How To Put Vinegar In Rv Hot Water Heater - ERNIEGRAVES

Is It Safe To Sanitize Your RV Water Tank With Vinegar?

More and more individuals appear to be seeking for solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to environmental protection. And it is something I am all for! I came across a number of queries on certain RV sites lately from folks who were asking whether they could use vinegar to clean their RV water tank and lines instead of bleach. Without a doubt, there were several questions and even more differing viewpoints on the matter. In order to find out more, we conducted our own investigation and came up with the following findings.

Is Sanitizing the Water System With Vinegar Safe and Effective?

Yes, using white vinegar to sanitize your fresh water system is a safe and effective method of disinfection. The graph below depicts a comparison of Chlorine Bleach, Hydrogen Peroxide, White Vinegar, and Baking Soda in order to identify which product is most effective in killing Listeria, E. Coli, and Salmonella in the food preparation environment. As you can see, the chemicals bleach, peroxide, and vinegar are effective against all three forms of bacteria. However – and this is a big but for the most of us – the chart below demonstrates that in order to be successful, the hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar must be heated to at least 130 degrees in order to kill all three of the bacteria types.

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So, How The Heck Do I Get Hot Vinegar?

If you are asking this question, you are serious about saving the environment! And I applaud you for your efforts. However, there is an excellent solution to this problem, and that is to utilize the hot water heater in your RV to heat the vinegar solution to temperatures more than 130 degrees. What’s even better about doing so is that it effectively kills two birds with one stone. It turns out that hot white vinegar is not only effective at cleaning your freshwater system, but it is also effective at eliminating the mineral deposits that accumulate in your hot water tank and on its anode rod.

Occasionally, you may detect white mineral deposits in your coffee maker’s water reservoir.

It’s the same exact principle that applies here as well.

What is The Process to Sanitize The Tank and Water System?

I’m sure you’re wondering how you’re going to transfer the hot water and vinegar solution from the hot water heater into the cold water lines in your recreational vehicle. Following these procedures will allow you to heat the vinegar solution so that it may be circulated via your hot and cold lines:

Before you begin, you will need a thread adapter to connect a garden hose to the kitchen faucet on your recreational vehicle. Alternatively, you may purchase one from Amazon, or you can pick one up from Home Depot or Lowe’s. Make certain that your water heater is turned off. While your water heater is turned off, raise the temperature to more than 130 degrees. Make sure you drain all of the water out of your water system and hot water tank. Using a 50/50 combination of water and white vinegar, fill your fresh water tank with at least 15 gallons of water and white vinegar. Open your kitchen faucet and turn on your water pump until water starts to stream out and you can smell vinegar in the air
Turn the water off and then on again to activate the water heater. It will take at least 20 minutes for the water to achieve a temperature of at least 130 degrees F. Meanwhile, install a thread adapter to the kitchen faucet in your RV while the water is heating up. Connect a garden hose to the thread adapter and route the hose to the fresh water filling station located outside your recreational vehicle. As soon as the water is hot enough, turn on your water pump and flow water through the hot side of the kitchen faucet, allowing the hot white vinegar solution to fill the fresh water holding tank. Once your fresh water tank is filled with hot water, you will switch on each fixture one at a time until you detect the scent of vinegar, then turn off the fixture and continue on to the next. Both the hot and cold sides of each fixture should be supplying you with hot water. NOTE: The cold side of the kitchen faucet will be the last to be turned on throughout this operation. Please remember to run the solution via your ice maker, instant hot, or the drinking water dispenser located in the refrigerator door. Having completed the process of running the hot solution through every hot and cold line to every fixture, you may unhook the garden hose and let the solution to sit overnight. Make sure your hot water heater is turned off the next day. Remove the anode rod from the water heater and fully drain and rinse it off with water. When you rinse out the water heater, you will most likely notice a significant amount of silt. Reinstall the anode rod and then reduce the hot water heating temperature setting to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to complete the process. Please keep in mind that temperatures higher than 120 degrees might result in scorching. Obtain fresh water by connecting your home to a municipal supply and running clean water through all of your fixtures, both hot and cold, until the vinegar smell is gone

It is now safe to utilize your complete fresh water system because it has been disinfected.

How Often Should I Sanitize?

In the event that your RV has been resting for an extended amount of time, you should obviously disinfect the water system.

When you de-winterize your RV in the spring, you should absolutely sterilize the interior. Listed below are some more recommendations for when you should disinfect your fresh water system:

If you smell a stale stench when using your water, you should contact your water supplier. If your RV has been resting for more than two weeks and the RV water system has not been used, it is time to service it. In the event that you receive notification that a boil water advisory is in effect, it is imperative that you disinfect the whole water system. If you notice algae or slime growing in your water tank, it is imperative that you clean the whole water system immediately.

The freshwater tank in your home must be sanitized even if you do not drink from it since it contains harmful bacteria. Germs will continue to grow in the water system, and you do not want to take a shower with water that is contaminated with bacteria. Furthermore, although filters can remove impurities and enhance taste and odor, they are not a purifier and do not kill microorganisms.

