How to Clean an RV Water Heater the Right Way!

Also referred to BY SOME as a HOT WATER HEATER
Checklist for Periodic Water Heater Maintenance.
Preseason preppers or Full-Time RV users, perform all the steps!
o Turn off power and gas to water heater.
o Take a long shower to drain hot water from tank.
o Turn off water supply to RV and turn off power to water pump.
o Crack open all hot water faucets (sinks, showers, outside shower)
o Open relief valve on water heater.
o Remove drain plug from water heater. Allow water to drain.
(If your tank has an anode rod instead of a drain plug, replace it annually or when it is 75% consumed)
o Turn on water supply to flush the water heater tank out. (Use flushing wand if desired)
o Turn off water supply to RV.
o Install drain plug or anode rod in water heater using correct thread sealant
 (Stop here if you are putting the RV away for the season)
o Close all inside water faucets then turn on water supply until water comes out relief valve.
o Turn off water supply.
o When water stops coming out of relief valve, close the relief valve (allow it to “snap” shut).
o Turn on water supply to RV.
o When water is coming out of hot water faucets without air gaps, turn off faucets.
o Check for leaks at water heater.
o Open inside faucets to purge air out of the lines then turn on power or gas to water heater.
o After 1 hour, check again for leaks at water heater.
 Repeat steps several times a year if a Full-Time RV user.
Water Tank Flushing Wand: amzn.com/B002XL2IBS
3/8 x 24mm Socket: amzn.com/B00CTNZ65A
3/8 T-Handle: amzn.com/B009D3DYHG
Thread Sealant: amzn.com/B0002UEOP0
Atwood drain plugs: amzn.com/B0007XVWW0
Periodic Water Heater Maintenance, Seasonal Water Heater Maintenance, Post-season Water Heater Draining, Preseason Water Heater Filling, How to flush a hot water heater, how to flush a water heater, how to drain a water heater, how to drain a hot water heater, how to clean a water heater, how to clean a hot water heater, How to remove scale from a water heater tank, how to make a water heater last longer. Servicing Atwood water heater, servicing Atwood hot water heater, servicing Suburban water heater, servicing Suburban hot water heater, maintaining an Atwood water heater, maintaining Atwood hot water heater, Maintaining Suburban water heater, Maintaining Suburban hot water heater, how to make your RV last longer,

[@gallom325]

Thank you. This was very well recorded and clear enough to follow. Great job!! Thanks again!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Thank you for that great comment!!

[@maisie630]

I’ve been watching a bunch of KZbin videos after having my hot water smell like sulfur! Happy to say it’s all flushed out and so far so good!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

That’s great news! And reminds me that it’s time to flush mine out as well!🤣

[@JonW6614]

My wife and I have been full-time RVing for a year and had never cleaned our water heater. Followed the steps in your video and the job is done. Thanks for the excellent step by step demonstration! I have also subscribed to your channel and look forward to learning more about RV maintenance.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Jon W that’s awesome! I hope you love the experience as much as I do.

[@Texasredfish5114]

By far one of the best to the point videos about this thanks so much!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Well, thank you very much!

[@theoutdoorsman4548]

Very thorough demonstration and good audio and video. You much deserve more viewers and subscribers. Thank you and happy camping.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Thanks for the comment! I hate the quality of my vids!!

[@TheMapkiss]

Thanks for this video. Such a simple idea to clean out the water heater properly as you could see all the chalk type material coming out. I will now do the same!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Order the spray wand. It REALLY gets that stuff moving out of the tank!

[@rvsam4u]

Thank you for posting this, appreciated and well done!

[@francinedionne7398]

rvsam4u y6

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

You are welcome.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

.

[@bobgil3464]

Great video. I learn something new everyday for my RV. Very important.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Bob Gil we had to do some plumbing repairs this weekend and when finished I had a persistent problem with air in the lines. Once I cleaned the water heater and got the air gap set, the problem disappeared. It works.

[@margaretflack7973]

Thank you so much! We purchased a used small motor home and the water had a horrible chlorine smell. Someone suggested the water heater. Your steps were different from the instructions for the unit and yours were much easier. The water is still not flowing with the pressure we want but the chlorine smell is much better!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

That’s great. Check the screens at Every screw on water hose connection.

[@Cthru23]

Most informative video I've seen on KZbin about rv hot water tank cleaning. Thanks!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Craig Griffin wow! Thanks for the comment!

