Ok, Archimedes! I got the best results by 1. Opening the pressure release so the air in the tank would have somewhere to go (your basic pneumatics;) 2. Not adding the part with the valve until after adding the vinegar, which allowed me to 3. Use a funnel.
Maybe should mention which type of fittings needed, Male or Female. Just my $.02. The GHT to GHT doesn't matter since it will have both M & F and only being used as a shutoff. The other one will matter. On Atwood the 3/4GHT should be female and the 1/2NPT should be female, at least for my heater. Great tip!!! I learn something most times I watch your tips!!
I made up the kit as described with an additional modification. I attached a Camco water bandit to the shutoff valve so I could cram a funnel in it and made pouring vinegar into the hose a lot easier.
Another tip is to use your spare rv water pump with a hose into your vinegar after you hook up to your short hose he had and open a hot water faucet some were in the camper for the air to exhaust out of the tank.
I am from the boating industry. We winterize and then Spring Commission the boats. The one time a customer asked us to Summerize his boat, we laughed our $@&! Off.
This works very good but it also helps to open up your pressure relief valve let the air out. It will fill a lot Faster. It's also a good way to know that you are full.
So I did everything that Todd said, however I did not open the pressure relief valve. The water was already drained. I had closed the hot and cold water valves behind the heater and opened the valve between the two. My wife held the funnel into the shutoff valve (which was connected to a 3' hose) and ensured that that end of the hose was held high while I poured 30% vinegar through there. After less than 1/2 gallon of vinegar, the vinegar began coming back up the hose. I could not get any more in. I shut the valve off and left it overnight. This morning I open the valve and drained the vinegar. I could not (still can't really) understand why I couldn't get more in there the day before. I thought, "Maybe I should have open the relief valve." So are you saying that having that relief valve closed is what minimized the amount of vinegar I could pour in?
@@samcunningham6009 You have to open the pressure valve or there is no way for the air to escape. Same as when filling the system. You should always open it to burp out all the air before turning on the heater.
Thanks for the video and advice. On my 2022 2600RB it required a 1/2" FIP (female) and i have seen earlier models that required the male. My 6 gallon tank could only hold 5 gallons, perhaps there was more water in tank, but I had opened the low points. Either way, it is better and THANKS AGAIN!
This worked great for me. I would add two things. One. 30% vinegar burns and figured that out the hard way when my hose leaked on the tank side and the vinegar got on my hands which leads to number two. I needed pipe tape to make a water tight fitting. Tank is clean now.
Todd, don't mean to be one of "those", but your video made me want to clean my water heater. I have a dometic, so what I did was to use pex. fitting off the drain into pex tube bend with my shut off valve above the water tank. Thanks for the idea. Did this as the water system was sanitizing, drained them both the next day.
If you have a Suburban water heater like mine (model SW6DEL) DO NOT USE THIS METHOD TO DECALCIFY THE WATER TANK!!! I used this method a couple of years ago and it caused extreme rust corrosion of the tank. When I flushed the tank last fall there were chunks of rusty metal coming out with the water. I just had the water heater replaced for $1000. The vinegar idea sounds like a good one but I guess vinegar and steel don’t mix!
After watching this I said of course because my wife uses the same method to occasionally clean our coffee maker. She runs vinegar through it (like we would making coffee) then a couple of runs with fresh water to clean out any vinegar. Yes, our coffee tastes better once this happens so why not the hot water tank.
Make sure to open the pressure release valve!! And wear eye protection! I forgot and I now have chemical burns and abrasions on my eye. I poured about 1/3rd a gallon before it stopped draining. So I stepped up higher and pulled the 4 ft hose tight. The vinegar quickly drained toward the tank but rebounded from the displaced air and shot the vinegar at high speed directly into my eye. (My shut off valve has a small opening) Definitely my stupidity on this one and a painful lesson at that.
Enjoyed the video. I used the method in this video and I think it worked well. One side effect - I drained the vinegar on my driveway and it ran onto my fescue grass. The grass is now brown!
Sooo ... add two gallons vinegar to tank, and then water to top off tank, let sit 8 hrs and drain? Or does the two gallons vinegar remove all calcium without water for fullness? Love the videos Todd, keepem' coming!
@@READY2ROLLU I would hope that you were intending to comment to Robert. My question which has not been answered is logical. He doesn't really say but implied the solution is for a 6gal system Not a 12gal.