Conclusion

Cleaning your water tank and system without the use of bleach is clearly against the grain of common sense. In contrast, if your objective is to be environmentally conscious and environmentally friendly, employing a hot vinegar solution is a terrific option. Using the thread adapter for the kitchen sink may need a little more effort, but it is a rather simple operation if you have one on hand. READINGS WHICH MAY BE OF INTEREST: For additional information about recreational vehicles, please see our post The Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning an RV.

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Cleaning Flushing and Descaling an RV Water Heater – How to Clean and

I’m not sure when I first learned about this, but it has since been a fairly common maintenance activity in my recreational vehicle. Once a year, at the conclusion of the camping season, I descale and clean the water heater in the recreational vehicle. This removes all of the calcium deposits and scale that have accumulated over time. It also cleans the electric heating element, allowing it to continue to operate at full performance. This video and method show you how I go about performing this basic maintenance item on my vehicle.

Remove the drain plug or anode rod from the water heater with a socket or Water Heater Wrench.
Remove any loose material from the water heater by using aRV Water Heater Rinser or by turning on the municipal water supply to flush out any remaining debris.
Fill the water heater with 3 to 5 gallons of white vinegar, depending on the size of the RV or trailer’s water heater and the winterizing package.
Turn on the electric element in the water heater to heat the combination, and leave it on for a minimum of 8 hours after that.
Drain the mixture from the water heater after it has been sitting overnight and allowed to cool.
It is typical to observe more material coming out as the cleaning process progresses.

Reinstall the plug or anode rod and go into the room. Remove the aerators and turn on each faucet, both hot and cold, until no vinegar smell can be noticed while water is coming out. Reinstall your aerators, and you’ll be good to go until the following year. (Affiliate) Links to Websites:

Amazon has the Camco Water Heater Rinser in stock for purchase: On Amazon, you can get the Camco RV Water Heater Wrench Kit: On Amazon, you can get the Camco RV Winterizing Kit: id=”viewer-e3f7j”> Suburban Anode Rod 232767 is available for purchase on Amazon: Return to the RV TIPS AND MAINTENANCE PAGE. Tips and strategies for upgrading your RV trailer vinegar descaler and water heater cleaner

Cleaning water heater with vinegar

The use of vinegar to clean the water heater has been demonstrated in a few videos and publications; however, each video and article demonstrates how to add the vinegar via a diversion hose or valve, or an antifreeze additive hose, which is not what I am looking for. So, my issue is, how can I put a vinegar combination into my Atwood 6 gallon container without using any of these contraptions, which I do not have access to? To fill up my fresh water tank, should I simply pour it in through a funnel and fill it with water, then turn on the water pump and turn on the hot water in my kitchen sink to force it into the emptied water heater?

My question to you is, what is it that you want to clean and why?
My water heater is drained in the winter and filled again in the summer, which lasts around 3 months.
Pull the psi valve to the side.
Funnel After purchasing a 2000 Fleetwood Terry 30ft 5er, I realized that I had no clue how long it had been since it was last cleaned.
Robertusa123 Does it go into the high-pressure valve or does it go into the fresh water tank and get pumped through that way?
When I uninstalled my water heater earlier this summer, I had the notion that I should do this.
Acid and aluminum do not get along well with one other.

Yes!

Have you ever attempted to wrap a lasagna in aluminum foil without first putting a parchment liner on top of the lasagna?

I considered it as well, but after seeing a video, I learned that the individual subsequently flushed the system with baking soda, so neutralizing the acid’s effect, given that the vinegar isn’t left in there for an extended period of time.

It was obvious that the WH needed to be drained!

Method 1: Remove the drain stopper and thoroughly cleanse the system using a flush wand.

The water pressure should be sufficient to dislodge and rinse out the majority of the hard water “rocks.” The 8 Muddy Paws approach is used here.

This was proposed by Robert.

The following is taken directly from an Atwood handout: ATWOOD WATER HEATER CARE AND MAINTENANCE 1.

Drain the tank of your water heater.

Remove the pressure-temperature relief valve from its mounting bracket.

(For example, in a 6 gallon tank, 4 gallons vinegar to 2 gallons water would be used.) 2.

No part of the process involves removing vinegar from the tank.

Air pressure can be applied through the inlet or outlet on the rear of the tank, or it can be applied through the pressure-temperature relief valve if you want to do so.

In either instance, the leftover water will be forced out of the unit by the air pressure created by the drain valve being left open.

Either using the onboard pump or with external water pressure, fresh water should be pumped into the tank to prevent corrosion.

For best results, flush the tank for around five minutes at a time, giving the fresh water enough time to stir the stagnant water at the bottom of it and force any deposits down the drain outlet.

After you have completed the previous procedures, you should reinstall the drain plug and the pressure-temperature relief valve.

Those are the exact identical instructions that I have in my Atwood book.

