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How to Clean your RV Water Heater

Cleaning RV Water Heater

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Understanding basic RV maintenance is a key skill every camper should learn. Many costly RV repairs can be prevented by completing routine servicing of RV components. Campers need to clean their RV water heaters at least once a year to prevent build up. In this guide, we detail exactly how to clean your RV water heater.

The instructions for cleaning your RV water heater vary by brand, so please determine if you have an Atwood or Suburban model before proceeding.

  • 1.1 Tools Required
  • 1.2 Step 1: Turn the Power Off
  • 1.3 Step 2: Relieve Pressure
  • 1.4 Step 3: Clear Debris
  • 1.5 Step 4: Drain Water Heater
  • 1.6 Step 5: Flush the RV Water Heater
  • 1.7 Step 6: Replace the Plug
  • 1.8 Step 7: Clean the RV Water Heater
  • 2.1 Tools Required
  • 2.2 Step 1: Turn the Power Off
  • 2.3 Step 2: Relieve Pressure
  • 2.4 Step 3: Clear Debris
  • 2.5 Step 4: Drain Water Heater
  • 2.6 Step 5: Flush the RV Water Heater
  • 2.7 Step 6: Replace the Anode Rod
  • 2.8 Step 7: Clean the RV Water Heater
  • 3.1 How often should RV water heater be cleaned?
  • 3.2 How do you fill an RV water heater?
  • 3.3 Should I leave my RV hot water heater turned on?

How to Clean your Atwood RV Water Heater

Tools required.

Cleaning your RV water heater is a fairly simple task, but there are a few required tools.

  • Water Heater Tank Rinser
  • Air Compressor (You can use the same compressor for your RV tires)

Step 1: Turn the Power Off

Before cleaning your RV water heater, turn it off and allow enough time for the water to cool. Then, test the hot water from an indoor tap to verify that the water in the tank is no longer hot.

After the water has cooled, turn off any water flowing into the RV tanks. To ensure the water heater cannot turn on while you are performing work, turn off all power sources. Unplug your electric power, turn off your battery and shut off your propane.

Step 2: Relieve Pressure

Next, locate and open the water heater access on the outside of your RV. Flip up the lever on your pressure relief valve to remove any pressure from the water heater. I have circled the pressure relief valve in the below image.

RV Water Heater Pressure Valve

Step 3: Clear Debris

Then use an air compressor to remove debris from the burner tube and the burner chamber. The burner chamber is where the air hose is inserted in the below image. The burner tune is the metal tube connected to the chamber.

Simply, blow compressed air for a minute or two into these areas to clean debris from your RV water heater.

Cleaning Debris from RV Water Heater

Step 4: Drain Water Heater

Loosen the plug using a 7/8 inch socket or wrench, until it is hand tight. Use one hand to lift the pressure relief valve, and finish removing the plug with your other hand. Allow the water heater to fully drain.

Draining RV hot water heater

Step 5: Flush the RV Water Heater

Next, connect the rinsing tool to a garden hose. Put the wand into the hole where the plug was removed. Moving the tool around, run water into the water heater for a few minutes. Turn off the hose, and allow any water to fully drain out.

Flushing RV water heater

Step 6: Replace the Plug

Once the water heater has fully drained, reinstall the plug. Place the plug back in and use your hand or a wrench to tighten it in place. Then, flip the pressure relief lever back down.

Step 7: Clean the RV Water Heater

Finally, use an all purpose cleaner and a clean rag to wipe down all the components of your RV water heater. Just spray the rag and clean the water heater avoiding electrical wires. Now your annual RV water heater service is complete!

travel trailer water heater flush

How to Clean your Suburban RV Water Heater

  • Air Compressor

Anode rods on Suburban RV water heaters should be replaced during the maintenance process. Using a 1-1/16 inch socket loosen the anode rod until it is hand tight.

Then, lift the pressure relief valve and finish removing the anode rod with your other hand. Allow the water heater to fully drain.

Next, connect the rinsing tool to a garden hose. Put the wand into the hole where the anode rod was removed. Moving the tool around, run water into the water heater for a few minutes. Turn off the hose, and allow any water to fully drain out.

Step 6: Replace the Anode Rod

Once the water heater has fully drained, insert the new anode rod. Slide in the new anode rod, screw it hand tight and secure it with the socket. Then, flip the pressure relief lever back down.

Clean RV Water Heater

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should rv water heater be cleaned.

RV water heaters require annual cleaning and servicing. Clean and drain your RV water heater and the end of every camping season before winterizing your RV. For Suburban water heaters, the anode rod should also be replaced annually.

How do you fill an RV water heater?

RV water heaters are automatically filled when you fill up the fresh water tank or connect to city water. If your hot water tank is not filling, make sure your hot water bypass is not turned on.

Should I leave my RV hot water heater turned on?

RV water heaters can be left on as long as their is water in the tank. Fill your fresh water tank or turn on your city water connection and allow water to run through the faucets for a few minutes before turning the water heater on.

Thanks for reading our guide to RV water heater maintenance. If you are currently having issues with your appliance, check out our RV water heater troubleshooting guide .