I've read through quite a few comments and didn't see whether it's ok to use this method if I don't have a bypass valve for my water heater. Parts are on order so moving forward but sure would be nice to know before giving it a try. Love your videos, big help.
You do not need the shut off valve for this to work. Just set a step ladder by the water heater and wrap the hose around a leg so the hose is higher than the tank.
I’d love to see a video of comparing using sodium dichlor vs. bleach for fresh water tank sanitizing. A simple tsp. Is all that is needed to sanitize a 100 gallons, yet very few people talk about this method. A single one lb. Bag will last you a lifetime of rv’ing.
Have this on my to do list for sure. I usually drain my water heater after each trip. I use a 3/4 male adapter and add about 8 inches of 3/4 pipe to let it drain. For cleaning just add a 90 degree with another section of pipe taller than the heater so you can add vinegar as Todd mentioned. Todd, if you fill it up over the heating element with the mixture would turning it on help in descaling any better? Or just let it sit for the 8 hours without heat. Looking forward to more tips.
Todd - Man you opened up a can of worms with this video! Why don't you do another and go into more explanation taking into account all the comments listed so there would be NO CONFUSION. Thanks from a subscriber.
How many gallons of vinegar should I add for a 15-16 Gallon water tank ? I added two gallons to my hot water tank and topped it off with water thinking it was a 6 gallon tank and when I drained it this morning I filled up 3 5 gallon buckets to the top. That’s how I fount out it’s a bigger water tank than I thought. New rv’er lol thanks for your help.
I was told once after filling the tank and vinegar solution to turn on the water heater for 3 to 6 hours. Should I be doing that? Or should I stop doing that? Thanks for the video.
Todd I have a 2022 Alliance Valor that needs a new awning and solar panel installed. I live within 30 miles of you guys and wondered do you need a project for your students in those fields anytime soon. I will be back in TX around March 5th and would be happy to bring it on over. If not I will be hiring a mobile tech to come out and install these two items. Thanks and keep the videos coming.
While I would love to help I get soooo many request I can only do installs on my solar students rigs. Keeps me too busy. Now if you are going to hire someone I’d suggest someone who was trained by me. (Not saying there aren’t many great installers) but I know the quality work they do and assist them if needed.
Great idea, but you said 2 gallons of vinegar, then mentioned water, then said leave the 2 gallons of vinegar in for eight hours. If the tank is one third full will that descale the heater elements? Or did you mean to add four gallons of water to the two gallons of vinegar (for a 6 gallon tank)?
I keep watching videos that tell me how to get the vinegar in through various winterizing kits/hoses/pumps... those were not in the list of links to things I'd need so I'm sitting here not knowing how to get the vinegar in. I feel dumb, but don't want to do it wrong. I have a 2021 Crossroads Sunset Trail 331BH.
Heard vinegar will get rid of the calcium. But that it doesn’t kill bacteria unless it’s 140 degrees. Do you recommend turning the power on to the heater to heat the vinegar as an extra precaution?
I like the tip. I just would like to confirm... I would be able to pour 2 gallons of vinegar into the tank without any of it also filling the hose? I'm just surprised that, with the opening at the bottom of the tank, there's only an inch of space in the tank for the vinegar to fill and will start filling up the hose. i.e. the vinegar level would never rise above the opening of the tank and would fill the hose, even as it would be held upward above the tank.
Great stuff Todd, easy to follow and thanks! I know this is a summarizing maintenance tip , but Q: if you are full time living how often should we do this?. As we are using our water systems 24/7 is there less collection of calcium buildup or more in our hot water heater tanks.
Love the video, I’ve been fighting a stinky hot water for a while. However I have changed the rod and soaked it with 6 gal of vinegar and 5 gal of water for about 18hrs( had to go to work). And it is still a stink’s. I guess my only other option is to change out the heating element. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Love your tips.
I like your tech tips but I disagree with the water heater being unsanitary due to mineral buildup. ( I’m a farm kid who drank from cattle troughs and flowing wells. These days I’m more worried about PFAS and chemicals. I drink from my tanks. ) I see doing this to remove the buildup to make the tank more efficient and as a side benefit cleaning the tank. I do think having a mock-up tank and hose set up as a visual while explaining the process would be great. Or a link to a more detailed video would be good. Just my thoughts. Keep up the good work.
