Procedure for filling the fresh water tank

[5arnolds]

In preparation for eventually using our new Jayco 29L's water systems, I am thinking through the plumbing system and have a question regarding filling the fresh water tank.

After filling the fresh water tank to the point of water coming out of the overflow underneath the TT, my thoughts would be that we'd want to get the hot water heater (6 gallons) filled also. If I don't fill the hot water heater after filling the fresh water tank, I'm assuming 6 gallons of water would be transferred to the hot water heater after the pump is turned on and brings the system up to pressure. Is my thinking right on this?....and if it is, how would I fill the hot water heater?....would I fill it using the city water fill?

If someone has step-by-step direction on how to best utilize preparing the fresh water system, that'd be great to hear them.

[jim44646]

As your filling your tank turn on water pump and open a both hot and cold faucet furthest from tank. This will fill hot water tank and purge air from system. If You'vealready used water then there slould alreeady be water in tank unless you drained it. DO Not use electric on an empty hot water tank.

[Topflight]

I always use the city water to flush the system (de-winterize) and fill the water heater. I also run some bleach water thru the tank and then flush that. Then when I'm ready to dry camp, the system is primed and ready.

[5arnolds]

Originally Posted by jim44646

If You've already used water then there should alreeady be water in tank unless you drained it. DO Not use electric on an empty hot water tank.

Is there a rule of thumb on how long you allow water to sit in the water heater before you should drain it?...and can you also confirm with me that the threaded plug on the water heater is what you use to drain the water heater. If the plug serves some other purpose please explain.

[jim44646]

The threaded plug is drain. Turn off pump first before draining and relieve pressure or your going to get a bath. I leave water in all summer But I use TT every couple of weeks so it gets turned over quite often. If not going to use it I'd drain.

[3'senough]

The plug is your drain. However do not put any type of pipe dope or teflon tape as it needs to be in full contact with your tank for it to work properly if an anode rod (suburban). If a plastic plug then you tank does not have an anode rod and you just pull the plastic plug to drain.

If the anode type, you can wire brish the rusty threads prior to install. 2 or 3 weeks standing is okay, but if for a month + pull it. You can purg the air from the faucets, but also confirm by the blowoff. Also check your bypass line and that the tank is filling. It is in bypass mode from winterizing. That's why I also open the blowoff plug as you confirm it is full of water before turning on. If you just run the lines and get the airout there is no way to confirm if the hot water tank has filled since the water is cold and there is no gauge on it. The bypass is commonly left closed by many.

The city water only bypasses the pump and will fill the heater tank and lines. The only thing it won't prime is the line between the pump and tank which the pump will do upon turn on since it is self priming.

[RVhiker]

More ideas: Use teflon tape on the plug when you screw it back in. Be careful not to cross thread the plug. Tighten the plug only enough to stop any leaking; the threads can be damaged easily. Use a socket that fits, don't try to use pliers or a Crescent wrench.

[jim44646]

I don't know where your from but watch out for freezing temperatures. No tape on anode rod if equipped.

[JAMMFAM]

5arnolds, don't know if I caught you in time or not. We have a 29L also and there is a water heater drain valve on the bottom of the TT. Do not use the threaded plug. There is a small black valve over on the passenger side towards the back of the trailer behind the rear left tire. When you open it you should be able to feel the water is hot (if you had it on recently) This is how my owners manual instructed me to drain water heater in prepration for winterizing. Happy camping!

[SecretCoveDave]

Welcome to the JOF.
Dave

[5arnolds]

Originally Posted by JAMMFAM

5arnolds, don't know if I caught you in time or not. We have a 29L also and there is a water heater drain valve on the bottom of the TT. Do not use the threaded plug. There is a small black valve over on the passenger side towards the back of the trailer behind the rear left tire. When you open it you should be able to feel the water is hot (if you had it on recently) This is how my owners manual instructed me to drain water heater in prepration for winterizing. Happy camping!

JAMMFAM,

I was unable to find the valve that you describe. Have you seen/used this valve yet? Given my knowledge of hot water heaters, I find it highly unlikely to have a hot water heater drain valve anywhere but on the hot water heater itself. Let me know.

[robo59097]

I bought the water heater plug with the built in pet**** valve, I open it up just before pulling out and drain the tank after every use. No longer do I have to try and get a wrench in the cramped space or worry about stripping the plastic plug

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-11703-Wa...=cm_cr_pr_pb_t



amazing, pet**** gets automatically censored

[mcfarmall]

[QUOTE=amazing, pet**** gets automatically censored[/QUOTE]

Yeah, remember that the censoring software was written by people who probably don't work with "hands on" stuff like wrenches.

[Quahog]

Sometimes you have to be creative to get around the filtering. You obviously are referring to a Petc0ck valve.

[SecretCoveDave]

Steady lads, steady.

[tlhdoc]

My 17Z has low point water drains that allow the water heater to drain. They are marked on the back side of the camper near the water heater. There are 2 valves that you turn. One allows air into the water line/water heater and the other one allows the water to drain. Any time you drain water it will go quicker if you have a valve or faucet open to allow air in. I drain my water heater after each trip, before leaving the cg. I do this for weight, not sanitation reasons. I fill the tank at the campground. I fill the water heater by letting the pump run with a hot water faucet open while the tank is filling.

[tlhdoc]

I forgot to add, the plastic plug is the water heater drain. I only remove that to flush out the water heater. If you don't have the low drains to drain the tank, you would need to remove the plastic plug.