After following the above instructions, your RV water heater will be in tip top shape, but what about the rest of your RV?

We have several maintenance guides to help you prevent issues with your RV appliances and components.

  • To learn more about maintaining your RV tanks, check out our beginner’s guide to RV holding tanks.
  • Clean your RV Air Conditioning Units at the same time as your water heater
  • See our RV maintenance checklist for a full list of important annual tasks

Do you have any other questions about using or cleaning RV hot water heaters? Drop your questions in the comment section below.

Christina Pate, Author of Travels with Ted

Christina Pate is a seasoned full-time RVer who, along with her husband Justin, has journeyed across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing from her extensive travels, RV repairs and RV renovations, she founded Travels with Ted to guide and inspire fellow RV enthusiasts. Christina is also the co-author of The Owner’s Guide to RV Maintenance and the creator of My RV Log Book .

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Cleaning Flushing and Descaling an RV Water Heater - How to Clean and Maintain

Dometic Single Zone LCD RV Thermostat

I don't remember when I learned about this but it has become a pretty routine maintenance task in my RV. Once a year, at the end of the season, I descale and clean the RVs water heater. This gets rid of all the built up calcium deposits and scale. It also cleans the electric heating element to keep it working at peak efficiency. This video and procedure is how I perform this simple maintenance item.

rv water heater drain plug

Turn off all water and turn off the water heater gas and electric. Using a socket or Water Heater Wrench remove the drain plug or anode rod and drain the water heater.

rv water heater flushout wand

Wash out the water heater with a RV Water Heater Rinser or turn the city water supply on to flush out any loose debris in the water heater. Reinstall the water heater plug.

descale rv water heater

Using the RVs or trailers winterizing kit , put in 3 to 5 gallons, depending on water heater capacity, of white vinegar. Fill the rest of the water heater with water. Turn on the water heater electric element to heat the mixture and leave for a minimum of 8 hours. After 8 hours turn water heater off and allow to sit overnight.

flush rv water heater

After sitting overnight and allowing to cool, drain mixture from water heater. Flush water heater out as you did previously using the water heater rinser or allowing city water to rush into tank. You will see more debris come out and this is normal. Reinstall plug or anode rod and move inside.

RV kitchen sink

Remove the aerators and turn on each faucet, both hot and cold, till water comes out and no vinegar smell can be detected. Reinstall your aerators and your done till next year.

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How To Drain Your RV Water Heater A Step-By-Step Guide

RV water heaters are essential to your camper or motorhome experience. Imagine your travels with no hot shower or water for cleaning. This invaluable feature needs routine care as replacing it is costly.

Routinely draining your RV water heater is necessary and as straightforward as removing a plug. It clears mold, bacteria, debris, and sediment buildup in the water system. Additionally, it maintains the upkeep of the system and lengthens its lifespan.

This article offers easy-to-follow steps on how to drain your RV water heater. It provides helpful tech tips and details the role and relevance of various water heater features. You must know the make and type of your RV water heater.

Why Do You Have To Drain An RV Water Heater?

Proper maintenance of your RV water heater is a requirement. Regularly draining your water heater promotes longevity.

A well-functioning water heater guarantees a comfortable journey with consistent heat that’s safe to drink.

Draining your RV water heater prevents serious issues.

  • Sediment buildup creates numerous problems that frequent draining will help you avoid. For example, heat is applied from the bottom of a gas water heater. If the water is displaced due to excessive sediment buildup, it requires more energy to heat the water. As a result, your water gets warm and never hot.
  • Corrosion from an anode rod will collect in the pipes and ruin your RV water system.
  • Stale water is a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria . Regular flushing and draining keep the interior tank fresh.
  • Draining your water system prevents foul odors . Water has natural occurring sulfates that react with various minerals and bacteria, producing a sulfuric acid smell ( rotten eggs smell ).
  •   Routine checks , flushing, draining, and sanitizing keep your RV in good condition.
  • Draining your tank is vital during the winter seasons . As water freezes, it expands, breaking the tank, water lines, and plumbing. If your tank is left filled overnight, it’ll freeze and cause thousands in damage . Winterize your pipes and tank with RV antifreeze after draining your tank.

Replacing your RV water heater is expensive and unnecessary with the proper care. It would be best to replace your RV water heater only once it’s undergone its expected life cycle.

The average life span of an RV water heater is anywhere from six months to ten years.

Draining your RV water heater prevents debris accumulation, clogging of corrosive elements, and various health issues.

After you drain your RV hot water tank, you may want to read this article about 5 other items to look at when performing RV water heater maintenance.

How Often Should You Drain And Flush Your Hot Water Heater?

Draining your water heater must be a part of your RVing routine. However, when traveling, it isn’t necessary to drain your tank as the water gets used throughout the day.

Please be mindful that sitting water breeds pathogens- salmonella, E-coli, and listeria. So, when your RV excursion is done, drain, sanitize, and dry your tank.

When to drain your RV water heater.

  • Before your motorhome journey
  • After your vacation
  • For avid RV travelers- four to six times a year
  • If your RV has been stored for a while without use
  • When water sits in the tank for over three days
  • Drain before a below-freezing temperature night, whereby the water is sure to freeze
  • After you winterize and RV antifreeze could have been in there (here’s the steps on what to do if you do have RV antifreeze in there )

Drain your RV water heater before winterizing your RV piping.

How To Drain Your RV Water Heater

Draining your RV water heater is a simple process that does require some know-how . It’s more than going outside, lifting the panel, and unplugging the drain.

For example, you must know the role of an anode rod and how it can be beneficial and detrimental to your water system.

There are essential tech tips , like using a clamp-on amp meter to test the electric heating element.

It’s necessary to understand the relevance and function of the burner tube and how improper maintenance will prevent your RV from having hot water.

It’s a good idea to refer to the water heater manual if you have it. There are different brands like Suburban, Dometic, and Atwood.

Water heaters use other power sources like gas (propane), electric, engine, or both.

Familiarize yourself with your RV’s water heater.

Step 1: Remove The Drain Plug

Before you begin to do anything, turn off your RV’s power . Whether gas or electric, switch off the water heater at the source. It’s done via the control board for electric or closing the propane valve for gas.

Then, turn off the water supply . Once the water supply is off, open every tap in your RV , as this relieves the pressure.

Relieving pressure is vital. You’ll see in step two that if pressure isn’t relieved, unplugging your drain will cause the anode rod to fly out with great force and speed. There’s a risk of severe injury.

Allow the water to cool completely . (You may have to wait a while.)

The water heater is located behind a panel on the RV’s exterior .

Inspect the surrounding drain area , as debris, grime, and dirt may obstruct the airflow necessary to ignite the gas/propane heating system.

Once the power is off and the water cools, remove the drain plug .

You require a socket or crescent wrench to remove the drain plug .

Never use pliers to try remove your plug as you can damage the fragile plastic.

Step 2: Open Pressure Relief Valve

Opening the pressure relief valve releases powerful built-up water and air pressure which helps the water flow and prevents risky expulsion.

Releasing the pressure valve first prevents the anode rod from shooting out and potentially harming you.

The valve releases the built-up pressure stored behind the drain plug.

The pressure relief valve is on the outside of your RV within your water heater panel. Open the panel and flick the switch up.

The valve is easily identified as it’s shaped like a small leaver .

When you open the valve, water will forcefully stream out.

Step 3: Remove The Anode Rod (If Applicable)

The anode rod is a metal rod made primarily from magnesium (also aluminum and zinc). It plays an integral role in the longevity of your RV water heater system.

Firstly, a brand-new anode rod has a natural electric current that kills harmful bacteria . This is invaluable for outdoor travel, as water is sourced from various areas. So it’s an excellent preventative measure.

When replacing your anode rod, DO NOT CHEAP OUT and purchase a 2 pack of no name brands on Amazon, buy a quality unit like this model . In this case you truly get what you pay for.

Secondly, through electrolysis, anode rods prevent the steel in your RV water heater from rusting and the heating element from corroding.

Referred to as a sacrificial rod , it rapidly diverts corrosion from the other metals unto itself.

The anode rod has an enhanced negative electrochemical potential that resonates at a lower frequency. This means it corrodes faster than the metal in the water heater.

The anode rod protects the water heater due to the speed at which it corrodes. So, checking it annually and replacing it is vital to the water system. The corroded pieces cause all types of damage.

Unfastening your anode rod is simple . If it’s time to be replaced, it’ll come loose quickly. Clear away the corroded debris with an ice pick or wire brush .

Step 4: Check The Electric Heater Element

You must verify that your electric heating element is functioning periodically.

An electric heating element is used instead of a gas-fueled flame on some RV water heaters. However, there are water heaters that accommodate propane with electric.

Again, learn about your specific water heater model. Navigating it is more straightforward if you know about the make.

The Suburban water heater heating element is more accessible to inspect as, typically, they’re on the front of the water heater. In contrast, Atwood is more challenging because it’s situated behind the heater.

A helpful shortcut is using a 12 volt compatible clamp-on amp meter on the RV electric control panel.

Here are simple steps to using a clamp-on amp meter to check the electric heater element.

  • Open the RV access panel (circuit board) and find the water heater power switch. A water heater will have its own circuit, unlike some circuits that share a controller- for example, on some RVs, the air conditioner and microwave share circuit switches.
  • The access board has a reference guide for the power switch number and corresponding circuit.
  • After locating the proper circuit , clamp the amp-meter around it.  
  • Your clamp-on amp meter must have AC/DC voltage and AC/DC amperage.
  • Then, turn on the water heater .
  • The clamp-on amp meter must read between ten to twelve amps . Then you know your electric element is working well.

It’s advisable to keep a clamp-on amp meter in your RV tool kit. Buy a quality unit that is comparable with measuring 12 volt amps with the clamp on like this model.

You can purchase a clamp-on amp meter for anything between $24, $70, and $120.

Step 5: Inspect And Clean The Vents

There is a combustion chamber for the propane burner within the outside that is behind the sheet metal in the top left of the photo above. You will need to inspect the vent for any bees nests, or other items that can get in there that could block the combustion process.

Use a coat hanger or brush to clean out any debris that you find blocking the chamber.

