How often should one empty hot water tank

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   Wondering how often we should be empty our hot water tanks; via pulling out the anode.  Should it be done after every outing?  once a year?  once a quarter?  just before winterizing?  Thanks! 

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David D Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 27 Apr 2015 Location: San Jose, CA Online Status: Offline Posts: 26	Topic: How often should one empty hot water tank Posted: 08 Jul 2015 at 12:50pm
	Wondering how often we should be empty our hot water tanks; via pulling out the anode. Should it be done after every outing? once a year? once a quarter? just before winterizing? Thanks!
	2015 R-Pod 179

kymooses Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 01 Aug 2010 Location: Louisville, Ky Online Status: Offline Posts: 1807	Posted: 08 Jul 2015 at 1:38pm
	once a year at winterizing for me
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furpod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group - pHp Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128	Posted: 08 Jul 2015 at 1:57pm
	Same as Travis.

johnmaci Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 17 Jun 2014 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 202	Posted: 08 Jul 2015 at 2:46pm
	For fresh water in general, if it sits several months in-between use, and if have the resources, you may want to drain the HW tank, the FW tank and blow out the lines. Otherwise, I add one teaspoon of bleach for each 5 gl of water that remains in the tank/lines to prevent mold/algae growth in hot weather. This is for storage/sanitation only; You should flush it with clean water before next use. With that said, we always drink bottled water and only use water from our fresh water tank for washing, showering, etc. (just a personal preference).

Leo B Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4508	Posted: 08 Jul 2015 at 3:24pm
	I empty it as part of winterizing too
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David D Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 27 Apr 2015 Location: San Jose, CA Online Status: Offline Posts: 26	Posted: 08 Jul 2015 at 3:41pm
	Thanks for all your responses! I really appreciate it. I'll have to look into "blow[ing] out the lines." I certainly don't want mold or other unpleasantries in the lines. Thanks again for all your input, everyone!
	2015 R-Pod 179

john in idaho Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 04 Nov 2014 Location: Eagle Idaho Online Status: Offline Posts: 611	Posted: 09 Jul 2015 at 11:49am
	If you blow out the lines with air, one can get a plastic fitting to go on the water fill . Remember to use only about 20 lbs of pressure, but do not take the anode out if the system is pressurized. I am glad I was standing to the side when I accidentally did that.......

David D Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 27 Apr 2015 Location: San Jose, CA Online Status: Offline Posts: 26	Posted: 11 Jul 2015 at 12:48pm
	Thanks, John! I appreciate the advice! Have a good weekend... David
	2015 R-Pod 179

mcclurey Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 11 May 2015 Location: Missouri Online Status: Offline Posts: 58	Posted: 31 Jul 2015 at 9:37pm
	I empty after every outing lowering my tow weight by 6 gallons of water. Also keeps from water heater clean from most mineral deposit build up. Water sources can be very different.
	Missouri Matt

David D Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 27 Apr 2015 Location: San Jose, CA Online Status: Offline Posts: 26	Posted: 01 Aug 2015 at 12:23am
	Matt, Thanks for the info. On the 179, I noticed two sets of low point drain caps. One set is near the hot water heater. And, one set is near the frig. I've been draining those two sets after each use of the trailer. But, I have yet to pull the anode. Next time, I'll go through my normal process... then I'll pull the anode to see if any additional water comes out. And, if so, how much. I may have to incorporate that into my regular post outing procedures. Another question on that, should we use that white thread tape whenever pulling the anode rod out? That stuff can be such a pain to refresh.... Thanks, in advance, for your thoughts.
	2015 R-Pod 179