Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing, shows you how to do essential RV maintenance by cleaning out the hot water tank. It is recommended that the hot water tank is cleaned at least once a year, or more if it is more heavily used. This procedure will remove dirt and scale that can shorten the life of your tank. Follow the simple instructions outlined in this instructional RV maintenance video to learn how to flush the RV hot water tank.
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2 Comments
My pressure release valve leaks after the water has been heated and on for a period of time. It, in turn, splashes onto fire and puts it out. I've already been thru the draining procedure and an expert with valves said that this valve is just fine. Can you help? Please and Thanks.
Dave
Its possible your model of hot water tank is designed to have a bit of air at the top allow for expansion, saving the pipes. And sometimes, big shocker, they just ...overheat! Also, mineral granules(etc) get lodged in the valve when opened to be tested , or played with (or used as a drain) compromising the re-seal.
Water fills the space over time as it naturally absorbs the air. Just empty the hot water tank and fill it up again.The air space will be replaced automagically. I suppose it is assumed you empty and refill your tank yearly, but you could do this more often if TP valve leaks again. Plus, don't forget, TP valves just go, too, after a few/5+ years (at least at home they do, especially without a air ballast tank). Water pressure can climb quite a bit when it's just finished being heated, and then settles down a bit before the next use. And it's super hard on your fragile RV pipe connections.
You should buy a good (adjustable) pressure regulator on Amazon for the city water supply hose going into your RV. Expect pay CDN$50-$70, don't buy the the cheaper CDN$10-20 ones as they don't really regulate pressure, only flow.)
you could also make a shroud or sluice out of metal, but...how much of your valuable propane is being wasted heating hot water that's dumped through the TP valve every day? Do you measure it? In a house, it can cost tens to hundreds a month if valve is out of sight/out of mind.
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