Step 6: Inspect And Clean Out The Burner Tube

Your RV water heater has a burner tube if it runs on propane or gas . That is, the burner tube directs propane to the burner.

Your RV water burner tube is simple to clean.

If your burner has dirt, debris, or spiders obstructing the air passage, there won’t be an adequate supply of gas to the heater – which willno longer work.

Compressed air or pipe cleaners will clear the tube. Inquire at RV stores for disposable compressed air canisters. Add a couple of canisters to your RV tool kit.

Step 7: Rinse Out the Hot Water Heater

Flushing your RV with a rinser or flushing wand is an essential maintenance requirement.

Flushing removes sediment, bacteria, and mildew buildup.

This process follows the same steps as draining with one exception.

  • After draining, attach the RV water cleaner wand to a garden hose and place it in the drainpipe.
  • Turn on the hose and flush the interior of the water heater tank.
  • Flush and drain four to eight times , depending on the state of your water heater.

What Size Socket Do I Need To Drain My RV Water Heater?

Generally, you can use a 7/8-inch socket.

For a Dometic and Atwood RV water heater, you’ll need a 1/2-inch socket, and for a Suburban , you must have an 11/16-inch socket.

Be careful not to strip the plug, as it may be made of a softer synthetic than your wrench, for example, nylon.

Things To Expect When You Flush A Water Heater

Things to expect when you flush a water heater include excess sediment buildup, grime, algae, mildew, slime, metal, and rust-corrosive elements.

Where Is The RV Hot Water Heater Drain?

Your RV hot water heater drain is in a screw-tightened panel on the motorhome’s exterior.

It’s essential to routinely drain your RV water heater to clear the system of sediment buildup, dirt, and debris. Draining promotes your system’s longevity and keeps your RV water heated, clean, and safe to drink. It’s a straightforward process, yet there are various features that you must familiarize yourself with, like the anode rod and clamp-on amp meter.

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An Easy Way to Protect Your RV Water Heater

Last updated on October 12th, 2023 at 08:19 pm

One of the best ways to protect your RV’s water heater, besides a good water filtration system , is to flush it. If you are living in your RV full-time, you should flush your water heater “frequently” according to our water heater manufacturer. Since “frequently” is not a defined time period, I chose every three months to flush ours. We follow their recommended procedure for flushing the water tank and it is fairly simple.

Flushing the RV Water Heater

A couple of key steps before beginning are to turn off the power to the heater and run the hot water in the RV until it runs out and the water is cool. Finally, you need to shut off the water source.

We prepared a video that shows the process of flushing the water heater, which is much easier than explaining it here. Performing this maintenance yourself will save you $60-$80 at a maintenance facility and will extend the life of your water heater.

Remove Water Heater Odors

One item not discussed in the video is how to remove an odor coming from the water heater. If you have this problem, the manufacturer recommends the following steps:

  • Turn off the water supply and drain the heater tank.
  • Reinstall the drain plug.
  • Remove the pressure-temperature relief valve.
  • Mix 4 parts vinegar and 2 parts water and pour it into the tank with a funnel.
  • Cycle the water heater with this solution, letting it run under normal operation 4-5 times.
  • Remove the drain plug and drain the solution.
  • Flush the water heater to remove any sediment.
  • Replace the drain plug and pressure-temperature relief valve.
  • Refill the heater tank with fresh water that contains no sulfur.

Additionally, if you store the RV for the winter, flush the tank and leave it drained. There will be about 2 quarts of water remaining, but it should not damage the tank if freezing occurs.

Please note this blog and video were made using an Atwood water heater. Suburban water heaters are also used in RVs. The instructions for flushing these may be a little different.  They also contain an anode tube that requires changing at certain intervals. So be sure to check the brand of the water heater in your RV, consult the manual, and double-check the periodic maintenance guidelines.

See our other DIY maintenance articles.

For more information on maintaining your RV water systems see:

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Flush RV Water Heater

We recently ran into a problem, the water in our RV smelled like rotten eggs. We used vinegar to flush the RV water heater. Flush RV water heater instructions.

Flush RV Water Heater to Remove Smell

We were camping at a state park and noticed that our water smelled horrible, like rotten eggs. In over ten years of camping, we had never encountered this issue. However, we have heard that rotten egg smelling water is a common RV problem. It’s caused by bacteria. You can help prevent this issue by draining water from your water heater and water lines when it will be several weeks or more between camping trips.

I didn’t have any special tools along, just my basic RV toolkit. I discovered that vinegar can be used to solve this issue. As a bonus, this method can remove scale buildup from your freshwater system. Here are the steps for flushing and descaling an RV water heater.

Step One: Drain Water Heater

Most RVs have a six-gallon water heater. You’ll need at least two gallons of vinegar for this project. Add an extra gallon if you want to clean all your RV water lines.

Ensure that the water in the water heater is cold. Turn off the water heater. Wait at least 30 minutes for the water to cool.

RV Control Panel

Locate the water heater access door. This will be outside the camper and will have ventilation grills. You’ll also want to locate the freshwater tank fill. Note that it is next to the water heater door in the image below.