So I’ll explain directly as Todd. Water isn’t completely drained as the drain plug/anode rod is 1” above the bottom of the tank. This water sits and allows the small amount of bacteria to grow. And over time becomes a lot of bacteria. I’m glad you grew up on a farm. And are tougher for it. I also grew up in a different era. But knowing what I know now, I make different decisions. Thank you for what you guys/gals do though. It’s a service unrecognized.
@@NationalRVTrainingAcademy ahhh. That makes sense now. I figured the tank drained more. With what you explained things make much more sense than just a dry tank covered in calcium. Thanks for the explanation.
I have a 6 gal hot water tank. Do I need to use 6 gallons of vinegar? Also, when I add water to flush it out, should I use my water meter to make sure I don't overfill it?
All I found was 3% vinegar, not 30%. Also, do you add water with vinegar to top off the 6 or more gallon water heater tank or just let the 2gal sit? Assuming the calcium is concentrated on the bottom of the tank.. Great video. 8 yr old trailer and very hard water in this area so likely way past due.
I have a question, I recently purchased a 2020 Coachman Freelander 27QB. I would like to sanitize and dump my fresh water tank, well filling it up was easy, but I can't figure out how to dump the tank. There's is no drain to be found so I wonder if you can help me out.
Hi, If you have a 10 gallon tank, do you use 10 gallons of vinegar? If your filling up from the hose, how do you know when the hot water tank is full? Also do you turn your heater back on while it is setting? Im new so thanks for the tip!!
What if the tech filled your water heater up with antifreeze? It’s brand new, never turned it on. I dumped it, refilled it, dumped it again and ran water through it for 7-8 minutes. Is that good or do I need to sanitize it?
I liked you video on cleaning hot water tank with vinegar. But doesn't a fresh water hold tank also get lime/calcium build-up? I'm wondering why you wouldn’t flush the entire system.
Todd say use food grade vinegar, 30%-40% vinegar. No sure what that means? Reason I ask there is 30-40% acetic vinegar available & I suspect that is NOT what he's referring to?
it's like the percentage on alcohol. it's the concentration. the reason we use food grade is because your using the same system to drink and make food.
If I put the two gallons of vinegar in my 6 gal heater, do I have to add four gallons of clean water to it to top it off so the top of the htr gets cleaned? What about opening the pressure release valve to vent off the air in the tank while filling it?
Ok so after the water tank is bypassed and we fill the water tank with 50/50 vinegar and water...do we turn on the water heater to warm the solution? ..
I followed your instructions to clean my suburban 6 gallon water heater in my 2017 rv. Problem is that after doing this I still have the egg smell. After a couple camping trips I just drained the water heater tank for the winter and the anode rod smells like eggs. I used a new suburban aluminum anode rod when I did the flush earlier. How can I get rid of this smell? I used 3 gallons of 5% distilled vinegar to do the original 8 hour soak.
@NationalRVTrainingAcademy yes, I watched your video saying a magnesium anode rod could cause egg smell so I purchase a new suburban aluminum anode rod.
I'm sure I'm not the 1st one to point this out but did you ever think of changing the name to just Tech tip Tuesday since there are never 2 minutes long
I have a 2020 starcraft autumn ridge.....it smells when I turn on only the hot water...not the cold water...but I looked and I don't have an anode rod...it's just a plug..what do I do?
You mentioned that calcium is covering the entire tank. I have a 12 gallon tank and if I only add two gallons of vinegar how is it going to clean the entire tank? Thanks
So what I neglected to say is fill the rest with water. You can also find the standard 3%vinegar by the gallon for $4. Put 10 gallons in with no water. A couple options
Our Solar course Covers everything regarding a RV solar install. This includes proper wiring, designing the system. Installing the panels, inverters, chargers and controllers. It includes trouble shooting as well. During our Solar class we also install solar on 2 RV's in the process.
I'm confused. Is it just 2 gallons of vinegar or do we add water to fill the water tank to be full? If we just use 2 gallons of vinegar, How do we get the tops of the tank where there could be bacteria or calcium built up.
I followed the instructions to a T but you can't get that much vinegar in the hot water tank. It wouldn't take even a full gallon. I was standing on the stairs with the hose straight up, way above the heater. I still left what was in there but had to go back in and open the valve to allow it to fill with water. I'm not sure how Todd got all that vinegar in his water heater.
