28
FLUSHING
TO REMOVE
UNPLEASANT ODOR
A rotten egg odor (hydrogen sulfide) may be
produced when the electro galvanic action of the
cladding material releases hydrogen from the water.
If sulfur is present in the water supply the two will
combine and produce an unpleasant smell.
1. Turn off main water supply. Drain the water
heater tank and reinstall drain plug. Remove the
pressure-temperature relief valve. Mix solution of
4 parts white vinegar to two parts water. (For a
10 gallon tank, use 6 gallons vinegar to 3 gallons
water). With a funnel, carefully pour solution into
tank.
2. Cycle water heater with the above solution,
letting it run under normal operation 4-5 times.
3. Remove the drain plug and thoroughly drain all
water from the tank. Flush the water heater to
remove any sediment. You may flush the tank
with air pressure or fresh water. Pressure may be
applied through either the inlet or outlet valve on
the rear of the tank or through the pressure-
temperature relief valve coupling located on the
front of the unit.
TO FLUSH TANK WITH AIR PRESSURE
:
Insert your air pressure through the pressure-
temperature relief valve coupling. With the drain
valve open, the air pressure will force the remaining
water out of the unit.
TO FLUSH TANK WITH WATER PRESSURE
:
Fresh water should be pumped into the tank with
either the onboard pump or external water
pressure. Continue this flushing process for
approximately five minutes, allowing the fresh
water to agitate the stagnant water on the bottom
of the tank and forcing the deposits through the
drain opening.
4. Replace drain plug and pressure-temperature
relief valve.
5. Refill tank with fresh water that contains no
sulphur.
The Atwood water heater is designed for use in a
recreation vehicle. If you use your vehicle frequently
or for long periods of time, flushing the water heater
several times a year will prolong the life of the
storage tank.
WINTERIZING
(FLUSHING)
INSTRUCTIONS
To insure the best performance of your water heater
and add to the life of the tank, periodically drain and
flush the water heater tank. Before long term storage
or freezing weather drain and flush the tank.
1. Turn off main water supply (the pump or water
supply hook up source).
2. Drain water heater tank by removing the drain
plug. If the water flows sporadically or trickles
instead of a steady stream of water, we
recommend the following action; first open the
pressure temperature relief valve to allow air into
the tank and secondly, take a small gauge wire or
coat hanger and poke through the drain opening
to eliminate any obstructions.
3. After draining the tank, because of the placement
of the drain plug, approximately two quarts of
water will remain in the tank. This water contains
most of the harmful corrosive particles. To remove
these harmful corrosive particles flush the tank
with either air or water. Whether using air or water
pressure, it may be applied through the inlet or
outlet on the rear of the tank or the pressure
temperature relief valve. (If using the pressure
temperature relief valve the support flange must
be removed). The pressure will force out the
remaining water and the corrosive particles.
If you use water pressure, pump fresh water into
the tank with the assistance of the on-board pump
or use external water for 90 seconds to allow the
fresh water to agitate the stagnant water on the
bottom of the tank and force deposits through the
drain opening. Continue repeating adding water
and draining until the particles have been cleared
from the water remaining in the tank.
4. Replace the drain plug and close the pressure
temperature relief valve. The approximately two
quarts of water remaining in the tank after draining
will not cause damage to the tank should freezing
occur.
