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Old 10-04-2015, 06:00 PM   #1
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How often should I drain my hot water heater

I have been told I need to drain my hot water heater if I am not using the Rv within a couple of weeks. I have been doing this but find my plastic plug is wearing out. Should I continue to drain it and if so am I missing something that there is not another, easier drain somewhere?

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Old 10-04-2015, 06:16 PM   #2
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Some RVers installed a valve in the 1/2 " hole. I installed a 1/2" brass valve with Teflon tape.
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Old 10-04-2015, 06:38 PM   #3
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I drain my water heater at the end of each camping trip. I figured that's 6 gallons of water I don't need to bring back home with me! I installed a brass automotive radiator type petcock in place of the factory plug. I just open it and raise the pressure relief valve handle and let it drain while I attend to other "breaking camp" duties. I purchased my drain petcock at a RV dealer's parts department.

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Old 10-04-2015, 07:41 PM   #4
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I also drain my WH before I leave the campsite. Do a search for "Water Heater Plug" and you will see some good ideas on how to make it easier. I installed a 1/2' dual male end fitting, attached a 12" hose then attached a 1/4 turn valve in the end. I just open the valve and let 'er drain (away from the side of TT). Works for me.
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Old 10-04-2015, 08:02 PM   #5
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I drain our wh at the time I winterize, no need to do it more often.
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Old 10-04-2015, 08:49 PM   #6
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I too drain if I do not plan to use it for a few weeks.
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Old 10-04-2015, 08:53 PM   #7
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I empty mine every trip, but I made it easier to do..
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Old 10-05-2015, 05:54 AM   #8
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Drain after every trip. Habit for me.
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Old 10-05-2015, 05:58 AM   #9
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Use your own judgement.
We drain ours if it is going to sit unused over a month. Other More often, others less.
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Old 10-05-2015, 09:44 AM   #10
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I drain mine down just using the low drain points and open the spigots inside the trailer.. This leaves an inch or so of water left in the hot water heater.

We do alot of camping in the late season and stay in places where temps gets down aorund the 10-12 degrees F Never any problems with hot water heater freezing up inside it.. I guess there is a bunch of expansion room for iceing up...

Then when I park the trailer for the winter I will pull the bottom drain plug of the hot water heater to drain most all of the water out then...

We use the air compressor method hooked up to the city water port during the season when the temps get low outside and blow out the lines after draining down all of the low water points. The add some pink stuff to the P-Traps

Then we can add water the next day and continue on...

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Old 10-05-2015, 10:24 AM   #11
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I drain the WH at the end of the season.


Then again, I keep the whole trailer 'hot' all season.
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Old 10-05-2015, 03:15 PM   #12
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I didn't drain mine for three weeks, finally was able to go camping one weekend and the stench that came from the tank was awful... I always drain it now
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Old 10-05-2015, 04:04 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JTVaclavik View Post
I didn't drain mine for three weeks, finally was able to go camping one weekend and the stench that came from the tank was awful... I always drain it now
thats strange, been doing only when winterize for 12 years, been fine never a problem
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Old 10-05-2015, 05:44 PM   #14
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Often the water will smell after a while sitting, Taking one shower will refill the tank and flush it out.

Only time we had a smell was from the Sulphur water in a well. Flushing it took care of it.

Another consideration is where it is sitting. A colder climate or a hot climate could make a difference.
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Old 10-05-2015, 06:38 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by RoyBraddy View Post
I drain mine down just using the low drain points and open the spigots inside the trailer.. This leaves an inch or so of water left in the hot water heater.
This is the quickest and easiest method, with the least wear and tear. I learned the hard way about not draining after every trip. Wife got sick during our first pregnancy and cut our season short. Didn't get a chance to drain the water and got the rotten egg smell.

Now after every trip we open the low point drains and the bathroom faucets. I also open the pressure relief valve on the water heater to drain the water. By the time we get home, all the water is drained out. I close the drains as part of cleaning out after a trip.
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