General Water Heater Information; Draining And Storage; Winterizing/Flushing; Odor From Water Heater - Suburban SW10P Service Training Manual

general Water Heater inFOrMatiOn

DRAINING AND STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
If RV is to be stored during winter months, the water heater must be drained to prevent damage from freezing.
1. Turn off electrical power to water heater either at the switch from the electrical element or a breaker.
2. Shut off gas supply to water heater.
3. Turn off pressure pump on water system.
4. Open both hot and cold water faucets.
5. Remove anode rod from tank.
6. Follow RV manufacturer's instructions for draining entire water system.
NOTE: Be certain to refill water heater with water and remove all air from tank and lines before re-lighting or before turning
on electrical power.
WINTERIZING
If your water heater plumbing system is equipped with a bypass kit, use it to close off the water heater, drain the water heater
completely and leave the water heater closed off (out of the system) in the bypass position particularly if you are introducing
antifreeze into the plumbing system. Antifreeze can be very corrosive to the anode rod creating premature failure and
heavy sediment in the tank. If the plumbing system is not equipped with a bypass kit, and you intend to winterize by adding
antifreeze to the system, remove the anode rod (storing it for the winter) and replace it with a 3/4" drain plug.
ODOR FROM HOT WATER SYSTEM
Odor from the hot water system is not a service problem and many water supplies contain sufficient amounts of sulphur to
produce an odor. The odor is similar to rotten eggs and is often referred to as "sulphur water". It is not harmful - only unpleasant
to smell. Sulphur water can be caused by a chemical action or by bacteria. The solution to eliminate is chlorination of the
water system. Add about six (6) ounces of chlorinated common household liquid bleach to each 10 gallons in the water tank.
Then run the chlorinated water throughout the system, opening each faucet one at a time until you smell the chlorine. Let
the RV sit for a few days and the chlorine should take care of the problem. Then you will need to take care of the chlorine.
Remove the chlorine by flushing the system with fresh water. This may take several attempts. You may consider adding
a filtering system that removes chlorine and prevents sulphur water. If the sulphur or rotten egg smell continues, flush the
system once again as described above and replace anode rod as necessary.
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