My 2018 5th wheel has a Atwood heater. First time owning this type, was surprised to see a Nylon head on plug . Question I have is, are they any good? Do they install these to save money?
It serves 2 purposes. first. The Atwoods have an aluminum tank which means there is no need for an anode rod, so no need for a large opening. the second reason is the plastic is designed to melt at a certain temperature so it acts as another safety device if the others fail. it's really easy to get a bag of plugs for a few dollars on amazon and replace when needed.
OK I'm missing somthing. Going over the comments I saw 2 gal of vinegar and 10 gal water for our 12 gal tank. Than I saw another comment use a 50/50 solution. Do I need to use 6 gals of vinegar? Thanks
Opening the pressure relief valve helps ease filling.
This lady reminded me of Annie,my childhood Nannie. She always told me she didn't have time for my foolin around! Such an angel, miss her sweet soul!
Ok, Archimedes! I got the best results by 1. Opening the pressure release so the air in the tank would have somewhere to go (your basic pneumatics;) 2. Not adding the part with the valve until after adding the vinegar, which allowed me to 3. Use a funnel.
Maybe should mention which type of fittings needed, Male or Female. Just my $.02. The GHT to GHT doesn't matter since it will have both M & F and only being used as a shutoff. The other one will matter. On Atwood the 3/4GHT should be female and the 1/2NPT should be female, at least for my heater. Great tip!!! I learn something most times I watch your tips!!
I made up the kit as described with an additional modification. I attached a Camco water bandit to the shutoff valve so I could cram a funnel in it and made pouring vinegar into the hose a lot easier.
awesome. thanks for sharing
Todd, just an engineer comment NTP is a computer protocol. The pipe thread is NPT (National Pipe Taper thread)
It was a slip of the tongue. Thanks for the catch.
I was going to mention that. Glad someone beat me to it 😜
That must be why my comment is 5 months late. 😆
Another tip is to use your spare rv water pump with a hose into your vinegar after you hook up to your short hose he had and open a hot water faucet some were in the camper for the air to exhaust out of the tank.
I have to say, as a RV sales professional, I have really enjoyed your vids. Keep up the good work.
I am from the boating industry.
We winterize and then Spring Commission the boats.
The one time a customer asked us to Summerize his boat, we laughed our $@&! Off.
This works very good but it also helps to open up your pressure relief valve let the air out. It will fill a lot Faster. It's also a good way to know that you are full.
This is a extra step that is added to your usual de-winterizing procedures. Thanks for the tip.
So I did everything that Todd said, however I did not open the pressure relief valve. The water was already drained. I had closed the hot and cold water valves behind the heater and opened the valve between the two. My wife held the funnel into the shutoff valve (which was connected to a 3' hose) and ensured that that end of the hose was held high while I poured 30% vinegar through there. After less than 1/2 gallon of vinegar, the vinegar began coming back up the hose. I could not get any more in. I shut the valve off and left it overnight. This morning I open the valve and drained the vinegar. I could not (still can't really) understand why I couldn't get more in there the day before. I thought, "Maybe I should have open the relief valve." So are you saying that having that relief valve closed is what minimized the amount of vinegar I could pour in?
@@samcunningham6009 You have to open the pressure valve or there is no way for the air to escape.
Same as when filling the system. You should always open it to burp out all the air before turning on the heater.
@@jamesglenn520 Thank you James!
Thanks for the video and advice. On my 2022 2600RB it required a 1/2" FIP (female) and i have seen earlier models that required the male. My 6 gallon tank could only hold 5 gallons, perhaps there was more water in tank, but I had opened the low points. Either way, it is better and THANKS AGAIN!
“…Ain’t nobody got time for that…” 😂😂😂
Make sure to use NPT National Pipe Thread fittings. Todd talks about NTP stag so much it was a slip and our editor edits what he hears 🙂...
NTP network time protocol. 😂😂
Maybe our editor shouldn’t try to write text on the screen and let Todd be Todd. ;)
Let us not forget that NTP/STAG is where a lot of RV parts come from at the dealer level. Lol
This worked great for me. I would add two things. One. 30% vinegar burns and figured that out the hard way when my hose leaked on the tank side and the vinegar got on my hands which leads to number two. I needed pipe tape to make a water tight fitting. Tank is clean now.
You never disappoint. I'm looking forward to more SUMMERIZING.
Thanks for watching.
