Easy way to drain water heater?

[TheGriswolds]

I like to drain the water heater almost every time after we use the trailer (2013 Keystone cougar 31sqb). However the Adnode (sp?) rod is a pain to take in and out just due to the angle and the amount of space I have to move around, it seems that it would be very easy to cross thread the thing. The low point drains are very close to the water heater access panel under the belly, would that drain the water heater also or just the trailer lines?

[Bionic_Man]

As others have suggested, I only drain my heater at the end of the year.

To answer your question, yes, opening the low point drains and opening a faucet in the coach will drain the hot water heater. I would not use that method when de-summerizing the trailer.

[Nvr2loud]

I just use a socket and wrench and pull the plug out and drain each time. Very easy to put back in again when finished. I am not afraid to cross thread, it is a 3/4" pipe thread on mine, if I strip it I'll just tap it again.

[TheGriswolds]

Excellent info and a great link to the drain plug combo. I always thought that a smell would develop with water left in the tank during the Summer months especially. Maybe I'll try leaving water in the tank and that would be the easiest if no foul water comes out at first. I've got the right tools to remove it and it's getting easier but just wondering what you all do..THANKS!!

[2012Coleman]

Yardvarkers wrote:
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/anode-rod-with-drain-for-atwood-water-heaters-4-1-2-/37395

Thanks for this link!

[gates59]

I don't have an anode on mime but I attached the bypass hose that I had for a water filter to where my plug is and then attached a ball valve. Best and fastest way to drain. Don't know how to post a pic of it though. Hope this helps someone with a drain plug.

[Yardvarkers]

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/anode-rod-with-drain-for-atwood-water-heaters-4-1-2-/37395

[downtheroad]

Lantley wrote:
I understand you like two drain the water heater however it really is not necessary if you are filling it with chlorinated city water. As you are finding out draining is more trouble that its worth. I only drain my heater to winterize and I refill in the Spring.
For the most part low point drains will not adequately drain heater

Exactly what we do.
I also have an extension for my socket wrench that makes getting to the anode rod easy.

[gmw_photos]

If you are storing it at home or where there is city water, you could always just flush it every couple weeks if you would like. Just hook up the hose, open the galley hot tap and run some water thru it. I just catch the water in a basin for something like that to avoid putting a lot of water in the gray tank.

[coolbreeze01]

Pulling the anode once a year for winter storage and cleaning is often enough imo. As mentioned 1 1/8" socket, extension, and 1/2" drive ratchet makes it easy.

[Lantley]

I understand you like two drain the water heater however it really is not necessary if you are filling it with chlorinated city water. As you are finding out draining is more trouble that its worth. I only drain my heater to winterize and I refill in the Spring.
For the most part low point drains will not adequately drain heater

[enblethen]

Low point drain will not siphon out debris from water heater.
It is best to remove the anode.
Even on out non-anode equipped water heater(Atwood) the angle can be a problem.
I am able to use a properly sized socket and extension to remove my plug.
You maybe able to do the same with your Suburban water ehater anode. Remove the anode the hard way, get a socket that fits and at least a six inch extention. These will be normally 1/2 drive. I use a 12 inch extension to make it easier. Odd sockets can be found at times in pawn shops.

[bradnailer]

Not sure about your trailer, but the hot water low point drain should drain your water heater provided you pop open the relief valve on the heater while it is draining.