It doesn’t matter how old your RV is, this needs to be done. My RV is a year old. The first time I did this, I had two wire nuts, a dozen 1/2” long stripped off wire insulation pieces and a hand full of aluminum shavings come out of the water heater. You never know what’s in there. Do it!!
Son has an FR-3 one year old small class A that had lots of particulate buildup inside the toilet valve inlet line screen. The heater does not feed hot water to the toilet, but he was told by servicing dealer in Lancaster, CA that the water heater tank was making white "schmutz" and that was what he was seeing. I don't buy that for a moment; I think the particulate is from manufacture shavings and holes drilled by a sharp drill creating a bunch of polypropylene "bits" floating around in the fresh water tank. Nice well-described process for cleaning out the hot water tank. We full-time in a 40' Holiday Rambler Endeavor and have never done this process - I will go fetch one of those probe-gizmos and get it done!! Thanks again Darren!
Protip: if you don't have a fancy spray thing, follow the first part of his instructions for draining it, then close it up and turn the city water back on to refill it. Leave the city water on and go back and do the drain process, but forget to do the pressure release valve. The force of the water coming out of the drain will launch the sediment debris all over you and in a 10 foot radius.
Thanks for watching, Once things slow down a bit I do plan on putting more out. It's just been so busy I haven't made the time to set the film up and make the videos.
I watched this twice I am sure. FYI I had a water leak from a 1/2" SS press sleeve on my hot water tubing. Bought an Apollo crimp tool and re-crimped the sleeves. Fixed the leak.
I just open the kitchen hot water faucet - works just as good. Every time I have tried using the pressure valve it ends up leaking. Also, when filling once water comes out of the faucet you know all the air is out. Also use teflon tape.
Thanks for the video! I’m glad I’m not the only one who calls it a water heater vs. hot water heater. That said, here in South Texas we have warm water heaters since groundwater is naturally pre-heated. You should know that having lived here! The only cold water around comes out of the fridge. ;-)
And now you know why I moved up here from Wichita Falls, TX. On the Olympic Peninsula we have mild weather all year!!! I love working outside so I just found an agreeable climate where I can do it LOL! Happy Camping!!!
What is your opinion on using a 50-50 vinegar water mixture and soaking the element and tank under heat for a few hours? thank you for your videos they are great.
It might be helpful for some viewers to know the difference between the color coded ribbon tapes. I.e blue is a lubricant---red is ptfe for liquids---yellow for propane etc.
@Darren , tip: taught to me by a watchmaker that tolerated me in his shop, lol. *start all threads backwards to feel the male and female thread cuts mate. On larger threads you can hear the "click" as they seat together.* Then proceed smoothly :) Perhaps you might need a tips video on this technique?
I ad 2-3 gallons of vinegar after I drain the heater😅, run the water till the tank is full, start water heater , leave over night, let it cool, drain , use tool to spray tank, close water heater, fill tank, and you will have the cleanest heater in the country.😊
I have cold water pressure but no hot water pressure. I took nod out and drained and white clomps came out but still didnt fix it. So i will definitely try this next. Thanks
Thoughts on Magnesium Anode Rod, I understand Atwood don't have one, but I have recently read after 2 or 3 years from new it might be worth installing a Magnesium anode rod for Atwood to extend the life of the tank
Perhaps you could use a small rubber type hose with an end on it so it's easier to get in the drain hole? Instead of just the stiff copper wand. Hope that makes sense?
How often should you or do you even back flush your water heater when you are living in your RV and not winterizing? You answered our question every 6 mo if living in it! Cool we will be reaching out to you in the near future!
This is something you should do annually, I recommend folks do it in the winter when they are winterize their RV. If you're living in your RV full time then it should be done every 6 months.
Hey Darren! Thanks so much for your amazing videos! You have saved my hide several times. I only have access to my rv at my storage unit. No hose available to do this. What do you recommend I use to back flush other than taking it in to the dealership? Does it have to be level while flushing? Thanks again. Bill
I have a 99 Tioga with a Gas Only Water Heater (notice I didn't say "hot water heater). The previous owners install a Hott Rod to convert to Gas/Elec. Just wondering what your thoughts are on the Hott Rod?
