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Water heater clean-out complication
I decided it was time to clean out the water heater and found a challenge. They previous owner added a (very useful) electrical switch on the interior so that there was no need to use propane to heat water if we're plugged in to shore power. It looks like there's an electrical line on the exterior plug as well and I don't know if I can remove it (to clean out the tank) without removing the gas line in front of it. Has anyone seen anything like this and what are your recommendations on how to proceed? Not an easy angle for a photo - I can take more if necessary.

Thanks for any thoughts!
Ray/Kari '03MB
2003 MB
Formerly 1997 TK
Re: Water heater clean-out complication
Reply #1 –
Looks like a Hott rod. Since it replaces the drain plug, it should just unscrew.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Water heater clean-out complication
Reply #2 –
Thanks Andy, that's what I was hoping but with the gas line right in front of it, there's no room to just unscrew it, without removing the gas line fittings in front of it - at least that's what it looks like.
2003 MB
Formerly 1997 TK
Re: Water heater clean-out complication
Reply #3 –
Yes, it looks as if you'd have to remove both the flared propane connector and the 45° elbow. Doable if you're comfortable working with propane fittings, but a nuisance.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Water heater clean-out complication
Reply #4 –
Ok Ray.

Now tell us just how you are going to clean out your HWH after you remove the drain plug?

I am planning the same project this week, but could use some suggestions.

Cheers!

Tony R. (aka codefour)
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: Water heater clean-out complication
Reply #5 –

The video from The RV Geeks is a multi-step process, but there are many other websites that and videos that show how to flush and clean the RV water heater. This simple tool is handy to flush out the sediment and 'flakies' in the tank. (Be sure that the water in the tank is cold before flushing and don't destroy the nylon plug when removing it; sheared nylon threads are very hard to remove from the 'soft' aluminum threads of the heater. And, stand back when the plug comes out!)

Amazon.com: Camco Water Heater Tank Rinser-Cleanses and Removes Sediment...

dchild=1&keywords=RV+water+heater+tool&qid=1617463397&sr=8-4
Does Your RV Have a Water Heater? If so, WATCH THIS VIDEO!

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Water heater clean-out complication
Reply #6 –

The Camco Water Heater Tank Rinser is what I have used for almost 20 years. Remove the HWH's plug, attach a hose to the wan and insert it in the tank's access hole. With the water turned on, push it in and out, rotating occasionally to get to all parts of the tanks. The wand is soft and will not damage the interior of the tank but it does a job of knocking off sediment.  A dirty tank will produce a lot hail-like looking calcium, your driveway will be covered.
I have installed Hott Rod and the propane fittings are a pain to R&R. Make sure to check for gas leaks after reassembling.
This is the gas leak detector fluid I use, it's much better than soapy water.
Amazon.com: Rectorseal 65554 8-Ounce Bottle Better Bubble Leak Locator: Home...

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Water heater clean-out complication
Reply #7 –
A 'Better Bubble' tip; this goopy leak detector and its cap-attached swab ball are essentials (IMO), but the container I have tends to leak. I suggest putting the container into a Zip-lock bag so the goop doesn't dribble out and get all over the stuff in your tool bag.  ;)

YMMV.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Water heater clean-out complication
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
The Camco Water Heater Tank Rinser is what I have used for almost 20 years. Remove the HWH's plug, attach a hose to the wan and insert it in the tank's access hole. With the water turned on, push it in and out, rotating occasionally to get to all parts of the tanks. The wand is soft and will not damage the interior of the tank but it does a job of knocking off sediment.  A dirty tank will produce a lot hail-like looking calcium, your driveway will be covered.
I have installed Hott Rod and the propane fittings are a pain to R&R. Make sure to check for gas leaks after reassembling.
This is the gas leak detector fluid I use, it's much better than soapy water.
Amazon.com: Rectorseal 65554 8-Ounce Bottle Better Bubble Leak Locator: Home...

Larry, thanks for the leak detector link, and the reminder to flush out the water heater.  I already have one of the Camco rinsers but had failed to include that task on my maintenance list.  Added now as a quarterly task.

I will need the leak detector when I get around to adding a quick disconnect to the propane system for a Wave heater.
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Water heater clean-out complication
Reply #9 –
Thanks all! Looks like I’ll need to plan for some additional time and care.
2003 MB
Formerly 1997 TK
Re: Water heater clean-out complication
Reply #10 –
Great Hot Water Cleaning Tips!  And the YouTube video says it all!

Question:

I don't have a winterizing set up.  How difficult is the pressure relief valve to remove in order to add the white vinegar? 

I would hate to bugger the relief valve up.  Or my HWH.

Cheers!

Tony R. (aka codefour)
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
 
Re: Water heater clean-out complication
Reply #12 –
Quote from: codefour  - 
Great Hot Water Cleaning Tips!  And the YouTube video says it all!

I don't have a winterizing set up.  How difficult is the pressure relief valve to remove in order to add the white vinegar? 
I would hate to bugger the relief valve up.  Or my HWH.

The relief valve uses normal pipe threads and unscrews using normal hand tools, If replacing, wrap the threads with Teflon tape before installing it.
In 26 years, two LDs and 205,000 miles, the water heaters have never seen vinegar, twice a year flushing has done the job of cleaning out mineral sediment.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze