Regularly draining your RV water heater is essential for maintaining its safe and efficient operation. Prolonged exposure to water can damage the unit and foster harmful bacterial growth and unpleasant odors, posing a potential health hazard.
If the RV water heater will remain unused for more than two weeks, it is best to drain it completely until it is needed again. For full-time RVers, incorporating this task into their annual maintenance routine is recommended.
Tools Required:
A wrench or ChannelLock pliers to remove the drain plug, depending on the model of the water heater. Rags to clean up spills and wipe off the drain plug.
Procedure:
Turn off the propane supply to the water heater by closing the main valve on the propane tank.
Switch off any electrical connections to the water heater by turning off the breaker.
Disconnect the water supply by turning off the city water connection and/or shutting off the valve closest to the water heater. If using a tank water supply, shut off the on-demand water pump.
Relieve pressure in the heater by briefly opening any set of cold and hot water faucets.
Remove the drain plug, typically located at one of the front bottom corners of the tank, using pliers or a wrench. Open the pressure relief valve on the top of the tank to drain the unit completely. A tool is not required for this step.
Once the tank is empty, replace the drain plug and close the pressure relief valve.
To resume using the water heater, ensure that the drain plug is in place and turn the propane supply, electrical connections, and water supply back on.