Thank you for the video. Question why would we be getting No hot water after changing out the thermostat, cleaned real well, changed the ecv valve and have plenty of propane. Still no hot water. We don't know what to do next. Please help. Thank you
Nice video many thanks. Interesting is anything not owned my Dometic....lol...I replaced my old Atwood on my old 5th wheel....love the cold water heater....and now I am in an Airstream and had to research a new problem...a wire nut overheated and melted and and heated the relay. While figuring this out...I found out the element is the low point on the tank...even lower the the clean out plug...is this true in your experience? Why? So basically you can never be 100% cleaned out?
I just usually blast the water throughout the somewhat empty water heater until it starts coming out clean. I don't know that you can ever get it completely clean though. If you are back flushing the water heater every 6 months to every year you should have years and years of trouble free use from your water heater.
Thanks for the lesson.... I would probably put a piece of plastic wrap or some cover over the gas tube and wires first before flooding them with water. Just saying. Probably won't make much difference but I also rinse my truck engine and also cover the alternator and electronics too.
How what happens when the plastic wand breaks off the attachment and is now inside your water heater? How do you get it out? Can you leave it in? Will it cause damage?
I want to put a tankless water heater in my camper electric only. Could I get the one at Home Depot or Lowe’s or do I have to get the one at the camper/ RV supply store. There is a big price difference just trying to keep cost down. Living in camper full time.
Thanks for watching, it's been really busy lately so I haven't had time to do videos but once things slow down I have quite a few notes for videos to put out soon.
Hey Darren how did you make your water flush? I bought one and then had to fish out the plastic component that shot into the tank due to not being on there well. Thanks!!
Thanks again Darren. Great video. In the event that I do not have enough time to wait for the hot water to cool at its own pace, can I close the water supply at the spigot and open one or more sink hot sides and let the hot water go into the grey tank(s)? Would this procedure cause any risk for damages? Pls advise.
Two questions, first in your water heater back flush what is that attachment on your hose to turn the water off and it is brass I think as I didn't see it in your tool list, second question we live in Arizona and leave for the summer and stay in our rv in Montesano would you travel to Montesano if I were need to have any repairs done.
I recently purchased a Winnebago travel trailer and the gentleman I purchased it from winterized it without bypassing the water tank, is this a problem? What should I do?
Hi! Would you advise the use of a high pressure washer to do this? I have a Kärcher with a special flexible multi point pipe-cleaning hose and wondered if I could use it instead . Thank you.
Question for you: during a four week road trip in a class c rv where we were turning the water heater off while driving, but it was otherwise on and hot, two times, we had no cold water whatsoever at the faucets and shower. Never had that problem before, but it made for miserable showers, needless to say. The only possible solution that I could find online was that there is supposed to be an air gap at the top of the water heater tank that allows for expansion. The heater being on for so long, coupled with the bumps etc. from travelling could have dispersed, dissipated, or otherwise made the air bubble go away. This may have caused hot water to back flow into the water tank, hence the hot water coming out of the cold. During the trip, I occasionally drained off some of the water from the water heater to reintroduce the air gap. I have since added an accumulator just off of the water pump. Will this help with this hot water back flow, or is the accumulator too small to even matter? Should I add another accumulator right at the hot water heater?
Here is a video where Darren dissected a Suburban water heater to show what's inside: th-cam.com/video/50amSE_Orpw/w-d-xo.html And here's another video where Darren dissected and Atwood water heater: th-cam.com/video/nSv_8kr8aSs/w-d-xo.html
Does it matter that someone put a metal plug in ours instead of the plastic one. Wondering if the metal may expand when hot and potentially crack something.
Well done. I always find it funny when someone says to shut it off and let it sit for a few hours and cool off. OR...shut it off and take a shower or do some dishes, and be done with it. Why waist the hot water from the cold water heater? 😎
That smell is not coming from the water heater. It's bacteria that is living/growing in your water lines. If you Google there is a recipe involving bleach. Don't remember what the ratios are but you basically fill your fresh water tank with a small bleach solution. Then run it through all of your lines one at a time and let that bleach sit in there. Then flush and fill everything with clear water and that usually does the trick.
You are the Mr. Rodgers neighborhood of RVing repair. Your videos on slide outs are fantastic. Even though I am familiar with this process, I took the time to watch this video to evaluate it. Again, excellent for a newcomer or plain don't know squat about RVing guy. Than You.
I recently did this and cumulatively literally got a snow ball size pile of lime deposits out.....will that make the water heater work better faster on electric?
