Forum Discussion

DCamp84's avatar
DCamp84
Explorer
Apr 27, 2017

Water Heater Vinegar Soak

Hey guys. I want to flush out the water heater tank before I start the season. Just got our first camper in march and our maiden voyage will be next week. Detwinterizing everything I noticed a bunch of sediment in the bottom of the water heater tank (suburban) and the annode rod was pretty deteriorated. Got a new annode rod and I'd like to flush the tank and try to clean it out as best I can as it looks like it's never been done (camper is a 2011). I've seen good results with the vinegar soak but everyone I saw was done with a winterizing kit which my camper doesn't have. So my question is how do I fill my tank with the vinegar. Can I hook up a hose to the intake side of my water pump and suck it up that way? Is it safe to run vinegar through the water pump with out hurting it? Sorry for the long winded question just wanted to be as clear as possible. TIA!!
  • larry_barnhart's avatar
    larry_barnhart
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2017
    I have use vinegar for years each time we come back from 6 months in Az. I drain everything including the low point drain and water heater. I buy vinegar at Costco and 8 gallons. Pour one in the fresh tank and fill that bottle with water, Keep doing the same and have 16 gallons in the fresh tank. Turn on the pump and when the water tank is full open a hot water faucet until you know vinegar is coming out and do the same to the others. I zip lock a one gallon bag over the shower head . 3 days later drain and flush.

    chevman
  • rockhillmanor's avatar
    rockhillmanor
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2017
    Throw a gallon of vinegar in the fresh water tank just partially filled with water so its not so diluted and then turn on all the hot faucets and let your fresh water pump pump it in until you smell the vinegar at the faucet then shut them off and let it sit overnight.

    Since you drained the water tank to repair I'm assuming you haven't run water and it is still empty.

    So Just make sure NOT to turn your hot water heater on because the tank is empty and you'll burn it up. How water heater does not need to be on to run vinegar cleanse thru.

    I use one of these when I want to put antifreeze and/or vinegar into my fresh tank. Has a screen in it and hose extends to what ever length you need to get it into your fresh water inlet.



    I do a vinegar cleanse often to keep all the water lines clean and help remove the minerals I pick up from CG well waters.
  • md_procouple's avatar
    md_procouple
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2017
    You also may want to get a Hot Water Tank flush wand, to get the loose stuff out. You can get them at Camping World, or most RV dealerships. I use ours every year before I close it up for the winter. Good Luck and Happy Camping !!
  • guidry's avatar
    guidry
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2017
    I use bleach but you can use vinegar too. I just think bleach works better. Hook up your hose then poor the vinegar or bleach into the hose then hook the other end of the hose to the water faucet. Turn it on to fill your tank then use your pump to get the water and vinegar into the water tank. Depending on the length of your hose you could put more vinegar if needed. I would suggest running the pump through all your faucets after the water tank is full and running. Good luck
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Apr 27, 2017
    Vinegar will not damage a pump, just passing thru it anyway. I cannot advise you on the other questions.

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