maintenance / WATER HEATER TANK RINSE / details

DETAILS: Water Heater Tank Rinse

If you have a 6-gallon water heater (vs. a Truma tankless water heater), it’s recommend that you flush out the sediment and scale once a year. Camco sells a water heater rinser which makes the job pretty easy.

How to Rinse Water Heater
First, turn off your water pump and/or turn off the water source if hooked up to city water. Then, run a hot water faucet to release any pressure. Be sure that both hot water heating options (electric + LP) are turned OFF before you begin so that you aren't heating an empty tank.

Open up the water heater compartment on the outside of the RV and then open up the pressure relief valve. Unscrew the drain plug with a 15/16" socket (see photos). Be prepared for 6 gallons of water to pour out.

Attach the wand to your fresh water hose and insert into drain opening. It lifts and cleans the sediment that collects at the bottom of your water heater, extending its life. Angle it around the tank to clean it out (paying special attention to the bottom of the tank).

Flush Time
The directions say to continue to flush for around 5 minutes, but I found that it took much longer to finally get clear water with no sediment/scale. After the first few minutes, I started seeing more sediment, not less. Altogether I rinsed my tank for more than 20 minutes.

Below is a comprehensive YouTube video from RVgeeks that includes the process of putting vinegar in your water heater tank to help dissolve scale and sediment as part of this rinse/cleanse process.

Backup Water Heater Drain Plug
If you don’t already have a spare water heater drain plug, it’s an inexpensive backup in case the plug ever fails or leaks. The threads are plastic, and if cross-threaded, you could create problems. Without a water tight seal, the drain will leak and you’ll need to disable your hot water heater altogether until you replace with a new drain plug.

Tank Rinser: www.amazon.com/dp/B002XL2IBS
15/16" Socket: www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6DBVAR
Spare Water Heater Drain Plug: www.amazon.com/dp/B00C5T7PSO

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