Descaling hot water heater 27SGS

[phillipank]

Hi, new to the forum, I hope I am posting in the right place.

First time attempting this.

I am attempting to descale my hot water heater (2021 Cougar 27SGS) using vinegar (3 gallons for the 6 gallon tank).

Completed the drain and rinse out. Reinstalled old anode rod.

Connected a piece of hose (it's clear) to the Winterize connection.
Switched Winterize switch to ON.
Hot water bypass is OFF.
Primed the hose just in case.
When I turn on the water pump, nothing goes in. Not even the water used to prime the hose.
We last used the water pump in October so as far as I know it is working. Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

Suggestions appreciated,
Phillip

[chuckster57]

Welcome to the forum

Unless you let the anode rod decay to nothing, you shouldn’t need to descale

[bobbecky]

Not sure there is a need to descale a regular water heater. The only place a scale would form is on the electrode. We full time and since I replaced our water heater with a new one in 2016, still have the original electrode and it still works great. The only thing needed on at least an annual basis is removal of the anode to check it's condition and while it is out, flush the debris from the tank and then either reinstall the anode or install a new one.

[phillipank]

Ah, ok so just flush it out good with the city water and I'm good to go? I already bought a new anode so I'm going to replace that.

[chuckster57]

I would flush the tank with this:
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Rinser-...96670662&psc=1

It’s what I use.

[phillipank]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

I would flush the tank with this:
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Rinser-...96670662&psc=1

It’s what I use.

Got a similar one although I like the shut-off valve on that one better. Connected city water and ran for a few minutes, then installed anode rod and filled 'er up.

I am concerned about not being able to pump into the system if I need to winterize. But I will cross that bridge another time I suppose.

Thanks to all,
Phillip

[chuckster57]

As long as the bypass valve is in the correct position, just remove the anode and drain the tank.

[bgrhrdt]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

I would flush the tank with this:
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Rinser-...96670662&psc=1

It’s what I use.

I also use this, BUT BE CAREFUL! The nozzle tubing is known for cracking at the connection, and if you don't hang on, it'll shoot right into your water heater. That can pose another problem. I wrapped electrical tape tightly all around where it fits together and still hang on to the tube.

[phillipank]

Thanks! The one I have also has an adjustable nozzle that I do have to be careful with. Tape is a great idea!

[lonerider98]

Shame someone don't come up with a brass rinser so it doesn't come apart.

[RollaMo]

Originally Posted by lonerider98

Shame someone don't come up with a brass rinser so it doesn't come apart.

They do.
Check out Amazon, there are several.

Here is one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J29FM4Y...2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

[phillipank]

Originally Posted by RollaMo

They do.
Check out Amazon, there are several.

Here is one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J29FM4Y...2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1


Attachment 42655

This is actually the one I have. Just have to make sure the nozzle is on good and not at the end of the threads!

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by RollaMo

They do.
Check out Amazon, there are several.

Here is one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J29FM4Y...2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1


Attachment 42655

Made mine with stainless tubing & other materials I had lying around, it ain't coming apart & works great.
I guess I should say it did work great, I forgot it & left it in the 5er when I sold it.

[phillipank]

I got the new rod in and the tank refilled. Thanks for everyone's input and help.

[MattE303]

Originally Posted by phillipank

Got a similar one although I like the shut-off valve on that one better. Connected city water and ran for a few minutes, then installed anode rod and filled 'er up.

I am concerned about not being able to pump into the system if I need to winterize. But I will cross that bridge another time I suppose.

Thanks to all,
Phillip

I had this exact problem the first time I tried to use the winterize port on our trailer. The problem turned out to be that Keystone had installed one of those spring loaded backflow check valves (the same kind as what's on the city water connection and black tank flush ports), and the suction from the pump is nowhere near enough to open it. I removed the screened washer (it's one of those cone shaped ones) and put it in backwards, so the screen pushes the check valve open. Once I did that, it worked perfectly, as soon as I turn the pump on it sucks the RV antifreeze out of the jug no problem. I can't imagine how Keystone expected the winterize port to work properly with that check valve in there.

[phillipank]

Originally Posted by MattE303

I had this exact problem the first time I tried to use the winterize port on our trailer. The problem turned out to be that Keystone had installed one of those spring loaded backflow check valves (the same kind as what's on the city water connection and black tank flush ports), and the suction from the pump is nowhere near enough to open it. I removed the screened washer (it's one of those cone shaped ones) and put it in backwards, so the screen pushes the check valve open. Once I did that, it worked perfectly, as soon as I turn the pump on it sucks the RV antifreeze out of the jug no problem. I can't imagine how Keystone expected the winterize port to work properly with that check valve in there.

Another good tip, I'll keep that in mind and check it.