Was it a representative from Atwood, or was it someone else?

For heater service, the following is the pamphlet that Atwood provides: This technique is discussed on page 2 of the pamphlet that you provided a link to (See underUnpleasant odors) Gary RV Roamer stated: “Well, of course!” And a heartfelt “I’m sorry.” Thank you for bringing this to our attention!

While I did utilize the “bleach” approach to sterilize my fresh water system and allowed it to flow through the water-heater, I was unable to get rid of the rotten egg stench until I followed the instructions provided by Atwood.
My water heater has been emptied and cleansed, and I have completed the bleach technique for all of the lines.
Thank you very much for the information, everyone!
When I attempted to utilize the Atwood approach on my Suburban heater, it reacted violently!
This device notified me in no uncertain terms that IT WAS NOT MOVING!
I recommend that you use this more straightforward version.
Replace the drain stopper with a new one.

USE THE WINTERIZE FUNCTION TO SUCK IN THE VINEGAR WITH THE PUMP, WHICH WILL GO INTO THE EMPTY HOT WATER TANK AFTER SUCKING IN THE VINEGAR WITH THE PUMP.

I’ll let you know how it goes if it works.

I guess what I may have overlooked previously was the need to disinfect the low point drain.

The smell has to be removed at least once a year, therefore I use 100 percent vinegar (10 gallons) and let her sit overnite at operating temperature to do this.

Instead, I just put new water through the tank until it is completely depleted before pulling the plug to flush it.

Also, I never meddle with the overpressure valve because there is too much risk of it not shutting properly and then not being able to pull it out of the tank without ripping the threads out of the tank’s walls.

This was passed through the faucets to decalcify the aerators, which worked great.

I added a quart of go bleach to the freshly filled tank, and I’m currently pumping it through the system to clean it.

There are no rocks, and there is very little colorful water.

It’s possible that I did something right!

However, if I used beach water, it would fill the system much more quickly, but it would NOT be the extremely chlorinated water.

Is this a correct statement?

Without doing so, you will be able to smell a strong bleach scent in your shower for a long time after you exit the shower.

However, it is necessary to circulate your sanitizing water through the system in order to eliminate any bacteria that may be present in the pump.

The recommended amount is 1/4 cup per 15 gallons of water.

Note: I do not drink the water from the fresh tank, even after it has been sanitized. I placed a modest Reverse Osmosis system in the rig approximately five years ago, but I still don’t use tank water to charge it because it consumes a lot of water.

How to Clean an RV Hot Water Tank

Documentation Download Documentation Download Documentation The water heater in your RV will begin to gather residue and silt as it accumulates within the tank, which can reduce its efficiency and cause it to fail prematurely. This is especially true if you discover that the hot water in your RV has low pressure, seems hazy, or has a foul smell. It may be necessary to clean out the water heater. Even though you can simply drain the system and rinse it out with clean water, there may still be some residue in the tank after doing so.

First and foremost, turn off your water heater the night before you want to clean it. Identify and locate the “Water Heater” switch panel inside your RV, which should be the first one you see when you enter. Turn the switch to the “Off” position to give the water in the tank a chance to cool off before using it. You should leave the water heater turned off overnight to avoid getting scalded when emptying out the tank

If you are unable to locate the switch within the RV, look in the water heater compartment, which is normally located on the outer passenger side of the vehicle. Make careful to turn off both the gas and electric power to your RV’s water heater, which may be controlled by different switches on the panel.

Alternatively, if you don’t have the luxury of waiting overnight, put the faucets in your RV to the hottest setting and leave them running until the water feels cold to the touch. 2 Turn off the water pump or shut off the water supply pipe to avoid filling the tank. In the event that you’re just utilizing the clean water kept in your RV’s tank, locate the pump and set it to the “Off” position to prevent the pump from continuously drawing water into the heater. If you are directly linked to the input system, disconnect the water supply hose outside your RV. Otherwise, unplug the water supply hose inside your RV. During the cleaning process, keep the supply line or pump removed so that the tank does not continue to fill with water.

The water pump is usually hidden behind a wall panel within your recreational vehicle. If this is not the case, it may be concealed within an outside compartment.

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s3 Turn the water heater’s pressure release valve to the open position. Locate the water heater compartment, which is normally located on the outer passenger side of your car and labeled “Water Heater,” on the outside of your vehicle. Locate the relief valve, which is located at the top of the compartment and has a metal handle that is linked to a spout. Remove the relief valve. Exert pressure on the valve handle until it sticks straight out and water begins to pour from the spout

If you have trouble locating the water heater compartment, consult your RV’s owner’s handbook for assistance. If there is still hot water in the system, avoid opening the valve since the water would be boiling hot and might cause significant burns

4 Using a socket wrench, unscrew the tank’s stopper or anode rod from the tank. Locate the spout or port on the bottom of the water heater compartment, which is the plug in an Atwood system or the anode rod in a Suburban system, which is located on the bottom of the compartment. To release the plug or anode rod, use a socket wrench to turn it in the opposite direction of the clock. Remove it from the tank by unscrewing it entirely and pulling it straight out. When the plug or anode rod is inserted, water will drain out of the port for the plug or rod.