[@khadijahdavis1572]

Oh man i just want to thank you so very much for this video as a newbie RVer i surely appreciate it, see people that's new to RVing like myself, we need you to continue to make these videos🙂, i will be subscribing, again thank you brother

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Just schedule all your maintenance items and follow through with the maintenance. You show be able to enjoy your RV a long time.

[@scrippslarry]

Well done! Excellent tutorial - thanks!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

scrippslarry thanks!!

[@lolosunshine2756]

thanks that was straight to the point!!! Excellent vid!!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

LoLo TheMedium I hope you and others can use this simple maintenance to prolong the life of your water heater. Thank you!

[@kellycrumley8711]

Thank You. Living here in the Great Smokey Mtns. lime is part of our water diet. Great Vid.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

.

[@peggybradley]

Best video out there. Thanks.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Peggy, That is a well appreciated comment. Thank You!! Your check is in the mail ;-)

[@santiagojimenez8912]

Now I’m gonna do mine in my diesel pusher for the first time I never done this before but I’m learning a lot from this video

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

The process should be similar. If its a Suburban, you can change the anode rod as well. Get a flusher wand to clean it even better

[@05rickie]

Wow,thanks for this video,after flushing my tank I was using the on board water pump to fill the hot water tank I did not realize I could just hook up to my house water and fill the tank,wow was I not thinking,Thanks again.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I’m glad it helped!

[@slvrdragn]

OK, I'm not sure how to do this. Hook hose to the city water inlet and then, turn on the water heater? I'm not sure how to get water to it without having the pump on, i only use the on board tank.

[@Jlharrell1981]

Excellent video and step by step! I have been looking for this! Thanks!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Glad it helped!

[@ronaldhallam7309]

Thanks. Clear and well explained.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Thanks. I'm glad it helped. If your water is as hard as mine the heater will need to be cleaned out about once a month for a full-timer.

[@TheBigdaddy9448]

Thank you so much for your instructions!! First time for me and this was perfect.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Glad to help!

[@srickards64]

I have exact same water heater. Followed you step by step. Only wish you had told me I was going to need Lock-Tite before I started. But great video, thanks!!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

What did you use loctite on? I don't remember that. I have had loctite in the cabinet since 1986 so It gets used a lot. If you are referring to the Teflon thread sealant, you really don't need it on a nylon drain plug.

[@marks7791]

From Minnesota!! Great video!! You are common sense!! Well done!!!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Thanks for the comment!

[@georgemoomaw9437]

Great video and a thorough presentation. When opening the pressure relief valve, sometimes a very small piece debris will lodge in the seat keeping it from properly resealing. Usually, you can flush it out. But - SOMETIMES you can't. A tiny pebble may also distort or damage the valve and it can't reseal. I have only had this happen twice, but the second time I had a new pressure relief valve on standby ready to solve the problem. I just mean this as a word to the wise, that's all.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

George Moomaw I bet you are correct! Good info

[@fladave99]

Hence the phrase. "IF IT AINT BROKE, DONT FIX IT!" LOL.

[@johndale6525]

Well done!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I appreciate that!

[@chuckmarsh1977]

Very helpful and well done! Thanks

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Chuck Marsh thanks, glad to help

[@cm6885]

Thank you omg you’re a lifesaver this is just what I needed

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

How did we ever survive without KZbin? 🤣

[@jacqueB6151]

Same here!!! Thank you!!!

[@l.d.8310]

Great video thank you ...not to long drawn out ...just straight to the point

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Thank you for watching!

[@theflyinhawaiiantravels354]

Thank you!!!!!!! Awesome video.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

The Flyin Hawaiian glad it helped!

[@odertube]

Excellent video!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Thanks!

[@TheBirdandEagle]

Great video. Thank you. Just what I needed.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Glad to help. Thank you for the comment!

[@mikeshort7508]

Great job on the video man, very descriptive and helpful thank you.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Thanks Mike!

[@TandZAptLife]

I really loved your video. We are going to attempt to do our flush. We will let you know how it goes!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

PhDNaturalMe order the wand. It really helps dislodge the material from inside! Good luck!

[@Captleemo]

Great video, especially the part of how to set the air gap in the water heater.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Lee Mullen thank you. I hope it helps. Get the washing wand. It make all the difference

[@harrynickel8691]

Great job. Thanks for posting. Cathy & Harry

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Your welcome!