RV water heater door

Drain the water heater. Use a 15/16 inch wrench or ratchet to remove the plastic plug from the heater. Be careful as the plug is made of soft plastic which can be easily damaged. Once the plug is removed, water will flow from the water heater. You can make the water heater drain faster by opening the pressure release valve and by opening the hot side of a water faucet.

Remove Plug to Drain Hot Water Heater

If you plan to clean all the lines, drain water from the system by opening the low point drains.

Camper Low Point Drain

Once the water heater is empty, replace the plug.

Step Two: Add Vinegar and Water

Fill the six-gallon water heater with a mix of 2 gallons of vinegar and 4 gallons of fresh water. You can do that by adding the mix to the freshwater tank. One way to do that is to use a large water jug, like the kind used to bring extra water when camping without water hookups. These usually have a spout that makes adding water to the tank a bit easier.

Water Jug to Fill Freshwater Tank

You can also add the mix by using the winterization hose. Locate the winterization bypass valves which may be located under a bed or behind a panel. Turn the valve for the winterization hose to open.

Turn on the water pump and then open a hot water faucet to draw water into the heater.

If you are flushing all of the lines, open each faucet to draw the vinegar and water mix. Repeat until the mix is in all the lines.

Step Three: Wait

Let the vinegar and water mix sit for several hours. You might feel better if you take a hike or go for a bike ride while the mix does its work.

Step Four: Flush RV Water Heater Tank and Water Lines

Empty the water heater to drain the vinegar and water mix, just like you did in step one. If you have a water heater flush wand, rinse the tank to remove any scale or debris from the tank.

Using the Camco tank rinser to clean RV hot water heater

Flush all the lines by running fresh water through each faucet. Continue to run water until you no longer smell vinegar. At this point, the water should smell much better.

Flush RV Water Heater Video

You can see the steps for flushing your RV water heater in our YouTube video.

Flush RV Water Heater YouTube Video Thumbnail

We hope you found this helpful. Let us know if you have any tips for flushing and descaling an RV water heater. Thanks.

There are only a few things you need to flush your RV water heater. You can get the Vinegar from a grocery store. You’ll want a water heater tank rinser and a 15/16 wrench or ratchet socket with an extension. For your convenience, I’m adding Amazon links here. Note: these are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase by using the link there is no additional cost to you, but we earn a commission that helps enable us to continue sharing helpful information.

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The Tool That Makes Cleaning RV Water Heaters Fast & Easy

rv water heater cleaning tool that sprays out the inside of the tank

Why Clean the RV Water Heater?

Hot water is one of the best parts about camping in an RV.

You can get those dirty dishes cleaned and even shower after a long day of exploring the outdoors.

Most RVs get hot water from a small water tank that’s heated using propane or electricity.

Sometimes they can even heat water using both.

Related Product: Keep bugs out of your RV water heater with a Camco Water Heater Vent Screen (click to view on Amazon)

Like any water heater, sediment will collect and limescale will slowly build up inside over the camping season.

It will happen even more if you live full time in your RV.

To remove sediment and limescale from inside your RV water heater tank, it’s recommended to give it a good rinse at the end of every camping season.

Twice a year if you use your RV full time.

There are a few ways to clean an RV water heater tank, but the most effective way is to spray out the inside really well.

In this article, I’m going to review the best tool you can use for cleaning inside an RV water heater the right way.

See Also:  Aluminum Or Magnesium Anode Rod For RV Water Heater?

Table of Contents show Why Clean the RV Water Heater? Best RV Water Tank Rinser Review & Info Vanpet RV Water Heater Cleaning Tool Use Vinegar On Extra Dirty RV Water Heaters Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning RV Water Heaters Can I use CLR cleaner to help clean inside the RV water heater tank? Can I use bleach to clean inside the RV water heater? How do I get rid of the rotten egg smell coming from the RV water heater? What kind of vinegar should I use to clean inside my RV water heater tank?

Best RV Water Tank Rinser Review & Info

Vanpet rv water heater cleaning tool.

RV Water Heater Tank Rinser,Metal Tube Water Tank Flusher,Powerful...

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While there are a few RV water heater cleaning tools out there, this one by Vanpet has the most features and is made with quality materials.

The sprayer is at the end of a tube that’s about 11 inches long.

Both the tube and the sprayer nozzle are made of durable stainless steel.

The handle, which is also around 11 inches long, is made with rubber and heavy duty plastic.

It’s much more durable than some of the other RV water heater cleaning tools out there that are made completely out of plastic.

The nozzle is adjustable and has a few spray settings.

You can loosen it for a wide light spray for watering plants or tighten it for a strong narrow spray that’s perfect for cleaning inside RV water heater tanks.

If you remove the nozzle, the tool sprays straight up and down (180°).

This setting is perfect for easily cleaning the top and bottom of the tank.

RV Water Heater Tank Rinser,Metal Tube Water Tank Flusher,Powerful...

The rubber handle is long and easy to grip and it has a spray button that can be locked into place.

The spray button is one of the best features of this RV water heater cleaning tool.

Other options have a valve you have to turn to open or close and they require two hands to use.

With the button option, you can press it with the same hand you are holding the tool with, and you can easily lock it into place so your hand doesn’t get tired.

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The sprayer has a standard 3/4 inch garden hose fitting on the end.

There is also a 1/2 inch quick connect adapter included if you use that type of garden hose connector.

Normal RV water heater sprayers are only good for one thing, cleaning water heater tanks.

But the Vanpet has a lot of other uses because of the adjustable nozzle.

You can use it to wash the outside of your RV, water plants in the garden, and clean other hard to reach areas inside or outside the RV.

I don’t recommend using this to clean the RV sewer outlet or toilet unless you only use it for that purpose.

You don’t want to contaminate your RV water heater because it’s part of the potable water system in your RV.

The Vanpet RV Water Heater Cleaning Tool is an incredibly useful RV gadget.

It will get to all the hard to reach corners of the water heater tank and it can be used for cleaning other RV parts or in the garden.

The quality materials used and many features make this one of the best tools for cleaning the inside of the water heater tank in your RV.

See Also: Best Heated Water Hoses For RV Campers, Barns & Livestock

Use Vinegar On Extra Dirty RV Water Heaters

If you’re flushing out the inside of your RV water heater for the first time, you may need a little extra help to get things loosened up inside.

Vinegar is a common natural product used to remove calcium deposits and limescale in household products and plumbing.

It’s safe to use in freshwater systems and easy on the pipes and connectors.

Many RVers will use vinegar to clean their entire freshwater system.

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For cleaning the inside of the RV water heater, you don’t need to add vinegar to the entire system.

I recommend draining and flushing out the RV water heater first.

Then use a small sprayer like this (click to view on Amazon) to thoroughly coat the inside of the tank with vinegar.

You can spray the inside multiple times every 5 minutes or so to make sure the vinegar has time to work on the top and sides of the tank.

Most of the vinegar will end up in the bottom, but that’s where the most calcium build up usually is anyway.

Give the vinegar at least 30 minutes to do its work. Then spray out the water heater again using the strong stream setting on the spray tool.

If the RV water heater has a lot of build up inside, you may need to repeat this process a few times.

full time RVer who uses an RV water heater cleaning tool to spray out inside the tank two times a year

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning RV Water Heaters

Can i use clr cleaner to help clean inside the rv water heater tank.

For deep cleaning, CLR cleaner seems like a great choice for removing difficult calcium and limescale deposits.

But you should not use CLR inside your RV water heater.

Not only is CLR toxic, it’s also very hard to rinse out.

There’s no guarantee it won’t get into the hot water pipes and you don’t want to be showering in the harsh chemicals that are in CLR.

Use non-toxic vinegar and an RV water heater cleaning tool instead of CLR if you want to deep clean the tank.

Can I use bleach to clean inside the RV water heater?

Many RVers will use bleach to sanitize the freshwater system in their RV.

We even recommend it in this article here .

In our article, we recommend bypassing the RV water heater, but you don’t have to do that if you want to disinfect the RV water heater as well.

Just make sure you fully drain and spray out the tank afterward to make sure every bit of bleach is rinsed out.

If you don’t have a way to spray out the water heater tank or you cannot drain it, don’t put bleach inside it.

Draining and spraying it out is the only way to make sure you get all the bleach out.

How do I get rid of the rotten egg smell coming from the RV water heater?

One great thing about flushing out and descaling the RV water heater is it often deodorizes it as well.

If you are noticing an odor from the hot water in your RV, cleaning it with a sprayer tool and vinegar is a good idea.

If the rotten egg smell is coming from the water source, and you have a Suburban RV water heater that uses an anode rod.

You can try using an Aluminum Zinc Anode Rod (click to view on Amazon) to neutralize the smell.

What kind of vinegar should I use to clean inside my RV water heater tank?

The most common types of vinegar used for cleaning are distilled white vinegar and apple cider vinegar.

Both will work equally well for removing limescale and calcium deposits in an RV water heater tank.

I recommend using white vinegar since it’s the more budget friendly option.

You are going to need to use quite a bit to fully soak the insides of the water heater.

See Also:  Best RV Awning Cleaners That Actually Work Reviewed

Have any more questions about the RV water heater cleaning tools? Leave a comment below. 

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travel trailer water heater flush

How to Flush a Hot Water Heater

Time: A few hours

Complexity: Intermediate

Cost: $51–100

If you've never flushed your hot water heater , or haven't done it in years, you could be in for a nasty surprise—in the form of sediment build-up. One sign of excessive sediment buildup is a popping or rumbling sound coming from your water heater. That's the sound of steam bubbles percolating up through the muck. On a gas water heater, the sediment creates hot spots that can damage the tank and cause premature failure. On an electric water heater, sediment buildup can cause the lower heating element to fail. So learning how to drain a water heater and flushing offers a payback in lower energy bills and will extend the life of your hot water heater .

This is what the sediment in your water heater looks like. 

Build a Shop Vacuum Adapter

  • Note: This allows you to attach your shop vacuum to 3/4-inch pipe. The barbed fitting (C) connects to 1/2-inch I.D. vinyl tubing.