Don’t remove the plug or anode rod while there is still hot water in the system because you might get scalded.

1 Attach a tank cleaning wand to a garden hose and begin cleaning the tank. Tank cleaning wands include a lengthy, high-pressure spout that is designed to break down scale accumulation within your water storage tank. The end of the tank cleaning wand should be carefully screwed into the end of a garden hose to prevent it from leaking. Keep the wand in the closed position for the time being to prevent water from spraying out of the end.

A tank cleaning wand can be purchased either online or via an outdoor specialty store.

2 Using the cleaning wand, spray the inside of the tank with water. Push the end of the wand into the port at the bottom of the water heater tank and turn on the water supply hose to the water heater. To fire the water within the tank, press down on the wand’s handle until it shoots. Then, rotate the wand around the tank a few times to ensure that it sprays each side wall. Pour additional water into the heater and spray the interior until there is no more residue coming out of the port.

Similarly, if you do not see any residue coming out of the tank when you first start spraying, this indicates that there is no accumulation inside the tank.

3 If your water heater is equipped with an anode rod, replace it. Check to see if there is any scale accumulation on the old anode rod. However, if this is not the case, you can continue to use the same rod until you need to clean the tank again. Otherwise, get an anode rod that is compatible with the make and model of your RV in order to ensure that it fits correctly within the heater.

Anode rods are used to filter away particles from water, which helps to keep your hot water pure. You may purchase them either online or at specialised RV retailers.

If your water heater system is just equipped with a plug, you can reuse the same one as long as it is not bent or broken. 4 Wrap a piece of Teflon tape over the threadings on the plug or anode rod to prevent corrosion. Tightly coil the Teflon tape around the threadings by pressing the end of the tape against the threadings. Before cutting the section off, cover all of the threadings with 2–3 thicknesses of Teflon tape to prevent it from fraying. Firmly press the loose end down to ensure that it remains in place

Teflon tape, which can be found in the plumbing area of your local hardware store, is useful in preventing leaks in the water heater
It may be purchased online. Try not to wrap the Teflon tape in a counterclockwise direction since it may come undone when you reinstall the plug or anode rod into the port.

5 Reattach the plug or anode rod to the water heater using the screwdriver. To tighten the plug or anode rod, insert it back into the port and spin it clockwise until it is snug. To make the plug or rod hand-tight, continue screwing it in until it is snug. To ensure that it properly seals the tank and does not create any leaks, use your socket wrench to crank it by another quarter turn.

You should avoid overtightening the plug or rod because doing so might cause damage to it and make it more difficult to remove later on.

1Remove the pressure relief valve from the water heater by unscrewing it. Using a pair of pliers, grasp the nut beneath the pressure relief valve and crank it counterclockwise until it comes loose from the valve. You should continue to rotate it by hand until you can easily take it out of the port, allowing you to get access to the top of the water heater. 2 Make a solution consisting of 65 percent vinegar and 35 percent water and mix it thoroughly. Combine the distilled white vinegar and water in a bigger container with a spout, such as a fresh gas can, and stir them together thoroughly to combine the flavors. Build up enough cleaning solution to be able to fill the whole tank of the water heater in order to remove the most residue possible from the interior of the tank

If you are unsure about the size of your hot water tank, consult your RV’s owner’s handbook. Alternatively, you may be able to locate the information you need by searching for the make and model of your RV on the internet
In most cases, RV water heaters hold between 5 and 10 gallons (19 and 38 L). If you did not observe any residue coming out of the tank after you cleaned out the system, you do not need to soak the tank with a vinegar solution.

3 Using a funnel, carefully pour the vinegar solution into the relief valve hole. Place a funnel within the valve hole so that you may more easily move the vinegar solution from one container to another. Slowly pour the vinegar solution into the funnel, taking care not to let it overflow or run over the edge of the container. Continue to fill the tank with solution until it is completely empty, then remove the funnel.

Ask a friend to keep the funnel in place or assist you in lifting the gas can to reduce the likelihood of spilling

4 Reattach the pressure release valve and secure it in place. Using a hand screwdriver, align the pressure release valve with the port and tighten it in clockwise. As soon as you are no longer able to spin it, use your wrench to tighten it by a quarter turn at a time. Continue to screw the valve in until the spout is pointing downward. To make the valve handle flat, press it all the way down.

You may experience problems with your water heater’s drain valve if there is too much pressure within the water heater if the spout isn’t pointed down. Take care not to overtighten the valve, as this might cause it to malfunction.

