A Quick and Dirty Guide to RV Water Heater Maintenance
One of the biggest benefits of camping in an RV is being able to take a hot shower at the end of the day. But to be able to enjoy those hot showers, you need to make sure your water heater is in good working order at all times. That means staying on top of routine maintenance throughout the year, whether you’re using your RV as a full-timer or keep it parked at an RV storage facility during the off-season. Here are a few key maintenance tasks to take care of so you can keep your water heater running the way you know it should.
Flush the Water Heater Regularly
Unless you have an on-demand water heater, your RV’s system likely has a storage tank. This storage tank ensures that you have a certain amount of hot water ready to use when the water heater is turned on. But that storage tank can develop a buildup of dirt, scum, and mineral deposits over time. Flushing your water heater will help clear the debris from the system so it can run more efficiently. Follow your water heater’s specific instructions to flush the tank and do this at least once a month when you’re using your RV regularly.
Inspect and Replace Your Anode Rod
Water heater anode rods are designed to pull hard mineral deposits away from the more sensitive components of your water heater and toward the rod. Over time, the minerals will collect on the rod and corrode the material away rather than hurting your water heater.
You’ll want to inspect the rod at least once a year and replace it as needed. Most RV owners find that the anode rod will need to be replaced every one to three years, depending on how often you use the water heater. If you use it more frequently, you’ll likely need to replace the anode rod more often.
Check the Vents Every Few Weeks
Water heaters need proper air circulation to run effectively, especially if they’re powered by propane. Inspect the area around your water heater for buildup of dust and debris along the vents. If you notice any, wipe it away and make sure the airways are clear. This will help ensure that your unit gets the airflow it needs to provide proper ignition and heating when you turn the water heater on.
Schedule Professional Tune-Ups Twice a Year
Messing with propane systems on your own isn’t the best idea. There are a lot of components that, when damaged, could cause propane to leak into your coach. Rather than trying to tune up your water heater on your own, schedule a professional tune-up twice a year if you use your RV often and once a year if you use it infrequently.
These tune-ups will help ensure that your water heater works properly and can extend the life of your water heater in the long run.
Let GoHomePort’s Repair and Maintenance Team Help
Keeping your water heater running smoothly means staying on top of routine maintenance throughout the year. Though there are many tasks that you can do on your own, you don’t have to. Schedule an appointment with goHomePort’s RV service and repair experts and our team tune your system up for you.
Go Back Flush the Water Heater Regularly
Unless you have an on-demand water heater, your RV’s system likely has a storage tank. This storage tank ensures that you have a certain amount of hot water ready to use when the water heater is turned on. But that storage tank can develop a buildup of dirt, scum, and mineral deposits over time. Flushing your water heater will help clear the debris from the system so it can run more efficiently. Follow your water heater’s specific instructions to flush the tank and do this at least once a month when you’re using your RV regularly.
Inspect and Replace Your Anode Rod
Water heater anode rods are designed to pull hard mineral deposits away from the more sensitive components of your water heater and toward the rod. Over time, the minerals will collect on the rod and corrode the material away rather than hurting your water heater.
You’ll want to inspect the rod at least once a year and replace it as needed. Most RV owners find that the anode rod will need to be replaced every one to three years, depending on how often you use the water heater. If you use it more frequently, you’ll likely need to replace the anode rod more often.
Check the Vents Every Few Weeks
Water heaters need proper air circulation to run effectively, especially if they’re powered by propane. Inspect the area around your water heater for buildup of dust and debris along the vents. If you notice any, wipe it away and make sure the airways are clear. This will help ensure that your unit gets the airflow it needs to provide proper ignition and heating when you turn the water heater on.
Schedule Professional Tune-Ups Twice a Year
Messing with propane systems on your own isn’t the best idea. There are a lot of components that, when damaged, could cause propane to leak into your coach. Rather than trying to tune up your water heater on your own, schedule a professional tune-up twice a year if you use your RV often and once a year if you use it infrequently.
These tune-ups will help ensure that your water heater works properly and can extend the life of your water heater in the long run.
Let GoHomePort’s Repair and Maintenance Team Help
Keeping your water heater running smoothly means staying on top of routine maintenance throughout the year. Though there are many tasks that you can do on your own, you don’t have to. Schedule an appointment with goHomePort’s RV service and repair experts and our team tune your system up for you.