[@MichaelAStarr-yy4rh]

Fantastic video for DIYer’s. Super informative but very smart and easy to follow. It worked flawlessly! Thank you for your help!!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I glad it worked for you. Happy camping!

[@Praise___YaH]

Guys, Here is The True Savior HalleluYAH translates “Praise ye YaH” YaH is The Heavenly Father YaH arrives via the TENT OF MEETING YaH was Who they Crucified for our sins YaH was Crucified on an Almond TREE - Ancient Semitic Cuneiform of Moshe (Moses) - Isa Scroll (The Original Isaiah) Isaiah 42:8 "I am YaH; that is my Name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. Isaiah 43:11 I, I am YAH, and there is no other Savior but Me. Isaiah 45:5 I am YaH, and there is none else.

[@whosjohngalt6164]

Good video. Unfortunately I have to replace my water heater this weekend because of a cracked tank. The old one is 12 years old and to my knowledge has never been flushed properly. Once I put a brand new one in I'll follow these informative steps you gave here to keep it in tip-top shape. Thanks.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

WOW! That's a long time. My Sons RV is 22 years old and it's water heater lasted 19 years! I suppose yours cracked because it froze over the winter?

[@whosjohngalt6164]

Just Plain Common Sense Yeah. I was an idiot and kept putting off winterizing it and then we got an early freeze and now I'm paying the price! I don't think I'll make that mistake again. Not that I'm dreading the project at hand so much but my wife is not a happy camper about the whole situation LOL.

[@skitsfrizel5875]

Excellent Video and VERY Informative! Best on KZbin about the Atwood Water heater cleaning / maintenance. Thank you. . .

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Wow! Thank you for that comment!!!

[@trumpwon8231]

Outstanding video, after watching the chunks, id recommend the used of that wand you recommended as a mine pick or mini pressure washer. Great video

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I bet a pressure washer with the right wand would make a big difference

[@MUDslide261]

Thanx, well done video and explanation in detail.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

You’re welcome. Thank you for the comment!

[@tytomlinson7831]

Thanks. I've never flushed out my tank like that. I'm getting ready to winterize so I'll do that.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Order the tank flushing wand and prepare for a lot of junk to come out! You may need to flush and heat it back up a few times to break all the stuff loose.

[@roberthall7206]

Nice, easy to follow, well described video. Nice Berkey filter too! We have one as well

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Thank you for the comment!

[@donaldlayton5025]

I like the long hot shower idea 👏👍🤙

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Me too!

[@debbiemarchbanks8538]

Thank you SO much!!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

You're welcome!

[@ralphvalido800]

Thanks very informative

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Glad it was helpful!

[@larryk3986]

Great job

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Thank you for the comment

[@MASWHA]

Great vid, thanks

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Stephen Hamshaw your welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@daneparreira5139]

Releasing the pressure was a great tip that I wish I hadn't forgotten.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Yep. It will blow out with force!

[@alexmorales8103]

Awesome man.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

.

[@pkatzmann1]

Thank you.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Phillip Katzmann your welcome. Use the wand attachment in the description for the best results.

[@michaeldoherty2289]

White chunks are scale. Carbonate from the water you use. If you have really soft water you won't see a lot of scale. Hard water creates a lot more scale because there are a lot more minerals dissolved in the water. When hard water is heated in a water heater it precipitates on the walls of the tank and falls to the bottom. Also, you don't need thread lock on a plastic plug. They are self sealing. Thread lock is needed on the steel anode rod or if you have any other metal plug. I use teflon tape which is cleaner and easier to use.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Michael Doherty good to know. Thanks

[@marksommers6764]

I appreciate this video , Thanks . Never understood the "cut" on and off though !

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Mark Sommers it’s okay. Just say the word “turn” whenever you here me say “cut” and you might be able to figure it out. Turn it on/off is the same as cut it on/off. Thanks for watching!

[@marksommers6764]

Just Plain Common Sense 😉

[@anitarobertson418]

Getting a new Atwood installed this weekend. Fulltimer here. Visable calcium in park well water. Just me and my dog. Seriously once a month maintenance or more often in my case? Good tutorial.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Maybe an inline water filter is really what you need to help you with that problem.

