Atwood Water Heater...newbie ?

[shadet]

Hi guys - Do I need to empty the water heater tank by unscrewing the plug on the tank after every trip? Do u guys do this?

[drfife]

Originally Posted by shadet

Hi guys - Do I need to empty the water heater tank by unscrewing the plug on the tank after every trip? Do u guys do this?

I only drain the tank by removing the plug annually to clean sediment out of the tank.

You do not need to do it between trips.

[Seann45]

How often do you use the RV? if you are using it several times a month then NO you dont but if it sits for over a month at a time then I would...(the longest my RV ever sits is 3 weeks)...

[29BHS ECO]

shadet-- I drain after every use, keeps any sediment from building up, plus gives me a visual of the tank compartment, nests etc. Larry

[Crabman]

I made the mistake of not draining mine and the trailer was not used for two months. When we did use it again, the DW let me know in no uncertain terms "The hot water stinks". And it did, we did not use the hot water the rest of the weekend. We have well water and that will not keep like chlorinated city water might. When I got home I drained and sanitized the system.

[RustyFairmount]

Fyi: You can drain the tank safely without removing the plug. Just turn off the pump, turn on a hot water faucet, then open the high-pressure cold water drain. It will start a siphon and pull the water out. You can do it while driving home, or in your driveway while you unpack.

[drfife]

Originally Posted by RustyFairmount

Fyi: You can drain the tank safely without removing the plug. Just turn off the pump, turn on a hot water faucet, then open the high-pressure cold water drain. It will start a siphon and pull the water out. You can do it while driving home, or in your driveway while you unpack.

Did you mean low point drain, not high pressure drain?

[RustyFairmount]

Low point drain should only drain the fresh tank. All of 4 of my campers have been equipped with drain valves on the high pressure side of the water pump. I'd bet they're an industry standard.

Look for two small valves, located near the pump, or possibly beneath a sink. One will be for hot, the other cold.

[drfife]

Originally Posted by RustyFairmount

Low point drain should only drain the fresh tank. All of 4 of my campers have been equipped with drain valves on the high pressure side of the water pump. I'd bet they're an industry standard.

Look for two small valves, located near the pump, or possibly beneath a sink. One will be for hot, the other cold.

It's a matter of semantics.

I know what valves you are referring to. I've always heard them referred to as low point drains, not high pressure drains.

[RustyFairmount]

Originally Posted by drfife

It's a matter of semantics.

I know what valves you are referring to. I've always heard them referred to as low point drains, not high pressure drains.

Actually, it's a matter of syntax. I'm wrong and you're right. They are in-fact low point drains. They're just on the high side of the pump. Anyways, the siphon method works.

For what it's worth, there are some easy mods that can be done to make draining externally a snap. Check out: http://www.modmyrv.com/2009/12/11/rv...er-drain-valve

[drfife]

Originally Posted by RustyFairmount

....For what it's worth, there are some easy mods that can be done to make draining externally a snap. Check out: http://www.modmyrv.com/2009/12/11/rv...er-drain-valve

Atwood is adamant not to use metal drain plugs. I suspect they are concerned of the metals creating a galvanic weld over time. I know many do it without problems, but I stick to the recommended nylon plug.

I only drain the tank annually. I have yet to have an issue with "stinky" water after many weeks of non-use.

It can't hurt to drain more often, just keep some spare plugs on hand if they leak after several uses.

[tlhdoc]

I drain my water heater before I head home. I open the 2 valves (low point drain) that are near the water heater. The "hot" valve only drains a small amount of water, but it allows air to enter the water system so the water in the water heater can drain out of the "cold" water line. When I get home I close the valves.

[KDandJD]

I got tired of fighting the drain plug in the tight space that it's in so I made this small modification and it has really made draining the water heater easier. I just added a PVC ball valve to the drain hole. I had to use a 45 degree fitting to get the valve to clear the gas line in the compartment. Now I just open the hatch and open the valve and drain the heater...when it's empty I close the valve and it's ready for the next refill. Click the pic for a larger view.

[clutch]

We live in our trailer a lot. I drain the hot water tank about 3 times a year.

[29BHS ECO]

kd&jd- Great idea-- I will be on that this weekend especially since I need to change the metal plug with the anode that came with the atwood heater that they say shouldn't be there & that I don't need HELLO ----Larry

[KDandJD]

Originally Posted by 19H F250

kd&jd- Great idea-- I will be on that this weekend especially since I need to change the metal plug with the anode that came with the atwood heater that they say shouldn't be there & that I don't need HELLO ----Larry

Larry, when you do this little project make sure you stick everything together just as it will be in the finished state before you glue it. The difference between the valve being too short to clear the gas line and being too long to allow the hatch to close is very small so you may have to cut your PVC pipe 2 or 3 times to get it just right. Once it fits and you can both work the valve and close the hatch then glue it. Also, make sure you use the PVC that is rated for hot water, some is not. Good luck!

[29BHS ECO]

KD& JD Tx for the heads up Larry

[torsiondrummer]

Hey there, I'm really interested in where and or how to refill my hot water tank. I had it winterized at the dealer, took it out this weekend for the first time after winteriszing. No hot water. I read all the manuals and owners manul, nothing at all says how to fill it. Only says how to drain it, and the relief. And I think mine is new, 2011, I don't believe I have to lit a pilot? Hence, dry as a bone, I hope I didn't fry the electrical board? With the dealer and manufacturer being closed on the weekends, any suggestions?

[Quahog]

Check the bypass. You need to close it and open the other two valves so water can fill the tank.

[Terry]

I agree with Mike - sounds like your bypass valves on the back of the water are closed. It is possible you could have fried the element, but there probably was enough water in there you are ok. Worst case you will have propane heated water....your electrical board should not fry.