Using vinegar mixture to flush Suburban water heater

[pdbelew]

I am considering using a 50/50 mix of vinegar/water to flush my Suburban water heater due to all the calcium buildup. Question to members: Do you have any tips or warnings about removing the Pressure release valve in order to add the vinegar/water mix to the water heater? That seems to me to be the easiest way to get it into the water heater by pouring it in through a funnel. Reinstall the valve. Turn the heater on for 4 hours then drain and flush with clean water.

2017 Flagstaff 30WRLIKS

[Flybob]

You should be fine without turning on the WH.

[67L48]

I'll state the obvious. If you use a vinegar solution to clean and then later use a bleach solution to sanitize, make sure that they don't mix. Flush the lines good before you go between vinegar and bleach.

[SailorSam20500]

Saw this show up somewhere... Gives a few ideas on how to get the vinegar in.

http://www.loveyourrv.com/cleaning-r...-tank-vinegar/

[5picker]

Not sure I'd take the valve out.
I'd make some sort of hose adapter to screw into the relief valve opening (there are threads) to hook a hose and funnel onto and pour it in without removing the valve. Even though the hose would be connecting to the bottom of the valve, by holding the funnel/hose higher, it would fill the tank. Open a hot water spigot to allow air to escape.

[JP Camper]

Isn’t the purpose of the anode rod to stop the build up of scale? I

[5picker]

Originally Posted by JP Camper

Isn’t the purpose of the anode rod to stop the build up of scale? I

Nope, it sacrifices itself through electrolysis from corroding/rusting the steel tank.

[awellis3]

Originally Posted by JP Camper

Isn’t the purpose of the anode rod to stop the build up of scale? I

No. The anode rod prevents the walls of the heater and the heating element from being eaten away by electrolysis.

[Rich5117]

Be sure to leave the relief valve open if the calcium build up is severe the reaction creates carbon dioxide gas. This can build excess pressure in the system.

[CharlieS3]

The anode is completely unrelated to scale. Scale is the buildup that occurs from the minerals that are in the water. The acidity in the vinegar dissolves the scale. It can be quite significant depending on the water.

The anode is a sacrificial metal that gets attacked first by the electrolysis which can get generated in your system, from different possible sources but most typically by the presence of dissimilar metals. Without the anode, the electrolysis corrodes the steel liner of your water heater. Both the one in your RV and the one in your home should get replaced every 7-10 years.

Charlie

[Big Bill]

What if you drained the WH , then put your mix thru the winterizeing setting, then open a hot water apickot then let it sit , drain and flush the system , then see if it was worth it ?

[Telstar]

I don’t turn the water heater on during soaking, just let it soak overnight.

[Mad Cow]

Just speculating, but wouldn't CLR do the trick? It is designed with washing machines, dishwashers, etc in mind. Not sure why it wouldn't work in a water heater.

[SailorSam20500]

Originally Posted by Telstar

I don’t turn the water heater on during soaking, just let it soak overnight.

Overnight with no heat, turn up the heat and the job is done in an hour...

Originally Posted by Mad Cow

Just speculating, but wouldn't CLR do the trick? It is designed with washing machines, dishwashers, etc in mind. Not sure why it wouldn't work in a water heater.

Couple of gallons of white vinegar is cheaper - and absolutely safe!

[TheWolfPaq82]

Originally Posted by Mad Cow

Just speculating, but wouldn't CLR do the trick? It is designed with washing machines, dishwashers, etc in mind. Not sure why it wouldn't work in a water heater.

NEVER !! that's a caustic chemical and you don't want any chance of residue making it through any of the water lines. Vinegar is completely safe and easy to flush out.

[TheWolfPaq82]

Originally Posted by pdbelew

I am considering using a 50/50 mix of vinegar/water to flush my Suburban water heater due to all the calcium buildup. Question to members: Do you have any tips or warnings about removing the Pressure release valve in order to add the vinegar/water mix to the water heater? That seems to me to be the easiest way to get it into the water heater by pouring it in through a funnel. Reinstall the valve. Turn the heater on for 4 hours then drain and flush with clean water.

2017 Flagstaff 30WRLIKS

I've seen the video that describes pretty much what you want to do. The end results were very impressive with the amount of scale it removed from the tank and heating elements.

[str8t six]

maybe try this method?

Does Your RV Have a Water Heater? If so, WATCH THIS VIDEO!

[russhd1997]

Turn on the water heater after you put in the vinegar/water mix. That's what I do to clean the pans on my maple syrup evaporator. Heat makes it work faster and do a better job. I've tried it both ways. When I use it cold I have to let the evaporator sit for 2 weeks to get it clean and then it's not as clean as bringing it up to a boil and then letting it sit overnight.

[831 BHDS Flagstaff 2015]

I replace my mag rod every year to be safe. Was susprised how fast they eat up. You can also get a HW adpeter that fits on end of garden hose to flush HW tank.

[WyomingJack]

I removed the pressure relief valve and added 2 gallons of horticultural vinegar 30% and filled. Left overnight, it did pretty well. Heating may do a better job. Used a lighted scope to view before and after . Not sure that I would remove the PR valve a second time