# Travel >> Types of Travel >> Road Trip

How to Clean a Trailer Water Tank

Travel trailers are used to hold waste water from sinks, baths and toilets until the owner can get to a place where they can be dumped. These tanks must be emptied frequently to avoid backups into the trailer. The waste in the tanks breaks down by bacteria much like a septic tank, but since they are dumped so frequently, there isn't as much worry over bleach and other chemicals that might slow waste breakdown. Emptying the tanks isn't always enough, and every once in a while it is a good idea to flush the system and clean it out to prevent odors and buildup.

Bleach detergent
Dump station
Water soften

Instructions

- 1
  Take the trailer to a dumping station and remove all debris. Dump out both tanks. There is a black and grey tank. The black tank holds waste, and the gray tank holds sink and shower water.
- 2
  Fill the tanks with water. Return to dump out the tanks again. This will flush the system of any debris that remained from the first dumping.
- 3
  Pour several cups of water softener into each tank. You can do this by pouring it down the sink and commode. You will need to flush the toilet to get it in the black tank. Softener helps keep debris from sticking to the tanks walls. This will help with future cleanings.
- 4
  Pour a bleach laundry detergent into the toilet to disinfect the black tank. This will remove any smell in the tank that might make its way into the camper.