5 Turn on the water heater for 1–2 hours to get it to the proper temperature. Inside your RV, look for the power switch for the water heater and turn it on. Reset the switch to the “On” position so that it may begin heating the vinegar solution in the tank. Leave the power on for around 1–2 hours to give the system a chance to heat up entirely and eliminate the most amount of scale building possible. As soon as you’re finished, return the switch to the “Off” position

Try not to switch on your water supply or your pump, since the vinegar solution may flow through the remainder of your pipes and not clean the tank as well. Make sure that the gas power switch on the electrical panel for your water heater is turned on as well
Otherwise, the water heater will not work.

6Set the vinegar in the hot water tank overnight to allow it to cool. Allow the vinegar solution to sit in the water heater for a few minutes so that it may break down any remaining residue that has accumulated within. You should avoid using any of your fixtures or draining the tank while the solution is still hot to avoid burning your hands and fingers. Do not proceed until the next day or until the water heater is fully cold before continuing
7 Remove the stopper or anode rod from the tank to allow the vinegar to flow out. Turning the plug or anode rod counterclockwise with your socket wrench can loosen the connection. Then unscrew it with your hand until the solution begins to flow out of the container. Allow it to drain fully before wiping away any residue that may have come out with the solution.

If any residue becomes stuck in the drain port while it is draining, poke it with a stir stick or manually take it out.

8 Reattach the plug after flushing with the tank cleaning wand. 9 Replace the tank cleaning wand. Attach the tank cleaning wand to the end of your hose and flush it back into the tank. Turn on the water and wash the sides of the tank to break up the loosened residue and flush the vinegar out of your system. Turn off the water and turn on the vinegar. Continue to spray the interior of the container until the water flows clean before reinstalling the stopper or anode rod.

It is not necessary to reattach the Teflon tape on the plug or anode rod
Nevertheless, it is recommended.

The following warning applies if you do not thoroughly rinse out the tank after soaking it in vinegar. Your hot water may then smell or taste like vinegar. Advertisement

1Reconnect the water pump or water supply to the mains water supply. For those of you who are utilizing your RV’s clean water system, find your pump and reconnect it to the power source. If your RV is directly linked to an outdoor water source, switch on the hose to allow water to flow through the pipes in your RV
Otherwise, turn off the hose. 2 Turn on the water heater switches if necessary. Return to the interior of your RV and locate the switches that control your water heater. Connect the main power switch to the water heater, as well as the gas switch, if your water heater is equipped with one. Allowing the water heater to warm up entirely will ensure that it operates correctly.

If the switches are not located within your RV, they may be located outside in the water heater compartment.

3 Turn on a hot water faucet inside your RV and run it until the water flows clear. Select a sink or tub faucet and crank it to the warmest setting so that water begins to flow through it again. To verify that there is no residue left inside the tank or your pipes, keep the faucet running until the water appears clean.

When you initially turn on the faucet, it’s typical for it to splutter a little.

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When the heater is running, avoid disconnecting the pressure relief valve or the drain plug since the water will be boiling hot and might cause serious injury.

Things You’ll Need

The following items are required: Socket wrench, Hose, Tank cleaning wand, Teflon tape, Wrench, Vinegar, Container with Spout

About This Article

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01-12-2020, 11:25 AM

Senior MemberJoin Date: Oct 2013Location: GlendalePosts: 208

How to vinegar flush water heater

Sorry for the dumb Q. I�ve an Atwood water heater(no anode rod).I�ve never flushed it in 4 years (ashamed). It�s working great n all but I bet there�s a ton of limescale in there. All the YouTube videos show the flushing process BUT then they add 50/50 vinegar added via the winterization inlet-I don�t have one of those. How do I get this solution directly into water heater tank.This is probably a DUH question but thought I�d make sure.Thx

01-12-2020, 01:15 PM	2
Site TeamJoin Date: Apr 2012Location: Newark, NYPosts: 11,597	If you have an antifreeze hand pump available, you can mix up the solution, hook the hand pump to the fresh water will port, and pump it into the water heater, from a jug or bucket. You should open up the hot side of a faucet (maybe the outside shower, for convenience), and the vinegar solution will go into the water heater.If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask._ModeratorEvery day’s a learning experience, though sometimes not what we expected.2012 Jay Flight 19RD 2016 Ford F150 XLT 2X4 SC 3.5L Eco Max Tow2010 Tundra TRD DBL Cab (Traded)1 Spoiled Dog (RIP Bartley)

01-12-2020, 04:30 PM	3
Senior MemberJoin Date: Jan 2014Location: Black River Falls, WiPosts: 1,154	How do / would you fill the fresh water tank? Drain the WH then refill from the fresh water tank via the 12v pump_2019 Pinnacle 36 FBTS2016 Silverado 3500 CC SRW DuraMax/Allison1975 Corvette for the sunny days n dry roads2017 RZR for the rainy days n muddy roads

01-12-2020, 04:34 PM	4
Senior MemberJoin Date: Jan 2018Location: SterlingPosts: 153	Remove the pressure safety valve on the water heater and use a funnel to fill the water heater.

