Cleaning Water Heater

[Diplomat Don]

My BIL's water heater would only get luke warm in 110 volt mode on our last trip. He called Atwood and they told him where to check to service the electric heating element, but first told him to clean the interior of the tank by partially filling it with white vinegar and letting it sit overnight while OFF. The white vinegar is suppose to reduce the mineral buildup in the tank. He did the flush and the heater now works. Atwood recommends doing this about every three years.

I bought three 1.3 gallon bottles of white vinegar at Costco for the flush. I removed the metal flange around the upper burner tube (2 screws) and then removed the upper relief valve with a large crescent wrench. I removed the lower drain plug and let the tank drain. I put the drain plug back in and filled the tank with the vinegar using a small funnel. I put some new thread tape on the relief valve and reinstalled it. I turned the wate pump on and let the tank fill the rest of the way with water. The next day I drained the tank, filled it and drained it agin.

I thought this might help those that feel their tank isn't getting as hot or hot fast enough.

[Madrona]

Another great tip, Don, thanks! I have drained ours and flushed, but never thought of using vinegar. Next time I will.