water Heater Deposits

[WestCoastRV'er]

Hello Everyone,
Today I drained my water heater and notice lots of white mineral deposits on the anode and the bottom of the water heater. Any suggestions on cleaning the tank. I read that you can use vinegar or CLR by filling the tank, leaving it for several hours and then flushing with plenty of water.

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[cardinal4fun]

The anode rod will have the white spots, its just doing its job. As for cleaning the tank, they make an attachment to the water hose that will fit in the tanks drain hole. This will add pressure and help remove the deposits.

Maybe vinegar if you want, that seems like alot of work to me. I would never put a cleaning agent ( CLR) in my fresh water, just never know what could happen.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by cardinal4fun

The anode rod will have the white spots, its just doing its job. As for cleaning the tank, they make an attachment to the water hose that will fit in the tanks drain hole. This will add pressure and help remove the deposits.

Maybe vinegar if you want, that seems like alot of work to me. I would never put a cleaning agent ( CLR) in my fresh water, just never know what could happen.

X-2 on this. Youroo!!

[KyDan]

Deposits in the water heater are normal.
As mentioned I wouldn't put a cleaner in my hwh.

I have a piece of hose (a washing machine hose cut in half) that is about
3 feet long. I use it for filling my fresh water tank and in the fall when
I'm winterizing I can stick it in the drain hole and flush out the deposits.

Happy Camping!

[herk7769]

Originally Posted by cardinal4fun

Maybe vinegar if you want, that seems like alot of work to me. I would never put a cleaning agent ( CLR) in my fresh water, just never know what could happen.

Ditto on the NO CLR. As to acid (vinegar) in the water heater; your anode is giving up its life to protect your water heater's internals from acidic water that would eat your cast iron boiler and electric heating element. No need to help it die.

The bits in your heater are normal crud (bits of magnesium anode and calcium from hard water) Just flush it out good with a wand to prevent them from finding their way into your hot water faucets.

Amazon.com: RV Water Heater Tank Flushing Tool: Sports & Outdoors

[WestCoastRV'er]

thanks everyone
I like the idea of not using any CLR or vinegar. Never thought of just flushing it out several times a year for prevention. Last winter I used rv antifreeze and don't plan on doing it again because it took quite a while to get the rid of the taste. Just drain, empty hw heater and blow lines with compressor.


Thanks

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