01-12-2020, 04:40 PM	5
Site TeamJoin Date: Jan 2011Location: James Island, SCPosts: 20,029	I use one of those spray nozzles to flush the scale out under pressure at home. Seems like a waste of good vinegar._Moderator 2011- 351RLTS Eagle, MorRyde suspension/pin box, 2017- F350 6.7 PSD Lariat FX4,SRW, SB,CCHughes PWD SP-50A, TST TPMSGator roll-up bed coverB W Turnover ball, Andersen Ultimate 3220Can’t find what you’re looking on JOF? TryJayco Owners Forum Custom Google Search

01-12-2020, 05:32 PM	6
Senior MemberJoin Date: Jan 2018Location: SterlingPosts: 153	Those wands work well. I use that when I rinse the tank. I did use the vinegar when we had a smell in the hot water. With the drain plug out it does well flushing out the bottom of the tank.

01-12-2020, 06:18 PM	7
Senior MemberJoin Date: Dec 2017Location: Nor CalPosts: 2,127	For those who didn’t see it, this thread detailed one miserable experience with the wand. Just a word of caution. Spoiler: it has a happy ending._2018 JayFlight SLX 212QBW1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat SC, 7.3L PSD, 3.73Transfer Flow 50 gal aux; Andersen WDH; Prodigy P2 “If a man says he�ll fix something, he will. There�s no need to remind him every 6 months.

01-12-2020, 07:58 PM	8
Site TeamJoin Date: Apr 2012Location: Newark, NYPosts: 11,597	That experience caused me to check how mine was attached. It looks a little like it’s heat shrunk together pretty well. If it does blow apart, I’m going to invite Route 66 Traveler to come for a visit!_ModeratorEvery day’s a learning experience, though sometimes not what we expected.2012 Jay Flight 19RD 2016 Ford F150 XLT 2X4 SC 3.5L Eco Max Tow2010 Tundra TRD DBL Cab (Traded)1 Spoiled Dog (RIP Bartley)

01-12-2020, 08:31 PM	9
Senior MemberJoin Date: Aug 2013Location: Bellingham,Wa.Posts: 6,359	Quote:Originally Posted bydamammelRemove the pressure safety valve on the water heater and use a funnel to fill the water heater.X2_2010 Jayco Hybrid EXP21M2013 Toureg TDI

01-13-2020, 05:51 AM	10
Senior MemberJoin Date: Jan 2014Location: Greater Grand RapidsPosts: 1,339	Both my summer and winter homesites have VERY hard water – lots of calcium/lime, so I flush mine twice a year. First, turn your water heater off and let the water cool down. Once the water has cooled, shut off your water pump or city water, remove the drain plug at the bottom to empty the tank, and open the valve lever on the Pressure Relief Valve to allow air into the tank to displace the water as it drains. (Hint: since the drain plug is just above the bottom of the tank and the PR Valve is just below the top of the tank, you’ll never be able to completely drain OR fill you tank.) But once it is as empty as you can get it, unscrew and remove the Pressure Relief Valve. Replace the plastic drain plug, being careful not to cross-thread it. Better yet, why not replace it with a 1/2″ x 1″ CPVC pipe nipple (not PVC-it’s not formulated for HOT water), a 9″ or 12″ faucet line (1/2″ FPT X 3/8″ Comp.) with a 1/2″ x 3/8″ Comp. 1/4-turn shut-off valve. Be sure to wrap the male threads with Teflon tape. This will make it a whole lot easier to drain the tank for the following steps (and for future flushing).Next, remove the Pressure Relief Valve and use a funnel to pour undiluted white vinegar into the tank. It will hold about 3-1/2 to 4 gallons before it starts overflowing out the top. If there’s a lot of lime in the tank, it may start to foam. That’s OK! It means it’s working. Replace the PRV and turn the water back on to refill the tank – giving you a (roughly) 50/50 vinegar/water solution. Let the solution sit in the tank for 30 minutes or so, then shut the water back offdrain the tank. Refillflush the tank 2 or three times to get rid of the vinegar smelltaste. Once it’s filled for the last time, turn the heater back on and you’re good to go!One final note: vinegar will kill your grass so be careful where you drain it! (Don’t ask me how I know this!)Hope this helps!_2013 Eagle 266RKS2011 Ford F-150 w/3.5L EcoboostH.D. Tow Package

01-13-2020, 02:07 PM	11
Senior MemberJoin Date: Oct 2013Location: GlendalePosts: 208	Thankyou For the detailed instructions. I fell confident now to tackle this

01-13-2020, 02:58 PM	12
Senior MemberJoin Date: Oct 2019Location: BataviaPosts: 370	Quote:Originally Posted byBrownieBoth my summer and winter homesites have VERY hard water – lots of calcium/limeDoes an external water line filter help with this?_2018 Redhawk 22J

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Senior MemberJoin Date: Jan 2014Location: Greater Grand RapidsPosts: 1,339	Quote:Originally Posted bypwardDoes an external water line filter help with this?Most filters don’t do much (if anything) for lime. The are mainly for tasteodor. Some filter out lead, arsenic, etc, but don’t filter out calcium/lime. You really need a watersoftener for that._2013 Eagle 266RKS2011 Ford F-150 w/3.5L EcoboostH.D. Tow Package

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Cleaning RV water heater tank with vinegar

Because of the many things that an RV can do for you, it may make you feel at home. Last updated on: Even the smallest things that you find inside an RV help you to feel at ease and at home. In order to keep the RV living comfortable throughout the winter, one of the most crucial things is to have a working water heater. Water heater in the house Colds in the winter are like lifesavers. It is impossible to live in an RV if you do not have a reliable water heater. RV water heaters have tanks that hold 8-10 gallons of water, as opposed to standard household water heaters that hold roughly 50 gallons.

