Flushing the water heater is essential RV maintenance

I know you’ve been putting it off, but now that the good weather is here it’s time to do essential RV maintenance. One of the best things you can do for your hot water system is flush the hot water tank. This procedure rids the tank of dirt and mineral solids and is easy to perform. First be sure that the electric and gas switches to the hot water heater are off. Next turn on the hot water at the kitchen faucet and allow it to run until it is cool to the touch. This will ensure that the water inside the tank is cool enough that it will not scald you. Turn off the water pump and shut off the city water supply. Open the water heater compartment door and locate the drain plug. On my Atwood the drain plug is nylon but on the Suburban models it is a metal plug which also has an anodized core. You will need to purchase a replacement plug for these models prior to performing this procedure. Open the drain plug with a suitable wrench and allow the water to drain out. If you want it to drain faster you can open the temperature control valve. You may need to use a wire of screw driver to help break up any solids that plug the drain opening. After the tank has drained turn on the city water and allow it to run through the hot water heater for approximately five minutes. Rinse off the residue. turn off the city water, replace the plug and turn on the hot water faucet at the kitchen sink to expel the air and refill the tank. Turn on the heating element switch and you are done. With my warmest regards - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing