Buzz
Ensuring a fresh water supply on your boat is crucial, especially for prolonged voyages. It serves various purposes such as cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene. However, the water tanks can harbor mold, bacteria, and algae, leading to unpleasant odors and tastes, or even posing health risks. Maintain the freshness and cleanliness of your boat's water by regularly cleaning and disinfecting the tank with bleach at least once a year.
Step-by-Step Guide
Draining the Tank
Activate your boat’s water pump. Before starting the cleaning process, ensure that all stale water is emptied from the tank. If the water pump is not already operational, switch it on to facilitate complete drainage of the tank.
- The placement of the pump and water tank may vary across different boat models. If unsure, refer to your boat's schematic or owner's manual for guidance.
Turn on your faucets and allow the water to drain. Activate any faucets connected to your water tank and let them run until the flow stops completely.
- Listen for the sound of air escaping from the taps, indicating the tank is empty.
Disable the pump to prevent it from overheating. Once the tank is empty, switch off the pump to avoid excessive wear on the impeller.
- Many boats feature pumps that automatically activate when water pressure drops below a certain threshold, ensuring continuous water flow as the tank level decreases.
Cleansing Dirt and Residue
Unscrew the lid of the tank. Locate the access lid on your water tank and unscrew it. It should be clearly labeled as the lid for the water tank, distinguishing it from fuel or waste tanks. This allows you to access the tank's interior for inspection and cleaning.
- In some instances, the lid may be stubborn to remove, requiring a specialized tool. Refer to your boat's user manual or specific water system guidelines.
Utilize a flashlight to identify dirt within the tank that requires cleaning. Direct a flashlight beam through the tank's opening and check for visible dirt, algae, mold, scale, or sediment accumulation on the tank's walls and floor. If any of these are present, cleaning is necessary before disinfection and refilling.
- If accessible, reach inside the tank's opening and feel the inner walls. A slick or slimy texture indicates bacterial growth.
Cleanse the tank using a long-handled brush or pressure washer. Employ a lengthy scrub brush along with a dash of dishwashing detergent to eliminate any grime adhered to the tank's walls and floor. Alternatively, rinse it down with a pressure hose connected to a clean water source. Ensure thorough cleaning of corners and inaccessible areas at the tank's summit.
- For pressure washer usage, angle attachments are necessary to reach cramped corners.
Activate the pump and empty the tank. Reactivate the pump and open the taps to expel any remaining dirty water and cleaning solution. Allow complete drainage before closing the taps.
- If the tank was fully emptied initially, expect a brief delay before water flow resumes due to air presence in the pipes.
Sterilizing the Tank
Deactivate the pump and water heater. With the tank completely devoid of water, commence the disinfection procedure. Deactivate the pump and switch off the hot water heater, if applicable.
- Refer to your user manual for locating the water heater if unsure.
Cleanse and inspect all filters and faucet aerator screens. Remove any filters or carbon canisters connected to the water tank. If filters are soiled or overdue for replacement, follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning or replacement. Extract and cleanse faucet aerator screens using hot, soapy water and a scrub brush.
- To detach faucet aerators, unscrew them using a wrench. Clean with hot, soapy water and scrub brush. Stubborn mineral deposits can be eliminated by soaking the aerator in white vinegar before scrubbing.
- If a mesh strainer safeguards your pump, leave it intact for protection during cleaning.
- Detach and cleanse vent hose and screen if present, using hot, soapy water if soiled.
Determine the required amount of 5% bleach for a 50 ppm solution in your tank. The most cost-effective and straightforward method to sanitize your boat's water tank involves using household chlorine bleach. Measure out the appropriate quantity of 5% chlorine bleach to create a 50 ppm (parts per million) solution, adjusting based on your tank's size.
- Utilize a chlorine calculator to ascertain the precise amount of bleach needed: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/health-topics/environmental-occupational-health/water-quality/chlorine-dilution-calculator.
- For instance, for a 50 US gal (190 L) tank, approximately 6.7 fluid ounces (200 mL) of bleach is necessary.
Caution: Avoid mixing bleach with other household cleaners, as it may produce harmful chlorine fumes. Always use bleach in a well-ventilated area.
Dilute the bleach with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water. Before introducing bleach into your tank, blend it with clean water to ensure even distribution throughout the tank.
- Mixing bleach with water beforehand also helps prevent corrosion, especially if your tank is made of aluminum.
Add the bleach and water solution to the boat's tank. Carefully pour the mixture into the empty tank, preferably using a funnel for precision.
- Alternatively, fill the tank with fresh water prior to adding bleach.
Fill the tank with clean, drinkable water. Utilize a clean source of potable water, such as a filtered dockside hose, to replenish your tank after introducing bleach. If feasible, agitate the water using a clean utensil (e.g., long spoon or stirring rod) to distribute the bleach evenly.
- If your tank has a vent, allow a small amount of the water-bleach solution to overflow through the vent to sanitize it. If the vent is external, place a container beneath it to prevent the solution from contaminating the surrounding water.
Reactivate the pump and run water until you detect chlorine odor. Switch on the pump and open all boat taps, starting from the farthest. Let water flow until you smell bleach, then close taps. Keep the pump running.
- It might take a few minutes for the pump to expel air from the lines and restore water flow.
Allow the bleach solution to remain in the tank for 12 hours. Leave the bleach in the tank for several hours to eliminate mold, algae, or bacteria. Let it sit overnight or throughout the day before flushing.
- If time is limited, leave the bleach for at least 4 hours.
Flush and refill the tank 2-3 times or until bleach odor dissipates. Empty and refill the tank with fresh water. Repeat this process 2 or 3 times, or until no bleach odor is detectable during water flow.
- If traces of bleach persist after two refills, add 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of hydrogen peroxide per 20 gallons (76 L) of tank capacity and flush again. Hydrogen peroxide should neutralize remaining bleach.
Reinstall filters and vent screen. After achieving clean water flow, reinstall any removed water system components such as filters, carbon cartridges, vent screens, hose, and faucet aerator screens.
Restore operation of pump and water heater and purge air from taps. Reactivate all systems and open taps to release air. Begin with the farthest tap from the pump, progressing towards the closest. Ensure all taps expel air for proper system functionality.
- Allowing air release from each tap ensures optimal system performance.
Useful Advice
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Despite regular maintenance, boat water can develop unpleasant tastes and odors. Adding a dash of lemon juice to the tank can prolong freshness and enhance flavor. A solution of approximately 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of lemon juice per .26 gallons (0.98 L) of water effectively sanitizes drinking water.
