How to Pack Away Your Drinking Water Bladder: A Simple Step‑by‑Step Guide
If you’ve been using a Fleximake drinking water bladder on your next camping trip, 4WD adventure, boating weekend, or as part of your emergency water setup, packing it away properly is essential. A well‑maintained bladder lasts longer, stays fresher, and is ready to go the next time you need clean drinking water on the move.
Fleximake bladders are designed to be flexible, lightweight, and easy to store — but a few simple steps will help you get the most out of them.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the correct way to empty, dry, fold, and store your drinking water bladder so it stays in top condition.
1. Empty the Bladder Completely
Start by draining all remaining water from the bladder.
- Open the outlet tap or hose
- Lift or angle the bladder so water flows toward the outlet
- Gently press the bladder to remove any trapped water
If your model includes a breather valve, open it to help air flow and speed up draining.
Tip: Avoid leaving stagnant water inside — it can cause odours or microbial growth over time.
3. Allow the Bladder to Air‑Dry Fully
This is the most important step.
Fleximake drinking water bladders are made from AS/NZS 4020:2018 certified potable‑grade materials, but like any water container, they must be dried properly before storage.
How to dry it:
- Open all caps, taps, and breathers
- Hang the bladder over a railing, clothesline, or clean surface
- Let air circulate inside
- Gently lift or flex the bladder to release trapped droplets
Why this matters:
Storing a bladder while damp can cause odours or mould. A fully dry bladder stays fresh and ready for next use.
4. Fold the Bladder Neatly (Without Creasing the Fittings)
Once dry, fold the bladder carefully.
Best folding method:
- Lay the bladder flat
- Fold lengthwise toward the centre
- Fold again into a compact rectangle
- Keep fittings (filler cap, hose, breather) on the outside to avoid pressure or bending
Fleximake bladders are flexible and durable, but avoiding sharp creases helps extend their lifespan.
5. Store in a Cool, Dry, Shaded Area
Proper storage protects the bladder from UV exposure, heat, and accidental damage.
Ideal storage locations:
- A garage shelf
- A camping gear tub
- A dry cupboard
- A 4WD drawer system
- A boat storage compartment
Avoid:
- Direct sunlight
- Hot car boots
- Damp sheds
- Storing under heavy objects
Tip: Keep hoses, taps, and accessories together so you’re ready to go next time.
6. Inspect Before Your Next Trip
Before filling the bladder again:
- Check the filler cap
- Inspect the outlet tap
- Ensure the breather valve moves freely
- Look for any debris or dust inside
Fleximake bladders are tough and built for repeated use, but a quick check ensures everything is clean and functioning.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Fleximake drinking water bladders are designed for:
- Camping
- 4WD touring
- Caravans
- Boats
- Emergency water storage
With proper care, they deliver long‑term, safe, clean water storage without taste transfer or material degradation.
Packing your bladder away correctly ensures:
- Longer product lifespan
- Fresher water next time
- No odours or mould
- Reliable performance on every trip
Final Thoughts
Packing away your Fleximake drinking water bladder is simple — drain, rinse, dry, fold, and store. These small steps make a big difference in keeping your bladder clean, safe, and ready for your next adventure.
If you need a replacement bladder, accessories, or want to upgrade to a larger size, explore the full range at FMEstore.com.au.
