How often do you drain hot water heater tank?

stro1965 wrote:

Stefonius wrote:

stro1965 wrote:
One follow-up question...

I think I know the answer to this but, when filling the fresh water tank through the city water connection (that's how my rig works anyway), does the water heater always automatically fill first? Or does it only fill on demand once I open a hot water faucet inside the camper?

I have found that the tank has to be "burped" via the pressure relief valve to allow the air out. Otherwise it takes a while to fill the heater and the faucets spit air for a while.

So you just relieve the pressure for a few seconds as you start to fill the tank?

I relieve the pressure while filling the tank until air stops coming out and water is flowing steadily. I make sure I'm wearing flip-flops or sandals when I do this, because wet feet are a near-certainty.

I do not winterize any more but I do drain and flush out water heater about 4 times a year. The water in south Texas and Arizona gives you a lot of white crude build up and needs to be flushed every couple months.

Stefonius wrote:

stro1965 wrote:
One follow-up question...

I think I know the answer to this but, when filling the fresh water tank through the city water connection (that's how my rig works anyway), does the water heater always automatically fill first? Or does it only fill on demand once I open a hot water faucet inside the camper?

I have found that the tank has to be "burped" via the pressure relief valve to allow the air out. Otherwise it takes a while to fill the heater and the faucets spit air for a while.

So you just relieve the pressure for a few seconds as you start to fill the tank?

stro1965 wrote:
One follow-up question...

I think I know the answer to this but, when filling the fresh water tank through the city water connection (that's how my rig works anyway), does the water heater always automatically fill first? Or does it only fill on demand once I open a hot water faucet inside the camper?

I have found that the tank has to be "burped" via the pressure relief valve to allow the air out. Otherwise it takes a while to fill the heater and the faucets spit air for a while.

Over the years I've had a sulfer smell come from the hot water after it sits for a couple of weeks. Seems worse depending on which campgrounds I've frequented. After having to drain and back flush numerous times I've gotten in the habit of draining the tank. Takes two minutes. No smelly water since I've been doing it. Seems a no brainer for me.

Jayco23FB wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Jayco23FB wrote:
I drain mine after every trip. Its easy to get to and no reason not to.

Do you drain yours after a vacation of 2 weeks at home???????

I am not sure what you are asking. I drain my fresh water tank and the water heater after every camping trip. I have easy access to both. I think it reduces any corrosion or organic build up in the tanks. Never had a problem so I'll keep doing it. Just habit I suppose.

With that logic I assume if you are gone on a 2 week vacation you drain your water heater at home also?

You really are wasting your time, but that is your choice!

Add me to the list of those that only drain the tank when I winterize.

One follow-up question...

I think I know the answer to this but, when filling the fresh water tank through the city water connection (that's how my rig works anyway), does the water heater always automatically fill first? Or does it only fill on demand once I open a hot water faucet inside the camper?

Hmmm...not sure we've solved this mystery! It sounds like either way works! Thanks to all who responded!

I drain after each trip if I won't be using the camper for at least two weeks. The last time I left the hot water heater full and unused for longer than that, the smell was appalling.