When former BF & I had a RV together, we drained the water heater ( or thought we did) by opening the low point drains and parking on a slope so that the water heater was uphill. We then winterized by closing the WH bypass & pumping pink stuff through the lines, plus pouring in traps. Never had any problem for 3 years.Now that I'm reading with an eye to doing this on my own in the future, I see comments that say things like, "Water heater drain plug must be removed to drain it."Were we just blissfully ignorant and got lucky? (Which I doubt, as RV was stored in central IL for the winter.) Or did we manage to drain the water heater through the low point drains?And what is there to prevent the WH from draining through the low point drains?

Low point drains are for Hot & Cold plumbing lines.Water heater tank drains via drain plug which is located in water heater outside compartment.Some water heaters can drain thru cold inlet int cold water lines and out cold low point drain. Depends on how plumbing is done/installed.Best to NOT count on it doing so.Best to always drain via drain plug----that way you know WH tank has been drainedBesides water heater should be drained/flushed at least once a year for routine maintenance. Winter time is a good time to do so

Yes, you were lucky!Drain the WH - it's easy to do.

I think your procedure is ok since I did the same and have never had any problems

take the chance for a 1 minute job? Pull the plug!

If your water heater is a Suburban model, it will have an anode rod that needs replacing from time to time and it is attached to the drain plug. Remove the drain plug to see how much of it is left and replace as necessary. If you have the plastic looking plug, the water heater does not have the anode rod, but should still be drained. As said, it only take a minute or so for peace of mind.

Draining water heater | Good Sam Community

mobeewan
Explorer
Jan 18, 2015
Yes, you here very lucky. The water heater usually has a check valve on the hot water outlet. This will create a vacuum on the tank not allowing much water to flow out the cold water inlet to the water heater and out the low point drain. Removing the anode rod/plug on the water heater will allow it to empty to the level of the drain hole. As mentioned you should remove the anode rod at least once a year any way to inspect it. Don't leave it out over winter as others do, putting it back in will keep protecting the tank.
robsouth
Explorer II
Jan 18, 2015
If your water heater is a Suburban model, it will have an anode rod that needs replacing from time to time and it is attached to the drain plug. Remove the drain plug to see how much of it is left and replace as necessary. If you have the plastic looking plug, the water heater does not have the anode rod, but should still be drained. As said, it only take a minute or so for peace of mind.
SDcampowneroper
Explorer
Jan 18, 2015
take the chance for a 1 minute job? Pull the plug!
fischer
Explorer
Jan 18, 2015
I think your procedure is ok since I did the same and have never had any problems
ScottG
Nomad
Jan 18, 2015
Yes, you were lucky!
Drain the WH - it's easy to do.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jan 18, 2015
Low point drains are for Hot & Cold plumbing lines.

Water heater tank drains via drain plug which is located in water heater outside compartment.

Some water heaters can drain thru cold inlet int cold water lines and out cold low point drain. Depends on how plumbing is done/installed.

Best to NOT count on it doing so.
Best to always drain via drain plug----that way you know WH tank has been drained

Besides water heater should be drained/flushed at least once a year for routine maintenance. Winter time is a good time to do so

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