I recently purchased a used motor home and the previous owner had a brass plug in knowing that it was supposed to have a vinyl one I changed it but the threads are now rough someone recommended a thread chaser have you ever run into this situation and if yes where can I find a thread chaser
Hi Darren. I removed my Anode Rod with the 15/16 as you mentioned and now I can't find one for sale with that size. I see 1 1/16 for sale but hard to find 1/16. what do you suggest for that? thank you!
I have no personal experience of doing this. However I have heard others reference this. But I have no opinion either way. Thank you for sharing though
It doesn’t matter how old your RV is, this needs to be done. My RV is a year old. The first time I did this, I had two wire nuts, a dozen 1/2” long stripped off wire insulation pieces and a hand full of aluminum shavings come out of the water heater. You never know what’s in there. Do it!!
Son has an FR-3 one year old small class A that had lots of particulate buildup inside the toilet valve inlet line screen. The heater does not feed hot water to the toilet, but he was told by servicing dealer in Lancaster, CA that the water heater tank was making white "schmutz" and that was what he was seeing. I don't buy that for a moment; I think the particulate is from manufacture shavings and holes drilled by a sharp drill creating a bunch of polypropylene "bits" floating around in the fresh water tank. Nice well-described process for cleaning out the hot water tank. We full-time in a 40' Holiday Rambler Endeavor and have never done this process - I will go fetch one of those probe-gizmos and get it done!! Thanks again Darren!
1/4 back turn before threading, an old firefighters motto. Like and admire your videos because you tell it like it is, warts and all :)
Protip: if you don't have a fancy spray thing, follow the first part of his instructions for draining it, then close it up and turn the city water back on to refill it.
Leave the city water on and go back and do the drain process, but forget to do the pressure release valve. The force of the water coming out of the drain will launch the sediment debris all over you and in a 10 foot radius.
As always Darren, another informative yet simple how to video for future full time RV newbies such as myself! I always appreciate your videos.
Thanks for watching, Once things slow down a bit I do plan on putting more out. It's just been so busy I haven't made the time to set the film up and make the videos.
You have the best opening and music of any rv youtube. Fast, catching song, great graphics. I don't get tired of it like most others.
I watched this twice I am sure. FYI I had a water leak from a 1/2" SS press sleeve on my hot water tubing. Bought an Apollo crimp tool and re-crimped the sleeves. Fixed the leak.
I just open the kitchen hot water faucet - works just as good. Every time I have tried using the pressure valve it ends up leaking. Also, when filling once water comes out of the faucet you know all the air is out. Also use teflon tape.
Thanks for the video! I’m glad I’m not the only one who calls it a water heater vs. hot water heater. That said, here in South Texas we have warm water heaters since groundwater is naturally pre-heated. You should know that having lived here! The only cold water around comes out of the fridge. ;-)
And now you know why I moved up here from Wichita Falls, TX. On the Olympic Peninsula we have mild weather all year!!! I love working outside so I just found an agreeable climate where I can do it LOL!
Happy Camping!!!
Thanks for All the videos, great help for someone just starting out.
Thank you Darren very informative and thorough I really appreciate it thanks again!!
What is your opinion on using a 50-50 vinegar water mixture and soaking the element and tank under heat for a few hours? thank you for your videos they are great.
It might be helpful for some viewers to know the difference between the color coded ribbon tapes.
I.e blue is a lubricant---red is ptfe for liquids---yellow for propane etc.
white is for water
Excellent Job. Thanks
I've recently started watching your videos. They are very good and informative. From a retired Marine to another...Semper Fi! Keep up the good work!
Semper Fi brother happy camping and I've got many more coming out.
Glad I found you, your videos are among the most informative out there on RV’s. Keep up the awesome work
Thanks for watching. Happy camping
Thank you for telling me how to know when the tank was full - I've been trying to figure that out !!!
Oh, one question - about how long should it take to fill the hot water tank using city water fill ? and pump if there is a difference.
Perfect… will be doing this today!
@Darren , tip: taught to me by a watchmaker that tolerated me in his shop, lol. *start all threads backwards to feel the male and female thread cuts mate. On larger threads you can hear the "click" as they seat together.* Then proceed smoothly :) Perhaps you might need a tips video on this technique?
You took the words out of my mouth.