Todd, don't mean to be one of "those", but your video made me want to clean my water heater. I have a dometic, so what I did was to use pex. fitting off the drain into pex tube bend with my shut off valve above the water tank. Thanks for the idea. Did this as the water system was sanitizing, drained them both the next day.
If you have a Suburban water heater like mine (model SW6DEL) DO NOT USE THIS METHOD TO DECALCIFY THE WATER TANK!!! I used this method a couple of years ago and it caused extreme rust corrosion of the tank. When I flushed the tank last fall there were chunks of rusty metal coming out with the water. I just had the water heater replaced for $1000. The vinegar idea sounds like a good one but I guess vinegar and steel don’t mix!
Just bought a new rig this yr so I definitely appreciate this tip because I don't know what has been done before.
Great tech tip Todd! Thanks for sharing.
After watching this I said of course because my wife uses the same method to occasionally clean our coffee maker. She runs vinegar through it (like we would making coffee) then a couple of runs with fresh water to clean out any vinegar. Yes, our coffee tastes better once this happens so why not the hot water tank.
Thanks for sharing!
Nice job of covering this topic.
I guess I can yard sale the little water pick I just bought 😁
Make sure to open the pressure release valve!! And wear eye protection! I forgot and I now have chemical burns and abrasions on my eye. I poured about 1/3rd a gallon before it stopped draining. So I stepped up higher and pulled the 4 ft hose tight. The vinegar quickly drained toward the tank but rebounded from the displaced air and shot the vinegar at high speed directly into my eye. (My shut off valve has a small opening)
Definitely my stupidity on this one and a painful lesson at that.
Great video and he is just fun to listen too!
We use the same process but used some PVC parts instead of the hose and a 50/50 mix ratio. Easy fill, easy drain and they are easily stored.
Thanks for the tip.
Best video I’ve found on getting vinegar into my dometic water heater!! Thx!
I’ve subscribed!!
Awesome! Thank you!
Great video. Thanks. Much, much better than what the manual said how to do it.
Thanks for watching.
New to all this with a older 2005 camper ty for info just subscribed
Enjoyed the video. I used the method in this video and I think it worked well. One side effect - I drained the vinegar on my driveway and it ran onto my fescue grass. The grass is now brown!
Thanks for all your educated videos. They are very informative. I can't wait to apply these when I get my trailer.
Fantastic, now off to Lowes again.. lol
Awesome.
Great video. Just one observation: NPT is the correct acronym for the National Pipe Taper.
You are correct. It was a slip of the tongue. We will notate this
Sooo ... add two gallons vinegar to tank, and then water to top off tank, let sit 8 hrs and drain? Or does the two gallons vinegar remove all calcium without water for fullness? Love the videos Todd, keepem' coming!
Yes. 2 gallons or vinegar and top off with water. Then let it sit.
Is the 2 gallons enough for a 12 gal water heater 🤔
@@jamesglenn520 math doesn't have to be hard. 2
@@READY2ROLLU I would hope that you were intending to comment to Robert.
My question which has not been answered is logical.
He doesn't really say but implied the solution is for a 6gal system Not a 12gal.
@@jamesglenn520 then use 12 gal of vinegar if you want. Not rocket science. 2 gal is plenty for a 12 gal tank if you fill it and let sit.
I've read through quite a few comments and didn't see whether it's ok to use this method if I don't have a bypass valve for my water heater. Parts are on order so moving forward but sure would be nice to know before giving it a try. Love your videos, big help.
Nicely done! Looking forward for the rest of your "SUMMERies".
Thanks. It’s going to be a good series.
Great tip! Hopefully this will help prevent the electric heating element from becoming calcified and whistling.
Yes it dissolves all the calcium in the hot water tank including the heating element
You do not need the shut off valve for this to work. Just set a step ladder by the water heater and wrap the hose around a leg so the hose is higher than the tank.
dude, dynamite "ain't nobody got time for that" reference!
Now you have to answer the lovely questions!😂🤣😅
3/4 or 1/2” pvc 90° and a couple feet of pipe, fill with funnel.
thanks.
Thanks for tip
I’d love to see a video of comparing using sodium dichlor vs. bleach for fresh water tank sanitizing. A simple tsp. Is all that is needed to sanitize a 100 gallons, yet very few people talk about this method. A single one lb. Bag will last you a lifetime of rv’ing.
