How often do you drain hot water heater tank?

[stro1965]

Camping every other weekend or so, I've always drained the tank after every trip. Talking to my dad, he thinks I'm nuts and drains his once a year, when he winterizes. What do you weekend campers do?

[3_dog_nights]

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.

[Cummins12V98]

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!

[Tallboy]

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

[stro1965]

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?

[stro1965]

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

[Stefonius]

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.

[RoyB]

I like micahmiles answer haha...

I drain mine once a year during my blow-out of water in the water lines.

I have noticed a couple of recent post of the hot water smelling bad. I would drain mine more often if that was my case.

I probably don't have an anode rod anymore - have never inspected that in the past five years of owning my trailer. Thanks for the reminder...

Roy Ken

[Hamops]

BB_TX wrote:

K Charles wrote:
When I winterize

Same here.

DITTO!

[Buckeye_Chuck]

On my former camper I would sometimes get a foul Odor from the hot water tank. This was due to the water at the campground we frequented. I would have to drain and flush it out quite often. Have not needed to do this on our new 5er yet. We have not been back to that campground this year. It will be interesting to see what happens after we do visit it.

[Jack_Diane_Free]

Once per year when winterizing.

[RollandB]

Each time I winterize, some years that can be 3 or more times as we aren't bashful in going somewhere in the winter months.

[rhagfo]

Never during the three warm months, then as need to protect from freezing during our not so mild periods of Winter.

[pigman1]

Annually, when I check the anode. I also flush it thoroughly at the same time. We don't winterize as we snowbird. It's just part of the maintenance cycle I go through for the entire coach. I do all my own work.

[btd35]

Why would you ever drain a water heater during the season. That makes NO sense at all. What a waste of time, and actually causes more wear on it. There's always a small amount of water you can't get out, and allowing the moisture and air go get to the tank wall just makes it rust quicker inside. Air and moisture cause oxidation to the inside of tanks. Leave it full and it will rust much slower. Example, a ship hull will rust and wear faster at the water line than below, because the air gets to it, as well as the water. In northern climates we have to winterize them by draining them, but don't do it during the season.

[larry_barnhart]

We spend over 6 months in Az each winter so I drain and flush out the white crud that builds up and this time after getting home I soaked the complete water system in vinegar for 3 days and flushed the system.
chevman