Water Heater Cleanout
Hot Water Tanks need attention from time to time. Replacement of the Zink anode rod can be difficult if you don't occasionally replace it. I changed mine after three years (much too long as it turned out). The sacrificial rod was completely eaten up. I had to flush all the residue from the tank.
Flushing the tank was easier by extending the drain so it was beyond the side of my rig. I used a short length of 3/4"PVC pipe (14") with a threaded bushing on one end and a 3/4 tee on the other. It is not necessary to glue these fittings on.
Removing the rod is much easier with an 1 and1/16" socket attached to a short extension with a ratchet. Make sure the water pressure (pump) is off. Open faucets and removing pressure from the lines. Pull the anode rod and quickly screw in the PVC extension. Hold you hand over the open end of the tee or put a plug into it. The trash drains to the tee and out the bottom. You may wish to place a bucket under it or add a short hose so it will drain off to a receptacle or sewer. Or if you wish, remove the rod, let the tank drain, hose off the side of the RV, and then screw on the PVC extension for the flushing process.
After removing the rod, I screwed the threaded end of the PVC where the rod normally goes. I inserted a 1/4 " pipe (preferably plastic) attached to a garden hose, threaded the pipe through the PVC tee into the tank, being careful not to damage the water tank walls, and back flushed the tank.
A great deal of white trash came out and only after repeated flushing, was I able to call it clean. I did it in the street and glad I did because it made a mess. If you are in a campground, take extra care to prevent upsetting your neighbor or the campground. I think adding White vinegar may be helpful in cleansing the tank. I invite comments from fellow campers. I do use Clorox from time to time in my fresh water to sanitize the tanks and lines and after changing the anode rod is an excellent time to chlorinate.
John Grubka
Or buy a Flush wand from your favorite RV store.
Doug