[@anitarobertson418]

@@JustPlainCommonSense thanks. I found one I can afford. Coming next week.

[@claztube]

Once a Month … with the hard mineral well water I have here in Arizona a flush once a month seems like a reasonable idea if not prudent. The 'AIR GAP' step in this video is something I hadn't done when I replaced my clogged and faulty pressure relief spicket/valve. I did of course from reading the instruction found on the package open faucets as you describe. The faulty spicket or spichot having been R&R'd has since been soaked in a bowl of vinegar hoping it will be once again operable and could be reinstalled if not far into the future if my new valve fails but put to use for a neighbor here in the park where I reside.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Curlyjo Robbie yep. Periodic preventative maintenance will pay big dividends in the future. The air gap instruction comes from the water heater manual.

[@Buck1954]

Shoot! Lived in my trailer full time for 6 years and never done this. Gonna go flush my tank asap!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I bet you will do it more often once you see the junk that comes out.

[@michaeldoherty2289]

Good and very helpful video!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Get the wand described in the video comments and watch the scale fly out of your tank!

[@michaeldoherty2289]

@@JustPlainCommonSense I am not sure the wand actually extends the life if the tank, but it surely helps make your tank more efficient. That scale buildup on the bottom of the tank reduces the exchange of heat from the burner through the tank wall to the water. Getting rid of the gunky scale on the bottom allows you to heat the water quicker, thus using less gas. All positive......

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Michael Doherty I’d think of scale is built up in the heating element it would possibly get hotter because it can’t transfer its heat to the water as well thus shorten its life. Maybe be; maybe not.

[@michaeldoherty2289]

@@JustPlainCommonSense I think you may be right. Scale will reduce the heat transfer from element to the surrounding water. Electric heating elements can be pulled and cleaned easily. Maybe we ought to do that when we drain the tank each year. That said, new elements are only about 10 bucks.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Per the Atwood water heater manual... "To insure the best performance of your water heater and ADD TO THE LIFE OF THE TANK, periodically drain and flush the water heater tank."

[@blueterrace]

Funny how different coaches vary. I’ve got a 2006 Fleetwood expedition, with the Atwood hot water heater. My drain plug was brass, had an anode rod attached, and the wrench was 7/8”. I hadn’t done this before so apparently the hot water heater came within an anode rod attached. There you go.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Good to know!

[@mattharper588]

Camco sells a wand with a shut off valve that you insert into the water heater and it helps get out a lot more of the buildup than by just draining it

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Yes, they sure do. Its what I used for the past few years and it works great.

[@jimcornelius5809]

Only thing I can say is use the wand it gets the scale off the bottom of the tank better.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I agree!

[@Rambo777]

Thanks, great video even though I just installed new Atwood g10-3e hot water heater tank. Did not know to set the air gap. That maybe why mine is short cycling.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Dig around in your owners manual if you have one or go to the manufactures website and download one. I bet it has step by step instructions on the cleaning process. Good luck

[@joefriday950]

Great video. Thanks

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Thanks Joe Friday

[@stephbirdiejames17]

Thank you for this information. Question, I am in Florida and have not turned on my water heater. I use the park's bath house for showers. Am I hurting anything? Thanks again!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I can't see how that would hurt anything at all.

[@richardstrader3101]

Great video, not sure if it missed it, after you turn the faucets on in the RV to drain the water, when did you turn them off before you started flushing the tank?

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Yes, close them before turning the water back on to flush the tank. I updated the instructions in the video description. Thanks for letting me know it was missing.

[@nsrvlife5895]

Thanks for this great video! I plan to do the cleaning this weekend. Your heater looks exactly like mine( my rig is reflection 150) I have few questions for this work: 1. I bought an Anode rod for my heater, seems like no need for anode nod? 2. Can I use plumbing tape instead? 3. Can I use white vinegar to clean? Thanks!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

The manufacturer says Not to use an anode rod. It will destroy the lining. You don’t need to use any thread coating of any kind with the nylon plug. You can use vinegar. The trick is how to get it in the tank

[@johndernberger1961]

Wonderful demo. My only recommendation would be to leave the plug out if you are winterizing the unit for storage.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I think they recommend putting RV antifreeze in the system but since I’m a full-timer, I just leave it on 24/7. Thanks for the comment!

