravanning or upgrading your current setup, the team at 7th Street Caravans can help you choose the right system and stay on top of the basics with confidence.
Start your journey with confidence — visit 7th Street Caravans or give our team a call on 02 4012 6009 for friendly, local advice.