Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Keystone RV Forums > Keystone Tech Forums > Repairs & Maintenance
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 05-14-2018, 08:31 PM   #1
Ksupaul
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Olathe, KS
Posts: 124
Drain Hot Water how often

How often do you drain your hot water heater? If you go 2-4 weeks inbetween trips? What if you only go a week inbetween? Curious thanks.
Ksupaul is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-15-2018, 12:10 AM   #2
busterbrown
Senior Member
 
busterbrown's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 1,659
I don't think there is one good schedule for draining the HW heater.

It's accepted to drain it in the northern cold weather states for the obvious reasons of freeze.

Because it's a HOT water tank, I don't think the water is susceptible to mold and bacteria growth like fresh water tanks are. If your trips are planned monthly throughout your RV season, you should be fine without draining the tank.

An annual bleach cleansing is widely accepted at the beginning of each season. I've even read that some owners will disinfect their fresh water system more often if they tend to drink from it.

But in all reality, if bottled water is your drinkable water, an annual cleaning is all that's required.

Suburban makes HWH from a steel/porcelain material and include an sacrificial anode rode that mitigates corrosive action on the tank itself. Atwood tanks are lined with clad aluminum and do not require the rod. With this said, draining your hot water tank isn't a necessity between trips. The Suburban tank is the only one that a scheduled replacement of the anode rod is required (every 1-2 years I've read).

Hope this helps.
__________________
2017 Keystone Bullet 308BHS in Saddle.
2017 RAM 2500 Laramie Mega Cab 4x4 Hemi 6.4L
2008 GMC Yukon XL Denali (SOLD)
Hensley SwiftArrow Control Hitch with 1000 lb Spring Bars
Me, DW, (3) little DS's, and 1 rambunctious Boston Terrier

busterbrown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-15-2018, 03:18 AM   #3
flybouy
Site Team
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Joppa, MD
Posts: 11,714
The water itself (hardness, mineral content), ambient temps and time between uses all are factors so there is no 1 answer. Typically you will know when it's time as the hot water will take on a sulfur smell like rotten eggs. A GOOD water filter, not the $19 in line type, will help mitigate the issue. Personally, I keep an 1 1/16" socket and ratchet handy in the back of the truck and pull the plug when it's going to be longer than 2 weeks before using again. YMMV
__________________
Marshall
2012 Laredo 303 TG
2010 F250 LT Super Cab, long bed, 4X4, 6.4 Turbo Diesel
flybouy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-15-2018, 03:26 AM   #4
Dave W
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Near Saratoga Springs,
Posts: 1,131
Our 10 gallon Atwood typically gets drained in the fall at winterization time. I did just add a CAMCO plug with a petc0ck so it could be done occasionally instead. Oh and not all drain plugs are 1-1/16 but 15/16 (Atwoods)
Dave W is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
water, drain

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates in any way. Keystone RV® is a registered trademark of the Keystone RV Company.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:12 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.