[@ypauly]

Thank you!! I have a 1997 Jayco Eagle that we have restored, and the manual is not available. We are at the final step, which is learning how to operate the hot water heater, propane system and water system. Being newbies, this us crazy hard to learn on the internet, as the systems are older, and I can’t find what I need to. Any tips on best places to learn about older RVs?

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

YMel Y maybe there are forums on the internet that could help with specific systems. You need to try to find a manual for everything you have. It may take some digging around but I bet it’s available out there somewhere. Good luck!

[@michaelhendricks7117]

Thanks for this video. One question- why do you want an air gap in the water heater?

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

The manual says to leave the air gap I suppose for expansion.

[@erichnl1]

Thanks for the video, I'm a full timer. Can I use the same anode rod on the suburban water heater if it's still in good shape?

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

If it's in good shape I don't see why not. The metal it's made of is sacrificial so if it's still there, I'd assume it will still work. Atwood water heaters, at least mine, doesn't have an anode rod though.

[@erichnl1]

@@JustPlainCommonSense thanks for the quick response

[@2Peachcobler]

Do you have any tip on getting an anode rod out that doesn't want to budge? I have a Suburban and it has never been changed. Your videos is the best one I've seen!

[@quickdrawclaw6412]

tap the anode with a hammer, the anode is prolly rusted at the threads. hitting the anode will break the rust and you should be able to get in.

[@gregbartone459]

B Cobler

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I haven't had that issue in the past so I can't be of much help. Thank you for the comment

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

That sounds like it may work.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

.

[@homefront3162]

By the way good video. Lots of Calcium in your water wow

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

It is kind of amazing how much material I can remove from that water heater in 30 days. It is even more amazing that some of my neighbors have never cleaned their water heater and they still function.

[@homefront3162]

Just Plain Common Sense Theirs is probably all crusted to the walls of the water heater... We have a lot of minerals here where I live in California, It is a problem with home water heaters...

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I started using an angled spray wand that helps dislodge a lot of stuff from the tank. I bought an optical wand to film the insides of the tank but it only works on Android. Bummer. Maybe I'll get a model that will work on my Iphone

[@homefront3162]

Just Plain Common Sense Great idea!

[@ArkansasPrepper]

That is a nice rig. What year is it?

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

It's a 2016. So far so good once I worked the bugs out.

[@62impalaconvert]

I use thresd sealing tape on the drain plug. Less messy!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

agreed! I have it on hand so it gets used. Turns out the frequent reapplication of the sealant is not required. The nylon nut seems to seal pretty well on its own.

[@richardp5161]

tape doesn't make a good seal when the plastic plug distorts, use plummers puty instead - a lot better seal.

[@bradfordtolleson5504]

Thanks this is awesome. What is reason for the air gap? Why does the Atwood not need an anode?

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I read the manual and called Atwood. The air gap is for expansion. The anode word deteriorate the lining in the tank.

[@bradfordtolleson5504]

Thanks the air gap makes since. I’m guessing the tank of the Atwood is made out of something other than metal to avoid corrosion thus no need for anode? Thanks for taking time to teach us RV tips

[@TheTJLH]

Thanks for the into. When you flush with vinegar, please share that too.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I found a neat way to try that very thing. Maybe I'll try it soon.

[@scottgorman7166]

I believe the mix is 60% vinegar and 40 water. Run the heater for 12 hours and drain,flush and fill There is a you tube video on this technique.

[@cakeisgrose]

I’m living in mine year round id like to know other things to keep an eye on 👀

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Go through the owners manuals. It is pretty simple really. Preventative maintenance is KEY!!

[@theflyinhawaiiantravels354]

Hi again!! I just subscribed. I was wondering if you could tell me any tips on my new 2020 Jayco 22. I pick it up from dealer this Sunday and they are giving me my walk thru and going over everything with me. Can you help on things to go over with the dealer before I drive off?? Thank you.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