It would be a great test to do. Thanks for your comment.
Thanks god bless
You too
Have this on my to do list for sure. I usually drain my water heater after each trip. I use a 3/4 male adapter and add about 8 inches of 3/4 pipe to let it drain. For cleaning just add a 90 degree with another section of pipe taller than the heater so you can add vinegar as Todd mentioned.
Todd, if you fill it up over the heating element with the mixture would turning it on help in descaling any better? Or just let it sit for the 8 hours without heat.
Looking forward to more tips.
De-Winterize, or Summarize, Aha, you said De-Winterize at 5:08, I am sticking to that LOL
Thanks.
Great suggestion. 2 gallons of vinegar in a 6 gallon tank won’t do the job for the whole tank. Just add more vinegar & maybe some water & wait longer.
So you put in 30 at 2 gallons and fill the rest of the tank with water. Apparently I neglected to say that part
@@NationalRVTrainingAcademy ok, that makes more sense 👍🏻👍🏻
Todd - Man you opened up a can of worms with this video! Why don't you do another and go into more explanation taking into account all the comments listed so there would be NO CONFUSION. Thanks from a subscriber.
How many gallons of vinegar should I add for a 15-16 Gallon water tank ? I added two gallons to my hot water tank and topped it off with water thinking it was a 6 gallon tank and when I drained it this morning I filled up 3 5 gallon buckets to the top. That’s how I fount out it’s a bigger water tank than I thought. New rv’er lol thanks for your help.
you'll want to aim for a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water and then let it set for 24 hours if possible.
I was told once after filling the tank and vinegar solution to turn on the water heater for 3 to 6 hours. Should I be doing that? Or should I stop doing that?
Thanks for the video.
Please do not turn on the heater. This will not help decalcify and actually cause the opposite effect.
Todd I have a 2022 Alliance Valor that needs a new awning and solar panel installed. I live within 30 miles of you guys and wondered do you need a project for your students in those fields anytime soon. I will be back in TX around March 5th and would be happy to bring it on over. If not I will be hiring a mobile tech to come out and install these two items. Thanks and keep the videos coming.
While I would love to help I get soooo many request I can only do installs on my solar students rigs. Keeps me too busy.
Now if you are going to hire someone I’d suggest someone who was trained by me. (Not saying there aren’t many great installers) but I know the quality work they do and assist them if needed.
Great idea, but you said 2 gallons of vinegar, then mentioned water, then said leave the 2 gallons of vinegar in for eight hours. If the tank is one third full will that descale the heater elements? Or did you mean to add four gallons of water to the two gallons of vinegar (for a 6 gallon tank)?
Scale the mixture to the size of your tank. you want the tank completely full of the solution.
Awesome thanks 😊
I keep watching videos that tell me how to get the vinegar in through various winterizing kits/hoses/pumps... those were not in the list of links to things I'd need so I'm sitting here not knowing how to get the vinegar in. I feel dumb, but don't want to do it wrong. I have a 2021 Crossroads Sunset Trail 331BH.
Would a water softener be good when using an RV as a base camp, not taking it anywhere?
Heard vinegar will get rid of the calcium. But that it doesn’t kill bacteria unless it’s 140 degrees. Do you recommend turning the power on to the heater to heat the vinegar as an extra precaution?
You say household. Ingest which is pure white vinegar and you are holding a bottle of distilled vinegar. Which one or either? Thanks great video
I like the tip. I just would like to confirm... I would be able to pour 2 gallons of vinegar into the tank without any of it also filling the hose? I'm just surprised that, with the opening at the bottom of the tank, there's only an inch of space in the tank for the vinegar to fill and will start filling up the hose. i.e. the vinegar level would never rise above the opening of the tank and would fill the hose, even as it would be held upward above the tank.
That's what happened to me.
Open the pressure valve at the Top of the Tank to let the air out.
Where do you get that strength of vinegar?
Great tip
Great stuff Todd, easy to follow and thanks! I know this is a summarizing maintenance tip , but Q: if you are full time living how often should we do this?. As we are using our water systems 24/7 is there less collection of calcium buildup or more in our hot water heater tanks.
Thank you so much!
Love the video, I’ve been fighting a stinky hot water for a while. However I have changed the rod and soaked it with 6 gal of vinegar and 5 gal of water for about 18hrs( had to go to work). And it is still a stink’s. I guess my only other option is to change out the heating element. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Love your tips.
