I need HELP!!!: Cleaning dirt out of fresh water tank

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Cleaning dirt out of fresh water tank

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Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13166
Printed Date: 13 May 2025 at 6:48pm
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Topic: Cleaning dirt out of fresh water tank

Posted By: ChrisSuter
Subject: Cleaning dirt out of fresh water tank
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2019 at 9:21am

Recently, on three separate occasions lately we've had flow issues with our toilet (twice) and sink faucet (once). Taking them apart, I've found small rocks in the inlets to the valves. Removing these and reinstalling the faucet or toilet valve has restored the flow. We got our trailer used, and have always used a filter on any hose into the trailer (filling the tank or connecting to the city water port). Since this seems to keep happening means that these rocks and grit were already in our system. I've looked at the freshwater tank under the trailer and through the rather opaque white plastic it looks like there is some dirt sediment sitting on the bottom of the tank (that area is slightly darker than the rest). We've tried draining the tank, but the bottom of the tank is dished and the drain isn't quite at the low point, so that doesn't work. We're at a loss. Does anyone have any ideas how to get this dirt out? At this point I'm wondering if we're going to have to take the tank off, which seems like a major hassle. We're open to any suggestions.

Replies:

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2019 at 9:41am

What is likely is that the "rocks" are debris from the anode rod in the water heater tank. That should be removed periodically (never while the tank is hot and also be sure to release all pressure before removing it). and the tank flushed. These are unavoidable since the purpose of the anode rod is to sacrifice itself to protect the steel of the tank.

As for flushing the tank, try to raise the side opposite the drain valve and adjust the foward/backward tilt to make the drain the lowest point. That should help.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: seafans
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2019 at 7:49pm

I went through the same issue this week end. The anode disintegrated and left debris in the bottom of the tank. Camping World has a very nice wand with a bend on the end and a valve to control the flow. Worked great!!

Steve

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2019 at 9:53pm

Maybe you could snake in a small 1/4" flexible piece of tubing in the drain hole getting the end of the tubing at the low point of the drain and then drain out all remaining fluid via the tube.

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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Posted By: Motor7
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2019 at 6:29am

The tank drain is installed on the sidewall. Park the opposite side tire up on some blocks, then flush tank.

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2016 R-Pod 176T

Posted By: ArenaBlanca
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2019 at 8:55am

You did not mention what color the "rocks" were but I suspect they were white. Calcium salts will precipitate when water is heated and are white. This is a common problem where hard water is used used. The anode rod removes some of these minerals but there is no cure except reverse osmosis. The best thing is to flush the hot water heater at least once per year. This will mitigate the problem.

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Enjoy Life!!

Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2019 at 9:54am

How would the debris from the water heater travel to the fresh tank? Those particles would have to flow backwards thru the water pump, thru it's screens, and then all the way to the under-belly tank. I suppose its possible.

But I suspect the previous owners either had this debris in the hoses they used or from one of the water sources they used.

I always use a particle filter when filling my fresh tank just to help prevent this.

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r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten!

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2019 at 4:11pm

+1

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."