The Flyin Hawaiian make them earn their money. Take your time and find Every switch, valve, lever and knob and ask what it’s for and when you should use it. Get them to show you how to pull the slides in and out then ask them to show you how to get the slides in if there is a fault and how to get them in without power. Ask how to fill and drain the tanks (propane, water, grey and black). Get them to show you the location of the slideout controllers, AC power converter, water pump and fuse panel. If you look at the fuse panel and see a small button and LED light ask about that. How to hook up the RV for using full hookups (knob/valve positions) and how to set things up for boondocking without any hookups. What will run off the battery and for how long. What kind of sealant should be used on the roof if you have to perform a repair (talk them out of a tube of self-leveling sealant 😉). How to hook up your tow rig. How to know how much of a truck you need to tow what you are buying PLUS the contents. Does the trailer have electric brakes? Is the truck equipped with an equalizer hitch? Do you need one? How to operate the awning (with and without a power source or functioning awning motor). How to reset the propane/co2 alarm. How often the alarm should be replaced. Same goes with the smoke detector. How to maintain the slideout seals. How to maintain the roof. How to switch between propane tanks. How to change out propane tanks. Where the RV should be lifted from when you get a flat. Tire pressure and tire rating requirements. How to operate the thermostat!!! Honestly most shops are not going to know some of this stuff. You will get a package that contains manuals from each system that was installed on your RV (AC, furnace, water heater, awning, microwave, stove, converter...) READ THEM AND HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANT STUFF! Best of luck!!

[@theflyinhawaiiantravels354]

@@JustPlainCommonSense thank you, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ur the best!!!!!!!!!

[@frostriver4547]

We always drain the water heater and the low point drains when we leave home to go RVing. Why carry around 50-70 pounds of water that’s more than abundant at a campground and takes about two minutes to fill during set up. Allows me to carry more food and brews in place of that weight 🍻👍🏼

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

.

[@alive-awake]

very good video! did good until I used the wand and the tip broke off inside. I flushed out like you said letting the water run quite a while. didnt see it come out unless I missed it. took a make ship hook to try and see if I could get anything with it but no. also used one of those long bristle dryer vent brushes and it cleaned out a lot of junk in there.if that plastic tip is still in there what do you think it will do? also if I hook up my rig to my house outlet with adapter like I do to cool my frig before I go, will that be enough juice or acceptable to start up the water heater? the only thing plugged in. not the frig too.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I really hate to hear that the tip broke off. I would get an inspection camera ( like the small kind that hooks to a laptop or mobile phone) and figure out where it is and try to get it out. I wouldn’t run the water heater until it was removed. I’m pretty sure the water heater would throw the breaker unless enough power is supplied to the RV

[@alive-awake]

@@JustPlainCommonSense I was wondering about one of those cameras. I'll see if I can find one. Thanks for your response.

[@calvinlong1265]

Great video! I've got a question. I saw one video from a dealer that shows that they left the plug out after winterizing the rv. What do you think of doing this? I'm assuming they did it to make sure the hot water tank was dry for when it was stored over the winter.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Not sure. I live in mine full-time. Id say that if the tank is dry then leaving the plug out shouldn't make it any drier, right? I think an RV antifreeze is used in in RVs that are stored for the winter but you'd better check with the manual for that advice since I've never done it.

[@calvinlong1265]

@@JustPlainCommonSense thanks!

[@254tom]

In reference to your second point, you mentioned a long shower, can you expound on a short shower?

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

254tom take a shower long enough to use the hot water so you don’t scald yourself when you are draining the tank. The way my RV is set up, that can be a pretty long shower. I understand that isn’t always the case. From what I can determine the length of time hot water will last in an RV has an awful lot to do with the water pressure coming into the RV. Mine is low at around 35 psi. If you don’t use a water pressure regulator then you hit water will not last long.

[@lawdawg5823]

So to get the right level of water in the water heater should I hook up water to my camper at home and get the right level and get the tank filled before I head to the camp site? The campsites around here are usually only electric. This way I figured I wouldn’t have to do this step at the campsite and drain water from my holding tank using the pump. Thanks.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Sounds like a good plan to me. I never took mine camping. It was a Park Queen.

[@jaytibbles2223]

Some units have a water heater bypass which can be used to prevent water from entering it. The bleeding of the faucets actually sets the air gap in the tank.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

JAY TIBBLES I disagree. The air gap should be set as described to allow for expansion inside the tank.

[@jaytibbles2223]

@@JustPlainCommonSense the technical term is ullage

[@rosesolis1868]

Thank you very helpful just bought a new Winnebego and my drain plug keeps leaking even after I keep replacing with a new plug, I’m not sure why it keeps draining water

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Rose Solis maybe you will need to add Teflon tape to the threads.

