How do you drain the hot wate tank?

[2WheelJon]

I have a new Mini Lite 2104S. How do you drain the hot water tank -- from the plug in the bottom of it or from the "low point" drains on the right rear of the unit?


thanks.

[TheMcBees]

If it is a Suburban HWH you pull the plug (which is actually the anode rod). If it is an Atwood it should have a plastic plug that you remove. Note: you also open the low point drains when clearing the system/winterizing.

[Scrapper]

Never drain your water heater through the low point drains. That is why there is a drain plug in the bottom of the water heaters tank. Any crud built up in the WH will be pulled into the water lines if you drain it through the low point drains. Atwood water heaters use a 7/8" 6-point socket , Suburban water heaters use a 1-1/16" 6-point socket.. Most people use a 6" extension and ratchet to pull the drain plugs.

[01tundra]

I installed an anode with drain feature and put a ball valve on it, so all I have to do to drain the heater is open the valve.

[aceinspp]

Originally Posted by Scrapper

Never drain your water heater through the low point drains. That is why there is a drain plug in the bottom of the water heaters tank. Any crud built up in the WH will be pulled into the water lines if you drain it through the low point drains. Atwood water heaters use a 7/8" 6-point socket , Suburban water heaters use a 1-1/16" 6-point socket.. Most people use a 6" extension and ratchet to pull the drain plugs.

X 2 Later RJD

[2WheelJon]

This looks great! Where can I get the anode rod with the drain feature?

[cw1001]

I would like to know as well.

[Lee Pedrick]

I'd prefer not to have that drain fitting. By pulling the annode rod out , you visually see its condition and know if it needs to be replaced or not. Once I pull the rod out and drain the heater I just slide it back in half a thread until next spring. Or no threads at all so fresh air can get in there all winter.

[KyDan]

I remove the drain plug from the HW tank. If I remember, I'll shut it off on the morning of our last day so it's not too hot. I like to pull the plug before I drive home because of the round bottom it won't all drain out sitting still. More water and minerals will slosh out on the road home. Same with my fresh tank. I open the drain when I'm breaking camp.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Scrapper

Never drain your water heater through the low point drains. That is why there is a drain plug in the bottom of the water heaters tank. Any crud built up in the WH will be pulled into the water lines if you drain it through the low point drains. Atwood water heaters use a 7/8" 6-point socket , Suburban water heaters use a 1-1/16" 6-point socket.. Most people use a 6" extension and ratchet to pull the drain plugs.

Originally Posted by aceinspp

X 2 Later RJD

X3

[jeff64]

X4 this is a great time for using camco wh flusher and rinsing it out well. I use the camco anode with the petcock and have been in the habit of draining the whole system down at the end of a trip. Haven't had a lick of probs with the system and on original camco anode setup after 6 seasons FWIW.

[TheMcBees]

I use the anode with a drain so that I can easily drain it after each trip. At the end of the season it comes out for a proper flushing and inspection of the anode.

[01tundra]

Originally Posted by TheMcBees

I use the anode with a drain so that I can easily drain it after each trip. At the end of the season it comes out for a proper flushing and inspection of the anode.

Exactly.

[01tundra]

I change the petcock valve out for a full-port ball valve and short brass nipple to the water drains outside of the cabinet.

NW Leisure TSA200 Tank Saver Anode https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HYOUSC..._065GFbWV9N01A