Drain Water Heater Liquid

  • Shut off the gas or flip the circuit breaker to shut off the electricity to the water heater.
  • Open a hot water faucet somewhere else in the house and let it run full blast for about 10 minutes to reduce the water temperature in the tank.
  • Pro tip: Use a kitchen colander to catch the sediment so it doesn't clog the floor drain.
  • Open a hot water faucet closest to the water heater, preferably on an upper floor, and the water heater drain valve.
  • Let the tank drain until sediment clogs the valve and reduces the flow.
  • Close the hot water faucet and water heater drain valve.
  • Remove the temperature-pressure release valve and screw in the vacuum adapter.
  • Note: This applies suction to the tank so you won't get soaked when you yank the old drain valve.

Remove the Old Valve

  • Pro tip: If it breaks off, saw the broken portion with a hacksaw blade until you hit metal threads. Then use a hammer and screwdriver to chip out the pieces.

Assemble the New Valve

  • Remove the handle from the ball valve so you can assemble all the 3/4-inch fittings.
  • Note: As soon as you open the drain valve , the sediment will likely clog it and prevent you from closing the valve all the way after it’s drained. Then you’ll have sediment buildup and a leaking water heater. Not only will an old drain clog up, but you won't be able to suck debris through its small opening. This is why you need to build a new drain valve. 

Install the New Valve

  • Install the new full-port valve in closed position.
  • Attach one end of the garden hose to the valve and run the other end into a colander set over the floor drain.

Remove the ball valve handle after you flush the water heater, especially if the water heater is located where people could walk by it and accidentally bump the handle. The valve could open and release scalding water, causing serious burns. (Twist-tie the handle to the valve so you don't lose it.)

Flush the Tank

  • Pro tip: Most of the sediment will flush out through the full-port valve. To remove the rest, open the cold water valve at the top of the tank in short bursts to blast it toward the drain. 
  • Let the water flow until it runs clear.

Suck Out the Sediment

  • Remove the full-port valve and suck out the remaining sediment with your shop vacuum adapter and 1/2-inch vinyl tubing.
  • When you're done, close the ball valve and leave it in place, but remove the lever handle to prevent accidental opening.
  • Then reinstall the TPR valve and blow-off tube.

Refill the Water Heater

  • Refill the water heater.
  • Turn on the gas or electricity.

FH13SEP_FLUHEA_01-3 hot water heater

IMAGES

  1. How to Flush Your RV Water Heater

    travel trailer water heater flush

  2. Flushing Our RV Water Heater

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  3. RV / Travel Trailer Water Heater Operation

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  4. Cleaning Flushing and Descaling an RV Water Heater

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  5. How To Flush an RV Hot Water Heater

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  6. Dometic/Atwood RV Water Heater Overview, Burp, And Backflush

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COMMENTS

  1. How To Flush An RV Water Heater to Remove Scale

    1.14) Turn Off the Water Heater. 1.15) Turn Off the City Water Feed and the Water Pump. 1.16) Open the Overpressure Relief Valve (Wearing Gloves if Needed) 1.17) Remove the Drain Plug. 1.18) Flush the Tank. 1.19) Install Your New Anode Rod (Suburban) or Drain Plug (Atwood) 2) How to De-scale a Tankless Water Heater.

  2. How to Drain Your RV Water Heater

    Whether you're cleaning, winterizing, or just wrapping up a trip, you'll need to drain your RV or trailer water heater. Here's how to do it in just 4 easy st...

  3. How to Clean an RV Water Heater the Right Way!

    Also referred to BY SOME as a HOT WATER HEATERChecklist for Periodic Water Heater Maintenance. Preseason preppers or Full-Time RV users, perform all the step...

  4. How to Clean RV Water Heater

    Descale and Sanitize the Tank with Vinegar. Go ahead and replace your drain plug or anode rod now to plug up the water heater. We've finished flushing out our water heater, so now we can move on to the next step: sanitizing. Mix a vinegar-water solution at a 2:1 ratio into a bucket (you'll need around 3 - 5 gallons).

  5. how to flush an rv water heater?

    To flush your RV water heater, first turn off the power to the unit at the breaker panel. 3. Next, open the pressure relief valve to release any pressure that may be built up in the system. 4. Finally, attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater and run the hose outside. 5.

  6. How to Clean your RV Water Heater (A Step by Step Guide)

    1.2 Step 1: Turn the Power Off. 1.3 Step 2: Relieve Pressure. 1.4 Step 3: Clear Debris. 1.5 Step 4: Drain Water Heater. 1.6 Step 5: Flush the RV Water Heater. 1.7 Step 6: Replace the Plug. 1.8 Step 7: Clean the RV Water Heater. 2 How to Clean your Suburban RV Water Heater. 2.1 Tools Required.

  7. How To Back Flush An RV Water Heater

    Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/myrvworksParts and Tools Affiliate Links: https://myrvworks.com/resources/darrens-tool-list/Service Manuals: http...

  8. Cleaning Flushing and Descaling an RV Water Heater

    Fill the rest of the water heater with water. Turn on the water heater electric element to heat the mixture and leave for a minimum of 8 hours. After 8 hours turn water heater off and allow to sit overnight. After sitting overnight and allowing to cool, drain mixture from water heater. Flush water heater out as you did previously using the ...