I ad 2-3 gallons of vinegar after I drain the heater😅, run the water till the tank is full, start water heater , leave over night, let it cool, drain , use tool to spray tank, close water heater, fill tank, and you will have the cleanest heater in the country.😊
Thank you for the video. I have been trying to figure out how to do this on my rig.
I have cold water pressure but no hot water pressure. I took nod out and drained and white clomps came out but still didnt fix it. So i will definitely try this next. Thanks
Thoughts on Magnesium Anode Rod, I understand Atwood don't have one, but I have recently read after 2 or 3 years from new it might be worth installing a Magnesium anode rod for Atwood to extend the life of the tank
Perhaps you could use a small rubber type hose with an end on it so it's easier to get in the drain hole? Instead of just the stiff copper wand. Hope that makes sense?
How often should you or do you even back flush your water heater when you are living in your RV and not winterizing?
You answered our question every 6 mo if living in it! Cool we will be reaching out to you in the near future!
This is something you should do annually, I recommend folks do it in the winter when they are winterize their RV. If you're living in your RV full time then it should be done every 6 months.
Hey Darren! Thanks so much for your amazing videos! You have saved my hide several times. I only have access to my rv at my storage unit. No hose available to do this. What do you recommend I use to back flush other than taking it in to the dealership? Does it have to be level while flushing? Thanks again. Bill
Would you recommend replacing the plastic plug with an anode rod?
I have a 99 Tioga with a Gas Only Water Heater (notice I didn't say "hot water heater). The previous owners install a Hott Rod to convert to Gas/Elec. Just wondering what your thoughts are on the Hott Rod?
Thank you for the video. Question why would we be getting No hot water after changing out the thermostat, cleaned real well, changed the ecv valve and have plenty of propane. Still no hot water. We don't know what to do next. Please help. Thank you
I CARRY Tap for that plug .just in CASE!!!!!!😁😁😁😁
Nice video many thanks. Interesting is anything not owned my Dometic....lol...I replaced my old Atwood on my old 5th wheel....love the cold water heater....and now I am in an Airstream and had to research a new problem...a wire nut overheated and melted and and heated the relay. While figuring this out...I found out the element is the low point on the tank...even lower the the clean out plug...is this true in your experience? Why? So basically you can never be 100% cleaned out?
I just usually blast the water throughout the somewhat empty water heater until it starts coming out clean. I don't know that you can ever get it completely clean though. If you are back flushing the water heater every 6 months to every year you should have years and years of trouble free use from your water heater.
Thanks for the lesson.... I would probably put a piece of plastic wrap or some cover over the gas tube and wires first before flooding them with water. Just saying. Probably won't make much difference but I also rinse my truck engine and also cover the alternator and electronics too.
How what happens when the plastic wand breaks off the attachment and is now inside your water heater? How do you get it out? Can you leave it in? Will it cause damage?
I want to put a tankless water heater in my camper electric only. Could I get the one at Home Depot or Lowe’s or do I have to get the one at the camper/ RV supply store. There is a big price difference just trying to keep cost down. Living in camper full time.
I have an Atwood/domestic water heater. Is there a rod in them? If not how does the electric heating work?
Love your channel 👍👍
Learn something new every time.
Thanks for watching, it's been really busy lately so I haven't had time to do videos but once things slow down I have quite a few notes for videos to put out soon.
Hey Darren how did you make your water flush? I bought one and then had to fish out the plastic component that shot into the tank due to not being on there well. Thanks!!
Thanks again Darren. Great video. In the event that I do not have enough time to wait for the hot water to cool at its own pace, can I close the water supply at the spigot and open one or more sink hot sides and let the hot water go into the grey tank(s)? Would this procedure cause any risk for damages? Pls advise.
Neat vlog. Cool helper there.
Two questions, first in your water heater back flush what is that attachment on your hose to turn the water off and it is brass I think as I didn't see it in your tool list, second question we live in Arizona and leave for the summer and stay in our rv in Montesano would you travel to Montesano if I were need to have any repairs done.
Darren do you ever use vinegar to aide in removing scale? If so, how are you introducing it to the water heater?
I recently purchased a Winnebago travel trailer and the gentleman I purchased it from winterized it without bypassing the water tank, is this a problem? What should I do?
Hi! Would you advise the use of a high pressure washer to do this? I have a Kärcher with a special flexible multi point pipe-cleaning hose and wondered if I could use it instead . Thank you.
