Today, I decided to tackle some plumbing maintenance on my RV, specifically focusing on a leak I noticed around my water heater connections. Over the last few weeks, I’ve seen some weeping where the plastic meets the metal on both the hot and cold connections.
This issue became apparent because I mostly boondock, using my water pump rather than city water hookups, which allowed me to notice the pump cycling for no reason, suggesting a leak.
Since my RV is nearing 14 years, I’ve been proactive about using the water pump even on city water to detect any leaks early, especially since the water heater is in a hidden compartment where leaks could go unnoticed, leading to potential water damage.
Today, I planned to change the seals on these fittings, which are Flare-It type common in my RV’s plumbing system. I’ve also decided to replace the anode rod in the water heater since I was already draining it.
The process involved draining the water heater, removing and replacing the old, corroded anode rod with a new magnesium one, and cleaning out the gas tube and the electric heating element, which I also replaced with a spare I had.
I was careful to ensure no power was on while working with the electrical components. After dealing with the anode rod, I managed to remove the old, worn-out seals from the connections and installed new ones, which should stop the leaks.
Once everything was reassembled, I refilled the water heater, tested for leaks, and made sure the system was pressurized without issues. I also shared a handy tip about using a temperature minder to check water heat, which not only helps in managing water usage but also gives me peace of mind about the heater’s performance.
Lastly, I showed how I modified the access to the water heater for easier maintenance, adding a hinge and velcro for quick access. With everything working as expected, I’m ready for my next adventure, keeping my RV in shape for the road ahead.
Water Heater Repair and Maintenance Video
Product Links:
- Flair-It Connector Seals
- Magnesium Anode Rods
- 1440W Heater Element
- Flushing Wand
- 1 1/16th Socket
- 1 1/2 Water Heater Wrench