It could be the heating element. Also check your water filters and maybe sanitize your fresh water lines.
Hey Todd Great videos. I have a question. You said 30% Vinegar that bottle is 5%?????
I like your tech tips but I disagree with the water heater being unsanitary due to mineral buildup. ( I’m a farm kid who drank from cattle troughs and flowing wells. These days I’m more worried about PFAS and chemicals. I drink from my tanks. ) I see doing this to remove the buildup to make the tank more efficient and as a side benefit cleaning the tank. I do think having a mock-up tank and hose set up as a visual while explaining the process would be great. Or a link to a more detailed video would be good. Just my thoughts. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for sharing. that calcium does take up space. so as to maximize the efficiency of your tank by removing it is very helpful.
@@NationalRVTrainingAcademy I agree with that statement but as to it be “unsanitary” I disagree.
So I’ll explain directly as Todd.
Water isn’t completely drained as the drain plug/anode rod is 1” above the bottom of the tank. This water sits and allows the small amount of bacteria to grow. And over time becomes a lot of bacteria.
I’m glad you grew up on a farm. And are tougher for it. I also grew up in a different era. But knowing what I know now, I make different decisions.
Thank you for what you guys/gals do though. It’s a service unrecognized.
@@NationalRVTrainingAcademy ahhh. That makes sense now. I figured the tank drained more. With what you explained things make much more sense than just a dry tank covered in calcium. Thanks for the explanation.
Ain’t nobody got time for that 😂😂
very true
After two gallons of vinegar fill tank completely with water correct? Didn’t quite catch that.
Yes fill with waiter.
By the way great video.
Thanks.
I have a 6 gal hot water tank. Do I need to use 6 gallons of vinegar? Also, when I add water to flush it out, should I use my water meter to make sure I don't overfill it?
I was wondering the same about straight vinegar or diluted.
All I found was 3% vinegar, not 30%. Also, do you add water with vinegar to top off the 6 or more gallon water heater tank or just let the 2gal sit? Assuming the calcium is concentrated on the bottom of the tank..
Great video. 8 yr old trailer and very hard water in this area so likely way past due.
same question with regard to adding water, 10 gal water heater. Do you just put 2 gal of vinegar or do top off with water (appx 8 gal) ?
I have a question, I recently purchased a 2020 Coachman Freelander 27QB. I would like to sanitize and dump my fresh water tank, well filling it up was easy, but I can't figure out how to dump the tank. There's is no drain to be found so I wonder if you can help me out.
To understand correctly, I add water after I pour in two gallons of vinegar to fill the remainder of the tank?
Where do we hook up to flush out the water heater. Do we hook up inside the trailer or out side where the drain plug is located
Great video!! I was wondering how to do that. Getting all my stuff together now so that we’re ready.
Glad we could help!
In the video when you talk about adding the vinegar you say open up your PNT valve? How do you do that? Thanks
Can you use Vinegar cleaning on a Aluminum Dometic Tank?
Thanks didn’t know that
Hi, If you have a 10 gallon tank, do you use 10 gallons of vinegar? If your filling up from the hose, how do you know when the hot water tank is full? Also do you turn your heater back on while it is setting? Im new so thanks for the tip!!
Don't forget to check out this week's Q&A tech tip, where Todd answers your question!
After you put the 2 gallons of vinegar do you add water the rest of the way to fill water heater?
What if the tech filled your water heater up with antifreeze? It’s brand new, never turned it on. I dumped it, refilled it, dumped it again and ran water through it for 7-8 minutes. Is that good or do I need to sanitize it?
I liked you video on cleaning hot water tank with vinegar.
But doesn't a fresh water hold tank also get lime/calcium build-up?
I'm wondering why you wouldn’t flush the entire system.
Todd say use food grade vinegar, 30%-40% vinegar. No sure what that means? Reason I ask there is 30-40% acetic vinegar available & I suspect that is NOT what he's referring to?
it's like the percentage on alcohol. it's the concentration. the reason we use food grade is because your using the same system to drink and make food.
How do we get that calcium build up out of the entire 5th water system and what if we have an on demand hot water heater? Good stuff!
If I put the two gallons of vinegar in my 6 gal heater, do I have to add four gallons of clean water to it to top it off so the top of the htr gets cleaned? What about opening the pressure release valve to vent off the air in the tank while filling it?
Dang, just a day after this video and my hometown is out of white vinegar.
wow. Hopefully they'll get some in soon
Ok so after the water tank is bypassed and we fill the water tank with 50/50 vinegar and water...do we turn on the water heater to warm the solution?
..
I followed your instructions to clean my suburban 6 gallon water heater in my 2017 rv. Problem is that after doing this I still have the egg smell. After a couple camping trips I just drained the water heater tank for the winter and the anode rod smells like eggs. I used a new suburban aluminum anode rod when I did the flush earlier. How can I get rid of this smell? I used 3 gallons of 5% distilled vinegar to do the original 8 hour soak.
Did you also switch out the anode rod to an aluminum/zinc rod? You are in an area with sulfides in the water. Need to switch the anode rod to aluminum
@NationalRVTrainingAcademy yes, I watched your video saying a magnesium anode rod could cause egg smell so I purchase a new suburban aluminum anode rod.
I'm sure I'm not the 1st one to point this out but did you ever think of changing the name to just Tech tip Tuesday since there are never 2 minutes long
Nope.
Where do you connect the hose to if you dont have a winterization kit? Where the anode came out??
I have a 2020 starcraft autumn ridge.....it smells when I turn on only the hot water...not the cold water...but I looked and I don't have an anode rod...it's just a plug..what do I do?
You mentioned that calcium is covering the entire tank. I have a 12 gallon tank and if I only add two gallons of vinegar how is it going to clean the entire tank? Thanks
So what I neglected to say is fill the rest with water. You can also find the standard 3%vinegar by the gallon for $4. Put 10 gallons in with no water. A couple options
should we drain our rv water heaters between camping trips. ?
no. this should be done every 3-6 months depending on how much you use your RV. Drain you water heater for winterization.
Does the course teach you how to install solar / wiring and fishing wires?
Our Solar course Covers everything regarding a RV solar install. This includes proper wiring, designing the system. Installing the panels, inverters, chargers and controllers. It includes trouble shooting as well. During our Solar class we also install solar on 2 RV's in the process.
@@NationalRVTrainingAcademy thanks for the info. I don't see solar in the curriculum or RV owners? Where do you find it?
@@AndrewMcSpadden nrvta.com/nrvta-training-programs/rv-service-technician/ Scroll to the bottom of the page, you'll see the course there.
I heard if you heat up the vinegar and water, it cleans the tank out better
Hello, I was trying to summerize the hot water take. I bounced the connection but o can’t get it being the line to screw it in
I'm confused. Is it just 2 gallons of vinegar or do we add water to fill the water tank to be full? If we just use 2 gallons of vinegar, How do we get the tops of the tank where there could be bacteria or calcium built up.
I followed the instructions to a T but you can't get that much vinegar in the hot water tank. It wouldn't take even a full gallon. I was standing on the stairs with the hose straight up, way above the heater. I still left what was in there but had to go back in and open the valve to allow it to fill with water. I'm not sure how Todd got all that vinegar in his water heater.
Is the process the same for an aluminum tank?
So I have ? What would cause a pressure temp valve to seep?
I have replaced it twice and they always start seeping
My 2018 5th wheel has a Atwood heater. First time owning this type, was surprised to see a Nylon head on plug .
Question I have is, are they any good? Do they install these to save money?
It serves 2 purposes. first. The Atwoods have an aluminum tank which means there is no need for an anode rod, so no need for a large opening. the second reason is the plastic is designed to melt at a certain temperature so it acts as another safety device if the others fail. it's really easy to get a bag of plugs for a few dollars on amazon and replace when needed.
@@NationalRVTrainingAcademy thanks. Yes I bought a bag of 3 of them.
Good or bad, 2018 Coachmen Chaparral Lite build quality? Decent ? Ok?
Hi Todd? Why only 2 gallons of my tank holds 6? Why not 6 gallons? Does everything above the 2 gallon mark not get cleaned?
2 gallons if you use the 30% and add water to fill up the rest.
Or buy white vinegar at 6 gallons and put it in to fill the tank
OK I'm missing somthing. Going over the comments I saw 2 gal of vinegar and 10 gal water for our 12 gal tank. Than I saw another comment use a 50/50 solution. Do I need to use 6 gals of vinegar? Thanks
A higher concentration of vinegar won't hurt you water heater. Use industrial grade vinegar, it's cheaper and more effective.