[@rosesolis1868]

Fixed the problem changed drain plug with brass plug instead no more leaks

[@62impalaconvert]

Is it sanitary to have the potable water supply hose connected thru a wye to both the city water connection AND the black tank flush, even with a check valve on the black tank connection?

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

the two are connected at some point regardless; even if the Y is at the hose bib instead of at the RV as I had it there. The same fresh water tank you drink from sprays water in the toilet when you flush it. There may not be a perfect scenario when dealing with RV black tanks and fresh water...

[@mjj8170]

No way. Bacteria will crawl up it

[@johna5428]

Good day With my rv water heater the screen on the valve on the inside of the tank keeps getting plugged resulting in very little hot water making it through the lines.To get at this screen to clean it is quite difficult as it is attached to a mixing value .The rv repair man had me put my water hose in the tank to flush it out but that only re-plugged the screen. The rv is a Jayco jayflight 2017 park model. After he left I had to take everything apart and take out that screen again and re-clean it all as I put everything back together it seems good now but I am worried about it happening in the future and getting re-plugged what do you suggest thank You

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

John Arnott I wasn’t aware of a screen there. Personally, I’d remove it and do a water heater flush monthly. You can deal with the debris at the faucet screens.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I wish you’d do a video about that screen!!

[@agon10425]

where you get that tool to remove drain plug I have difficulties with a simple socket hitting that elbow pipe thanks

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Al Gonzalez the link is in the video description. It works great

[@wayneshap2316]

Ditto

[@robwilliams8613]

I change out the nylon plug for a brass plug. Only a couple bucks and you don't have to worry about the threads going bad.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Rob Williams I’ve been using the nylon plug for over three years with monthly service. Still going strong but I have a spare in the box just in case. No way nylon will strip the tank. I’ll keep the nylon

[@robwilliams8613]

@@JustPlainCommonSense the nylon plug doesn't hurt the threads in the tank. After awhile the nylon plug goes bad. I replaced it with a brass plug and I never have to worry about the threads on the plug going bad.

[@kingfisher302]

Mine has a brass radiator pet cock on it open to drain close for use no screwing plug in and out

[@tandemacademy8070]

Newbie Here... If I am also cleaning the rest of the water system, which should I do first? The system or the hot water tank?

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Tandem Academy I’d flush out the holding tank first then the water heater.

[@brianw612]

Doesn't this merely flush the debris from the bottom of the tank? Does all the debris settle, or does some stick to sides and top?

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

It has a bend in the nozzle which knocks the debris off the sides and heating elements. I'll soon put a video snake in the tank to see what a two year old full time use RV tank looks like

[@KevinCoop1]

Not sure why turning the hw faucets was needed. Water heaters usually have a check valve on the output line. Good video though.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Maybe it wasn’t but it didn’t hurt either. Thanks for the comment and view.

[@joepolamalu2302]

When you set air gap in hot water tank do you have your faucets in RV closed.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

No, they are closed. If they were open you would have more water to drain off before the gap was made. Good question!

[@scrippslarry]

Just Plain Common Sense a little confused here. You replied “no” did you mean yes they should be closed? Should a step or two be added to the written procedure? Namely to close the valves after draining?

[@rachellefrenette1171]

@@scrippslarry common sense would have told you he meant yes, do you know what common sense is? its rare these days i understand.

[@wayneshap2316]

How Can i get a written copy of the precedure?

[@05rickie]

@@wayneshap2316 Watch the video and make notes,the video is so easy to follow you can write down each procedure,then refer to them at a later date,that's what I did.

[@Pack.Leader]

Thank you! I watched one other video before this one and they suggested filling the water heater (once initially drained) with 50:50 vinegar and water and letting it sit for a few hours before draining. Do you think that is beneficial or is the water flush good enough? My water heater is currently dripping water from the drain plug (Atwood) and so I'm doing research before diving in and making things worse. Also, I live in the NM desert where the water is very hard. Should I be using a water filter on my hose and would it make a difference in the buildup in the water heater? Thanks so much.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I’d imagine anything you can do to prevent deposits is a good idea do vinegar is okay. Hopefully you can just replace the nylon drain plug and that leak will go away. I’m sure a filter is a good idea but I sure would go through a lot of them here!

[@wayneshap2316]

The vinegar and water mix will break down hard water calcium build up.