In addition, be certain that you do not wind yourself swimming in ice cold water.
It is always beneficial to get familiar with the small details of your RV in order to make better use of it.
Taking proper care of your hot water heater will undoubtedly benefit you and improve the quality of your RV life.
Hard water includes calcium, which, when the water is released from the heater, begins to build hard deposits on the surface of the heater.
Because heated water causes deposits to form at a higher rate, the RV hot water heater is particularly susceptible to this problem.
Normally, the deposits would cause issues around the point where the water is released.
By taking proper care of and servicing your water heater, you may avoid these problems altogether.

Cleaning the water heater and tank may also be accomplished with a vinegar and water solution. Cleaning an RV water heater and tank may be accomplished by following the methods shown below:

Turning off the water supply and fully draining the water heater tank should be your first order of business. The next step is to reattach the drain plug, and then make certain that the pressure temperature relief valve is removed. The next step is to combine the water and vinegar in a large mixing bowl. In this case, you can use a 1:2 ratio, meaning that 2 parts vinegar and 1 part water will be used. It is expected that this combination ratios would be sufficient for heater and tank cleaning. After that, using a funnel, pour the vinegar-water combination into the tank
The process is repeated. While the vinegar is still inside, turn on the heater on its regular setting for approximately 4 to 5 times. Once this is completed, turn off the water heater. After the water heater has been properly drained, it should be flushed. As a result, sediments should be removed. To totally drain the water from the device, apply air pressure to the unit. The pressure temperature valve allows you to apply air pressure to the system. You may also use fresh water to flush your toilet. After some time, flush the water to remove the deposits
This will eliminate the deposits. Replace the drain plug as well as the relief valve.

Keep in mind that vinegar will not sterilize your water distribution system. It will aid in the removal of the deposits from the water heater system’s internal components. The water heater is extremely vital for RVers, and it is equally crucial to have it in good working order all of the time. The minor details concerning your hot water heater are also crucial to know so that the next time you go camping, you are fully prepared in case the worst happens and the heater stops working completely.

The fuel: Because electricity is the most handy fuel, your heater is most likely to run on it. It can also run on propane and generate heat through the engine. When compared to propane, electric heaters are more handy, but they are also more expensive. Engine heat is, without a doubt, the most affordable
Water heater tanks must be replaced as follows: The fact that not all heating systems are the same size should be taken into consideration if you decide to replace your heater tanks. Before you go shopping for one, be sure to measure the sidewall holes and the height. Precautions should be taken when storing a water heater: The water should be drained from the heater and tank before putting the RV in the storage facility. Winterize your pipes to keep them from freezing and cracking. This will ensure that you will not encounter any difficulties the next time you take your RV camping.

Maintaining a water heater is a good idea, but if you have been traveling in your RV for a long period of time, you may want to consider purchasing a new hot water heater to replace the old one you have. This is due to the fact that it is a mechanical/electrical device that will have a limited life span. Eventually, it may develop irreversible fractures or deposits that are impossible to remove with simple flushing or vinegar solutions. As a result, get your water heater inspected to see whether it needs to be replaced or repaired or maintained.

You must be considerate of the RV’s water heater’s capabilities.
Having said that, there are new technologies on the horizon that will improve the efficiency of water heaters and, as a result, make our lives more comfortable overall.
When camping in a travel trailer or motorhome, a typical problem that many people have is that the water smells foul.
This occurs as a result of the water heater in the recreational vehicle.
Following the methods outlined below will help to minimize or eliminate the odor.

Get a new rod to replace the rusted one you already have. The use of aluminum rod can assist to keep such odors at bay. Check to see that the water is gentler

G. Yoganand

A passionate RV camper who spends many hours researching and learning about all aspects of RVing and camping in general. He feels that spending time performing outdoor activities is a good use of time.

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What is the best way to clean a water heater tank with vinegar? Fill the fresh water tank of the RV with a vinegar water combination and then pump it in. Remove the pressure relief valve located at the top of the water heater and use a funnel to pour the vinegar mixture into the water heater. Add it in with the help of an RV winterizing kit (If you have one, definitely the easiest way).

Will vinegar damage a hot water heater?

Steel is vulnerable to corrosion because vinegar has an acidic pH.

