Ok so I just just picked up a 1978 Jayco 25' TT for $800. This thing is immaculate, the guy was in a hard way and needed 800 bucks. I almost feel bad. Anyways, I was messing around and filled the water system to check for leaks. Now I cant get the hot water heater to drain all the way. When I open the drain only about a gallon comes out. I have opened every faucet in the thing to let air in but it doesn't seem to let any more water out. I hope this makes sense. Any thoughts on how to get the thing to drain, it is supposed to get cold again and I don't want it to freeze.

Dan

 

Is there a drain plug in it??

There should be a nut type thing that threads into the tank. It could have an anode rod attached on the inside. That will get most of the water out. A little in the tank doesn't hurt, as long as there is room for it to expand as it freezes.

If there is an anode rod in it and looks really corroded, you should replace it.

 

yes there is a drain plug in it. Like I said when I open it some water comes out. If I turn the pump on then water will shoot out under pressure but it stops as soon as I turn the pump off. I am not real sure what an anode rod is please explain. Thanks

 

also I know it was empty to start cause I heard it fill up.

 

With the plug out, squirt water into the opening to see if you can dislodge any crud from the tank. A small tube, like a 1/4", attached to the hose end that will fit into the opening will help. After 30 years of use the tank may be badly corroded. Not all water heaters have anodes. Some with aluminum tanks do not and they are prone to develop deposits inside.

Dan

 

I will try that. Thanks I would not suspect corrosion though no crud came out so far, even under pressure.

 

I usually remove the drain plug and then open the pressure relief valve at the top of the tank.

 

An anode rod is usually attached to the drain plug on the tank. Its sacrificial,meaning any thing in the water that might eat away at the tank,eats the anode rod instead.

Its like a Zinc on a boat.

As far as draining ALL the water out of the tank,don't sweat it. I pull the drain plug and let whatever water is in the tank drain out. I never get it all out,as the drain hole is higher then the bottom of the tank. As long as you get most of it out your fine.

If you're really concerned,reduce a shop vac hose down enough to fit in the drain hole and suck it all out. Thats too much PITA for me though.

 

never thought of that bet that will work. Thanks

 

Have you considered your HWtank does not fill completely up if you don't open a faucet somewhere on the hot water side to allow the air to escape? You may not have more than a gallon or two in the tank. And yes, change out your anode every couple years. There should always be a small amount of air in the top of the tank for expansion as it gets hot. If it is a 6 gallon heater, it may only have 4 or 5 gallons in it and leave a gallon or so in the tank when you empty it.

 

Does the water heater have a single bypass valve for winterizing?

Essentially the one valve bypass thing has a valve on the cold side that either directs water to the intake on the water heater, or to the hot pipe on the other side of the water heater. A check valve near the hot/out side of the water heater prevents water from going into the water heater's discharge side when on bypass, but the check valve also prevents air from coming back to the water heater from a tap when the drain is open.

Try opening the safety/pressure valve to let air replace the water as it drains.

Also, some models of water heater require an annode and some don't, depending on what the tank is made of.