[@wayneshap2316]

@@JustPlainCommonSense your filter is important but will not help that calcium build up. We need it least a manual regenerating water softener with a quality resin to save not only on the maintenance of just your hot water tank but all the pluming, valves, pumps and faucets and shower curtain n walls and longer lasting filters. Not to mention the by-product of an awesome clean shower, softer skin, closer shave. Your hair especially for the ladies.

[@clutchcargo666]

How do you get vinegar in just the water heater?

[@jasonwright5593]

@@clutchcargo666 also wondering.... did you find out?

[@peturredbird5178]

What model of travel trailer is that on the water heater video ?

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Lacrosse 337

[@Spikestrip55]

Can you use vinegar to dissolve the calcium builds up!

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I have been told you can use it however I have never seen it completely dissolve the deposits. You can pump it in through the port used to winterize the RV. There will likely be several valves and a hose that doesn’t connect to anything located behind the water heater. That is likely where you would draw RV antifreeze or vinegar into the system. I feel it’s much easier to just flush my water heater frequently.

[@jacqueB6151]

Here is a dumb question from a first timer: once we are done filling the tank do we turn on the electric switch you showed at the beginning if we are at home or on electricity and if not on electricity do we just flip the gas switch? We are taking the trailer out tomorrow and is kind of like to have some hot water! 🥴 (I’m sorry but our manual is so lame!!)

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Yes, you have it figured out. Have a great trip!

[@hardtruth2039]

Do you use a water softener? Do you think using one will reduce the deposits in the tank?

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I have been told a water softener system feeding into the RV would fix that problem, but at what cost?

[@hardtruth2039]

Ours cost $280 for a 16000 grain unit including a recharge kit. It softens aprox 4000 gallons of water and then you recharge the resin with 2lbs of table salt. I recharge it every 2 -3 months. The resin lasts about 5 years and then it’s $60 for new resin. Pretty reasonable if you ask me and we’ll worth it to protect the pump, water heater, washing machine and fixtures in our 5th wheel.

[@stevengordon1675]

Would you have to do those steps in order to change the relief value on the hot water?

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

I'd assume so, you'd lose the air gap when you drain the water out.

[@stevengordon1675]

@@JustPlainCommonSense okay, yeah I'm in one full time and after every use of hot water the relief valve goes off, it seems louder then it should be so I'm assuming it needs to be replaced

[@Spikestrip55]

Thread Sealant: Could you also use plumber's tape?

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Spikestrip55 you actually don’t need any type of sealant at all. The nylon plug seals it just fine by itself.

[@Spikestrip55]

@@JustPlainCommonSense Oh, ok. You mentioned using LockTite sealant, and I thought the tape would also work.

[@stevecastro22]

Just an FYI for you, the milky white substance, chunks, as you called them, is calcium build up.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Steve Castro it sure it!

[@jamesbondaygee]

so I discovered my tank was leaking through the the corroding sealant which is around that screw in plug. no it's not the plug itself, that is sealed, but whatever holds that tube in place has cracked and it's leaking out of there. what are your thoughts on that?

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Sounds like you’ll need a new tank or whole new unit. Look at my other videos for the other water heater video. I had a “tube” corrode out around the threads. You can replace just the tank a bit cheaper than the whole thing. I chose not too go that route.

[@jamesbondaygee]

@@JustPlainCommonSense Interesting, it's cause a massive discussion and debate on a FB RV Repair Forum. Replacing right before winter I don't think is an option. That being said, the product i tried first sucked. RV/Marine Gloozit. I was worried there was some undrained water in the tank and with freezing temperatures I flicked on the switch again and it heated and prevented the bond from working..........gonna try jb weld next..

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

@@jamesbondaygee in my opinion, the expansion and contraction of the melts will cause JB weld to fail.

[@mikeg1593]

in regards to the "air Gap". Just what does that do? You bleed the air from the system, so doesn't that fill the tank? Just what does the air gap do?

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

The air gap allows room for the water to expand when it gets hot. It’s not my idea. It’s in the Atwood manual but you have to dig to find it. It says you should replace the air gap periodically.

[@05rickie]

@@JustPlainCommonSense i'll bet this is the reason why from time to time water escapes from the pressure release valve,not enough air gap ?,the hot water expands has no where to go except out the pressure release valve,just my 2 cents.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

@@05rickie I’m not sure about that but according to the manual the air gap has to be replaced now and then.