Hot water heater drain modification.

[Johnynorthland]

I remember a few people posting that they did a Hot water heater drain modification with a short hose and a shut off valve.

Can those they did so please post some pictures and perhaps the fittings they used?

Thanks

[Rustic Eagle]

Bob

[Johnynorthland]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

Bob

Nice! I see you extended the pressure relief valve also. I didn’t think of that.

Some say their HW heater drains via their low point drains, but I’ve never checked, I always do the HW heater while the rig is draining.

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by Johnynorthland

Nice! I see you extended the pressure relief valve also. I didn’t think of that.

Some say their HW heater drains via their low point drains, but I’ve never checked, I always do the HW heater while the rig is draining.

My WH drain is exactly like Camper Bob.

I did not extend the pressure relief. I do open my pressure relief valve when I fill the tank (I usually drain my tank after each trip). It dumps all over the air/fuel mix chamber and have not had any issues.

[CAG]

Do you have a parts list?

[Jagiven]

Nope, I think the plug is 1/2" npt plug. I went to the local DIY story, picked up a short pipe nipple, a braided faucet hose, and 1/4 turn valve.

It took a few minutes looking at hoses and valves to find a set that all worked together.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by CAG

Do you have a parts list?

From my MODS thread:

* Teflon Tape

* 1/2 x 1/2 Plastic male threaded adaptor (non-tapered threads) http://www.statetrailer.com/products...00&detail=true

* 3/8 C x 1/2"FIP x 12" long steel Braided Hose https://www.menards.com/main/plumbin...693-c-9413.htm

* 5/8 OD x 3/8 OD with 1/4 Turn Valve (discard nut/copper ring) https://www.menards.com/main/plumbin...002-c-9415.htm

Links are for part description reference only, not necessarily my source.

NOTE: First connect/tighten the braided hose to the plastic-threaded adapter, then connect to the HWH...., much easier. Also, only use a "plastic" threaded adaptor when connecting to the Atwood aluminum HWH.

Bob

[billcf7]

Originally Posted by Johnynorthland

I remember a few people posting that they did a Hot water heater drain modification with a short hose and a shut off valve.

Can those they did so please post some pictures and perhaps the fittings they used?

Thanks

Modifying a pressure relief valve is illegal. I know its just a short line and fitting on the outlet

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by billcf7

Modifying a pressure relief valve is illegal. I know its just a short line and fitting on the outlet

Adding a pipe to a pressure relief is legal in a SB home. RV codes, I do not have a clue, but their codes seem very light at best.

When I remodel my basement in my SB house, I installed a new boiler and water heater. I was required to extend the pressure relieve down to the floor. If I recall they had to release 12" or lower above the floor face. I ran each one to the the floor drain, and an inch or so above the floor drain.

At a higher elevation there is high risk of injury if the scalding water is released at any pressure.

[CAG]

Originally Posted by billcf7

Modifying a pressure relief valve is illegal. I know its just a short line and fitting on the outlet

I could be mistaken because we cannot see the entire heater but it appears to be the drain plug that is modified and not the relief valve which is at the top of the heater. That is what the topic is anyway.

[Johnynorthland]

Some have added an extension tube to the relief valve. I can’t see that being illegal. But I’m not versed in the Plumming specs for an RV. However, it should be illegal in just the way they build some of these rigs! Lol

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Johnynorthland

Some have added an extension tube to the relief valve......snip

I added my discharge hose (shown in prior pic) primary because when opening the valve water would flow directly into the LP supply line air inlet slots, and also splashed into the igniter chamber.

A straight discharge pipe would have been ideal, but wasn't feasible. I made sure the hose was temperature compatible.

Bob

[Johnynorthland]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

I added my discharge hose (shown in prior pic) primary because when opening the valve water would flow directly into the LP supply line air inlet slots, and also splashed into the igniter chamber.

A straight discharge pipe would have been ideal, but wasn't feasible. I made sure the hose was temperature compatible.

Bob

Yes, makes perfect sense. I don’t know why they are not extended outside of the hatch by design. So if you have an over psi issue, now you soak the electronics! But now I’m being to sensible!

[Lake Huron]

I got a brass close nipple and a short brass gas ball valve from HD. I hand thread the 8" plastic nipple into the ball valve and let 'er rip.

[hbravo]

My question with this mod is don't you rinse out the water heater annually with a cleaning rod? If so I don't I see how this is an advantage. Inquiring minds...

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by hbravo

My question with this mod is don't you rinse out the water heater annually with a cleaning rod? If so I don't I see how this is an advantage. Inquiring minds...

Good question.....

The advantage for me is that I take numerous trips during the course of the year and drain my HWH tank between them.

When winterizing annually I remove the stainless tubing/valve as an assembly and flush....., same as removing the prior plastic drain plug.

Bob

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

Good question.....

The advantage for me is that I take numerous trips during the course of the year and drain my HWH tank between them.

When winterizing annually I remove the stainless tubing/valve as an assembly and flush....., same as removing the prior plastic drain plug.

Bob

X2, I drain between trips, especially if it will be longer than 2 weeks between the trips.

[hbravo]

Got you, makes sense!

[Lake Huron]

My mod makes it easier to drain the tank and it keep the water off the door from totally ruining the information stickers on it.
Honestly, my trailer will sit in between trips for anywhere from 1-3 weeks and I dont drain the tank. I've never had an issue with the water being bad or getting sick from it and I drink the water out of the tap that comes from the tank, that I sanitize every year.
The way i see it, if I go on vacation for a week or two, I dont drain the water out of the lines and/or tank at my house, so the trailer isn't going to be any different. I'm not knocking anyone that does, to each his own.

[Johnynorthland]

I drain my tank often also that’s why I’m looking to do this mod.

Funny you should mention the sticker getting ruined Lake Huron, I noticed mine starting to fade so I took a picture with my phone!

Also in regards to plastics tanks, ones without anode rods, do they scale as much as the metal ones? I’m on my 3rd RV and never noticed anything draining out of the tank other than water.