Billy Gibson, service tech from our Colton Service department, shares how Mike Thompson's RV performs RV Water Heater Maintenance. This video includes both major types of RV Water Heaters: Atwood and Suburban. For more service tech tips subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

First of all, we recommend wearing safety glasses when doing any type of maintenance on your RV. Also make sure to do the following: turn off the propane to ensure all appliances are off, unplug your coach and shut off your batteries if possible. You don't want the appliance coming on while you are servicing the water heater.

Since we will be working on a water heater, you want to make sure that there is no hot water in your system. The best way to check that the water is no longer hot is to shut off your water heater and then run water through the hot faucet side until the water is no longer warm.

Suburban RV Water Heater Maintenance:

Before replacing the anode rod, we will start by pulling the pop off value (the pressure release valve) to empty all of the water out. To take out the anode rod on your Suburban water heater, you want to break it lose with a proper socket until it is hand tight and then you will pull it out by hand. While you are pulling it out by hand, make sure to hold open the pop off valve. There will be fluid evacuating the hole where the anode rod is held so it is a good idea to step back. Pull out the old anode rod and allow all of the fluid to come out.

When you install your new anode rod, make sure to put some thread sealer on the threads (we use Teflon tape). To install the anode rod, slide it into the same hole, hand tighten it and then use the proper socket to tighten until it is snug. Before moving on, make sure your pop off lever is back in place.

The next step in the maintenance of the anode rod is to remove any debris from the burner tube and burner chamber. We usually use compressed air and will stand a relative distance away to avoid the debris. The last part of the service is to use a cleaning appliance to remove any other dust and debris from the water heater area.

To make sure that the water heater is working correctly, you will want to look for a blue flame. Note: A yellow flame means there is some type of obstruction in your burner tube.

Atwood RV Water Heater Maintenance:

The first thing to note is that Atwood water heaters don't use an anode rod, which will mean one less step in the service. We will drain the fluid in the tank but we don't have to replace anything. We will begin by removing any debris from the burner tube and burner chamber. We usually use compressed air and will stand a relative distance away to avoid the debris.

Next we will drain our tank. Make sure to pull the pop off valve before removing the plug. Loosen the valve until it is hand tight, make sure to hold the pop off valve open and remove the plug. Make sure to stand a relative distance away because there will be water evacuating the plug hole.

When replacing the tank plug, make sure to use Teflon tape to help seal the tank. Hand tighten the drain plug and then use the proper socket to tighten the plug until it is snug. The last part of the service is to use a cleaning appliance to remove any other dust and debris from the water heater area.

To make sure that the water heater is working correctly, you will want to look for a blue flame. Note: A yellow flame means there is some type of obstruction in your burner tube.

If you are having issues with your water heater system or have any question about this service tip, please come in to one of our 3 Service Locations in Southern California.

Mike Thompson's RV Super Stores
www.MikeThompson.com
(888)3508832

"This video is for general educational and information purposes only, and is not intended to be a complete and accurate explanation of the work methods and processes that are appropriate for maintenance or repair of all recreational vehicles. Before performing any inspections or repairs you must always consult and follow the specific instructions listed in the RV's owner's manual and or the Appliance owner's manual or contact a certified RV repair technician. Mike Thompson's RV Super Stores will not be responsible for any injury to self or damage to your vehicle that may result from your use of this video."