To drain an RV water heater, switch off the power and water supply, open the drain valve at the bottom of the tank, and empty the water. Draining an RV water heater is essential for the smooth functioning of your RV and water heater.
After reading these guidelines, you’ll be able to drain your RV water heater with ease. This blog will cover everything you need to know about your RV water heater, including the best times to drain it and essential maintenance tips. Let’s dive into the details of this article!
Why Draining Your RV Water Heater is Essential?
Draining your RV water heater ensures the smooth functioning of the water heater and RVS plumbing system. It is recommended to drain the water tank after every trip. This task takes merely 30 minutes but can increase the lifespan of your heater. There are several reasons why draining your water heater is essential.
- The heater can freeze and expand if water is left in cold weather. This expansion can cause the water heater tank to crack. Repairing cracks can be expensive, so it’s best to drain your water heater before it gets to that point.
- Over time, minerals and sediments can accumulate at the bottom of your water heater. Draining it regularly helps to remove these deposits.
- If your RV’s water heater is made of metal it’s important to remove standing water in the heater. This standing water can cause corrosion. Draining it regularly can reduce the risk of rust.
- Regularly draining the water heater removes any still water. This keeps the water in your RV fresh and clean.
- A well-drained water heater heats water faster. It also uses less energy. This efficiency is essential when you’re on the road and rely on your RV’s power resources.
- Suppose you store your RV for a long time. In that case, draining the water heater stops water from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. It also prevents unpleasant smells.
This is why draining the RV water heater is so crucial. Now, let’s discuss the step-by-step guide on how to drain an RV water heater.
Step By Step Guide On How To Drain Rv Water Heater
Draining water seems tricky, but you can do it quickly with all the proper information. These steps will ensure you complete the draining process without any errors. But before starting, you need to know the necessary tools to avoid any damage to the RV heater.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
You will need a few essential tools and materials to drain your RV water heater effectively. Let’s take a look at these instruments. It’s good to consult your RV’s manual for any specific tools or materials recommended for your model.
- A bucket: to catch the water as it drains out.
- A wrench: to open up the drain plug.
- A Garden Hose: This connects to the drain valve to allow the water to drain out.
- Flashlights may be needed for better visibility.
- A Cloth: to wipe the drain plug. After removing the plug, cleaning the area around it is essential.
- Plumber’s Tape: Ensure a tight seal when reinstalling the drain plug or anode rod.
- Protective Gloves: Keep your hands clean and safe from hot water or debris.
These were all the necessary tools that would speed up the process. Let’s see some common mistakes most RVs make while working with the RV water heater.
Turn Off The RV Water Heater & Power Sources
The first step is to turn off the RV water heater and power sources Before starting the draining process. This is important for safety. If your water heater runs on electricity, turn off the power at the circuit breaker. This prevents the risk of electric shock or damage to the heater while draining.
Get rid of the hot water first inside the heater. Switch off the breaker to turn off all the electrical connections in the heater. Then, wait for the water to cool down. If the cooling process takes time, turn on the taps inside the RV to let the water out. After that, turn off the water source and the propane tank.
Relieve Some Pressure With The Pressure Release Valve
The next step is to release the pressure from the tank by pulling the pressure release valve. This ensures your safety and prevents dangerous situations like sudden bursts or leaks.
Pull The (Drain) Plug
The next step is draining the water heater. Start by removing the RV water heater drain plug. Use a wrench or 1-1/16 socket to remove the drain plug or anode rod. Now the tank is open, and water will flood out.
Let It Flow
The last method is letting the water flow. Wait till your RV heater runs out of water. Then, replace the drain plug and close the pressure relief valve.
You Might Also Want to Read: What Water Pressure for RV?
Common Mistakes To Avoid
The most essential step is taking care of your RV water heater during draining. These are some common mistakes that most of the Rvers make during this process. These mistakes can waste your money and time. So avoid it. Let’s check it out in detail.
- Many Rivers Forget to turn off the electricity before draining the water heater.
- Do not wait for the water to cool down before starting the process.
- Overfilling the tank.
- Failing to relieve pressure before opening the valve.
- Not replacing the anode rod when required.
- Ignoring leaks.
- Not flushing the tank twice a year.
- Using the wrong type of antifreeze.
Avoiding these mistakes will save you money and time. Now, let’s dive into the maintenance tips.
Maintenance Tips For the Long Life Of Your RV Water Heater
Regular maintenance of the RV water heater is essential for increasing its lifespan. These are some maintenance tips that you should follow:
- Replace the anode rod when it’s 75% corroded
- Flush the tank every 6 months
- Thoroughly inspect the vent to remove debris
- Use a water filter to minimize sediments
- Clean the burner tube
- Regularly check out all electrical connections of the water heater to prevent damage
These are all the maintenance tips you can follow to increase the lifespan of your RV heater.
Final Words
This was about your question, “How to drain the RV water heater.” Draining the Rv water heater needs proper planning and tools. A slight mistake can be dangerous. It’s recommended to follow these steps very carefully. If you can handle it by yourself easily, that’s good. Otherwise, we recommend you call an expert to perform the task.
These are some most popular manufacturers of RVs, Atwood and Suburban. Nowadays, Tankless water heaters are also gaining popularity among the Rvers. This is also a great choice, as it provides hot water without needing a tank.
FAQs
Should You Drain a Hot Water Tank In an RV?
Yes, it would help if you regularly drained the hot water tank in your RV to remove sediment and prevent corrosion.
When Should You Drain Your RV Water Heater?
It would help if you drained your RV water heater before winter storage, after using hard water, during extended periods of inactivity and every 6-12 months for regular maintenance.
How To Flush Out An RV Hot Water Tank?
Turn off all electrical sources in the water tank. Use a wrench to remove the drain or anode plug and let the water drain. Rinse the heater thoroughly. Then, turn on the city water supply to flush out any remaining debris.
Where Is The Rv Water Heater Drain Valve Located?
The RV water heater drain valve is typically located at the bottom of the water heater tank. It can usually be found on the side of the tank, near the base.