Question for you: during a four week road trip in a class c rv where we were turning the water heater off while driving, but it was otherwise on and hot, two times, we had no cold water whatsoever at the faucets and shower. Never had that problem before, but it made for miserable showers, needless to say. The only possible solution that I could find online was that there is supposed to be an air gap at the top of the water heater tank that allows for expansion. The heater being on for so long, coupled with the bumps etc. from travelling could have dispersed, dissipated, or otherwise made the air bubble go away. This may have caused hot water to back flow into the water tank, hence the hot water coming out of the cold.
During the trip, I occasionally drained off some of the water from the water heater to reintroduce the air gap. I have since added an accumulator just off of the water pump. Will this help with this hot water back flow, or is the accumulator too small to even matter? Should I add another accumulator right at the hot water heater?
AWESOME thank you
What is the interior water heater tank made of? Is there a possibility of puncturing the tank when back flushing?
Here is a video where Darren dissected a Suburban water heater to show what's inside:
th-cam.com/video/50amSE_Orpw/w-d-xo.html
And here's another video where Darren dissected and Atwood water heater:
th-cam.com/video/nSv_8kr8aSs/w-d-xo.html
Thanks, good info. and SEMPER FI!
Does it matter that someone put a metal plug in ours instead of the plastic one. Wondering if the metal may expand when hot and potentially crack something.
Well done.
I always find it funny when someone says to shut it off and let it sit for a few hours and cool off.
OR...shut it off and take a shower or do some dishes, and be done with it.
Why waist the hot water from the cold water heater? 😎
I just want to get er'done. Thanks for watching.
Make a video of your tool bag and the tools you use most of the time and bring
It's on the list of videos. I'm waiting for a rainy day to do some videos around the shop LOL
Great info and tips :-)
Once you have done this, what do you use to get rid of the rotten egg smell?
That smell is not coming from the water heater. It's bacteria that is living/growing in your water lines. If you Google there is a recipe involving bleach. Don't remember what the ratios are but you basically fill your fresh water tank with a small bleach solution. Then run it through all of your lines one at a time and let that bleach sit in there. Then flush and fill everything with clear water and that usually does the trick.
You are the Mr. Rodgers neighborhood of RVing repair. Your videos on slide outs are fantastic. Even though I am familiar with this process, I took the time to watch this video to evaluate it. Again, excellent for a newcomer or plain don't know squat about RVing guy. Than You.
I know this is a dumb question but how does water go actually from the freshwater tank to the hot water holding tank
I recently did this and cumulatively literally got a snow ball size pile of lime deposits out.....will that make the water heater work better faster on electric?
Is a refrigerator a frigerator?
I recently purchased a used motor home and the previous owner had a brass plug in knowing that it was supposed to have a vinyl one I changed it but the threads are now rough someone recommended a thread chaser have you ever run into this situation and if yes where can I find a thread chaser
In my tool kit I carry a 1/2" and a 3/4" tap. That's what I use to clean those threads out. I know they're not the cheapest thing but works well.
Hi Darren. I removed my Anode Rod with the 15/16 as you mentioned and now I can't find one for sale with that size. I see 1 1/16 for sale but hard to find 1/16. what do you suggest for that? thank you!
The threads for the anode rod are 3/4 NPT. Here's a link for one that will work. amzn.to/3F6JE07
Have you any experience with filling the W.H. with vinegar, heating it for 24hr. then flushing???
I have no personal experience of doing this. However I have heard others reference this. But I have no opinion either way. Thank you for sharing though
Why doesn’t Atwood use anode rods?
Darren answered this. The Atwood tank is aluminum & will not rust. Suburban uses a steel tank.
Hot Water Maker :)
Semper-fi
Do you have any shirts that don't have epaulets?
Yes
😂😂😂😂
All the vids I’ve watched showed using vinegar and letting it soak over night. Do you approve of that method???
How about just - A Water Heater?
👍🇨🇦✌️🇨🇦✌️🇨🇦✌️👍 Great Videos
It's a water "conditioning" unit. It makes water hot, the proper condition for doing dishes and taking a shower. Lol
I see you're having too much fun with this LOL
I've been correcting peoples "hot water heater" for years, it hasn't caught on
lol COLD WATER HEATER!
Teflon is for non potable water systems only, Cannot use on potable water systems ever .
It's a hot water heater just like unthawing frozen meat 😅
Guy talks way too much. 15 minute video should have been 2 minutes ffs