Rust is caused by the combination of water and acid, and rust results in holes that leak. The only method to properly safeguard a water heater is to avoid hard water scale buildup in it, which can only be accomplished through the use of a water softener.

Where do you put vinegar in a hot water heater?

Pour the vinegar into the container. To begin, take your funnel and insert it into the aperture for the anode rod; next, slowly pour your vinegar into the hot water tank’s bottom compartment. Simply remove the funnel from the mixture and place it to the side once the vinegar has been fully incorporated.

How often should you flush your water heater?

It is advised that you clean your water heater at least once a year to keep it running efficiently. This will aid in the prevention of the possible difficulties that silt might cause over time if left unchecked.

Can I use vinegar to flush my tankless water heater?

Water heaters that do not have tanks will accumulate calcium and debris on the heating components and filters within the unit. It’s critical to cleanse your system with food-grade white vinegar at least once every 12 to 18 months to keep it running smoothly. The performance and life of your water heater will be extended if you do this straightforward maintenance.

How long do you leave vinegar in water heater?

Allow the vinegar to sit in the water heater for at least six (6) hours before using. Afterwards, reattach the inlet, outlet, or TP valves and turn on the water to flush out any dissolved sediment or vinegar that may have accumulated.

How do I disinfect my hot water heater?

In the same way that cold water is efficient against this sort of bacteria, plain unscented liquid bleach, which is widely available in food shops, is also beneficial. As a preliminary step, empty and rinse the tank to remove any collected sand, sludge, or loose scale that has accumulated.

Can I put CLR in my hot water heater?

Cleaning your water heater with CLR cleaner is an excellent method to keep it clean since it eats away at the minerals at the bottom of the heater without scraping. However, although CLR is frequently offered in little spray bottles, it is also available in gallon-sized containers, which are the ideal size for cleaning a hot water heater.

How do I get the rotten egg smell out of my hot water heater?

The use of a plumber to execute a shock chlorination treatment is one possible approach. A chlorine solution can be added to the water to destroy the SRB and so decrease the rotten egg smell emanating from your water heater.

Why does my hot water heater make a gurgling sound?

Rust, sediment, and mineral buildup in the tank are the most common causes of gurgling sounds coming from a hot water heater. During the cooling process, cold water descends at the bottom of tank below the hot water. When there is a lot of scaling or silt build-up, the heated water rises and makes a gurgling sound because of the build-up.

How do I get calcium out of my hot water heater?

When it comes to fighting calcium accumulation, vinegar or lye are the most effective compounds to use. Allow the chemicals to rest in the tank for a few hours after flushing it, then flush it again before turning the water heater back on to use it again.

How do I clean the sludge out of my hot water heater?

How to Flush Sediment from a Water Heater (with Pictures) Turn off the water heater if it is on. Turn off the cold water valve if it is on. Allow time for the water to cool.

The drain valve on the side of the tank should be connected to a drain or a garden hose. Place the hose’s end in a bucket or a drain to catch the water. Turn on the water supply by turning on the faucet (or two) Turning on the drain valve will begin the process of draining the tank.

Can I use CLR to flush my tankless water heater?

When cleaning a tankless water heater, CLR can be used with distilled vinegar for maximum effectiveness. Adding one capful of CLR to each gallon of white vinegar can aid in the removal of stubborn deposits from within your water heater’s heating element.

How do you use vinegar in a hot water heater?

Fill your hot water heater halfway with apple cider vinegar (three to four gallons total). Replace the anode rod with a new one. Allow about five minutes for the hot water heater tank to fill after opening the water supply valve. Allow the vinegar to remain in the tank for 24 hours before using it.

Can I flush my own water heater?

It is sufficient to switch on the cold water faucet that feeds your hot water tank in order to flush your hot water tank. Allow it to run for a few minutes, or until the water coming out of your hose is completely clean. Flushing should continue until there is very little or no sediment left in your water.

Can you run out of hot water with a tankless water heater?

Because there is no source of hot water that may be drained, a tankless system is the most energy efficient option. As opposed to this, the water heater warms water only when there is a demand for it. As long as there is demand, it will continue to operate in this manner – which means you will never run out of hot water! 11th of September, 2017

What happens if you don’t flush your tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters will not explode, but if the sediment is not flushed out of the unit, it may cause the heat exchanger to work harder than it needs to, increasing the risk of failure. In addition to allowing the water heater to operate more effectively, flushing away sediment can help prevent other issues.

How much vinegar do you need to flush a tankless water heater?

The drain hose should be connected to the hot water drain valve, and the other end of the drain line should be placed into the bucket. 7. Fill the bucket with between three and four gallons of vinegar, making sure that the pump is completely buried. 8. Allow for at least an hour of operation by opening both drain valve lever handles on the isolation valves and starting the pump.

How much CLR Do I need to clean my hot water heater?

Pour one gallon of the CLR cleaner of your choice into the inflow pipe gently and steadily. Pour about one capful at a time, making sure that it enters the pipe without spilling.