  9. How to properly care for your RV water heater

    When you hire them to clean your RV's tanks, they also do a complimentary flush of the water heater. You can also do this yourself and the video shows you how. (Note: This applies to traditional water heaters, not tankless or on-demand RV water heaters.) Jim discusses the three main brands of RV water heaters that will benefit from flushing ...

  10. How To Service Your RV Hot Water Heater

    Water tank drain and flush. Here is how to drain and flush your RV hot water heater: Standing to the side and wearing gloves, open the pressure relief valve. There may still be some hot water and built-up pressure in the tank. Remove the drain plug, again being careful of possible hot water. On Suburban units, there will be an anode rod ...

  11. How To Drain Your RV Water Heater A Step-By-Step Guide

    This process follows the same steps as draining with one exception. After draining, attach the RV water cleaner wand to a garden hose and place it in the drainpipe. Turn on the hose and flush the interior of the water heater tank. Flush and drain four to eight times, depending on the state of your water heater.

  12. RV Maintenance: DIY Water Heater Flush

    Reinstall the drain plug. Remove the pressure-temperature relief valve. Mix 4 parts vinegar and 2 parts water and pour it into the tank with a funnel. Cycle the water heater with this solution, letting it run under normal operation 4-5 times. Remove the drain plug and drain the solution. Flush the water heater to remove any sediment.

  13. Finally! An RV water heater tank rinser wand that works and doesn't fly

    Flush those deposits out! The wand can go in far enough to cover the whole tank and the nozzle can be turned down to flush out the deposits on the bottom of the tank. Flush wand. Sediment in hot water tank flushed out. Bye-bye, plastic flush wand. Hello, all-metal RV water heater tank rinser! Lo and behold, the old plastic flush wand flew out!

  14. How to Flush Your RV Water Heater

    Basic steps to clean your RV water heater. You may encounter scale or a bad (rotten egg) smell from your RV hot water heater. We show you steps for using vin...

  15. Flush RV Water Heater

    1 Flush RV Water Heater to Remove Smell. 2 Step One: Drain Water Heater. 3 Step Two: Add Vinegar and Water. 4 Step Three: Wait. 5 Step Four: Flush RV Water Heater Tank and Water Lines. 6 Flush RV Water Heater Video. 7 Thanks.

  16. The Best Way to Flush an Atwood RV Water Heater

    Step 14. Flush the Tank. Take your RV water heater tank flushing wand and attach it to the end of your garden hose. Turn the water supply back on, and stick the end of the wand into the drain plug opening. Twist and turn the wand around inside the tank, moving it in and out as far as you can to reach as much inner surface as possible.

  17. The Tool That Makes Cleaning RV Water Heaters Fast & Easy

    The Vanpet RV Water Heater Cleaning Tool is an incredibly useful RV gadget. It will get to all the hard to reach corners of the water heater tank and it can be used for cleaning other RV parts or in the garden. The quality materials used and many features make this one of the best tools for cleaning the inside of the water heater tank in your ...

  18. RV water heater anode rod and flush wand explained

    Here's the water heater anode rod I recommend for Suburban replacement. Before installing the new anode rod, I would also recommend flushing out the tank using a flush wand like this one. Flushing out the sediment in the bottom of the tank will help prevent damage. Other RV water heater tools. Pressure Valve Remover; Heating Element Socket

  19. How To Flush & Clean a Suburban RV Water Heater

    update: this water heater cleaning method has been updated with important changes. click here to see the new technique: https://youtu.be/tl7atxjynccsuburban ...

  20. How to Flush a Suburban RV Water Heater

    Parts Needed. 1 1/16" socket to remove factory anode drain plug. 3/4 NPT Male plastic drain plug to use when filling tank overnight with vinegar + water solution. 1 1/8" socket to put on and remove above the drain plug. Water heater tank rinser. Replacement magnesium Suburban RV Water Heater Anode Rod (Suburban sells an aluminum one for twice the price but you don't need it unless your ...

  21. How To Flush & Clean an Atwood RV Water Heater

    UPDATE - April 3, 2012: Regarding our use of an after-market anode rod. There are questions about which metal to use - magnesium, aluminum or zinc. As we m...

  22. How to Flush a Hot Water Heater

    Open a hot water faucet closest to the water heater, preferably on an upper floor, and the water heater drain valve. Let the tank drain until sediment clogs the valve and reduces the flow.

  23. Amazon.com: Rv Water Heater Flush

    RV Water Heater Flush Wand & RV Water Heater Anode Rods & Tape Set, with 1/2'' and 3/4'' Water Pipe Thread Anode Rod for Suburban and Mor-Flo, RV Water Heater Tank Rinser & Cleaning Rinser for Car. 4.1 out of 5 stars. 20. $18.99 $ 18. 99. FREE delivery Thu, Feb 15 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon.

  24. Flushing Our RV Water Heater

    Flush Tool: https://amzn.to/2XlLSX9Nylon Plug: https://amzn.to/34jsKKNAmazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/wanderingweekendsWandering Weekends Merchandi...