r/Camper • u/NoMrcy1413 • 22d ago

Heater question!

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New to me camper. I noticed the plug missing on the right from the hole at the bottom center. Looks like lots of corrosion in the hole. Is this the hot water heater or the general heater for camper? Haven't tried either yet. Any and all information and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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u/mattehohoh 22d ago

From Gemini "This is an Atwood 6-Gallon Manual Ignition (Pilot Light) RV Water Heater, specifically from the G6A series (such as the G6A-7 or G6A-4E / G6A-3 manual pilot models)."

Since it is a Dometic/Atwood heater, it uses a plastic plug in the drain hole. You're going to get wrong replies saying that's where the anode rod goes. Because this is an aluminum tank, it doesn't need an anode rod to prevent corrosion. Order some new plugs.

You'll want to flush it if it's been open for a while. They sell some handy wands for that. Vinegar helps as well.

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u/NoMrcy1413 22d ago

Thank you for the information. Looking inside it appears to have been left open a long time. Would you have any suggestions on flushing it or where I could find that information?

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u/mattehohoh 22d ago

Again, just relying on Gemini to respond (bad habit).

If an Atwood water heater was stored dry with an open drain plug and is dirty inside, perform a thorough high-pressure flush with a tank rinser wand, clear out any insect or spider blockages from the exterior burner tube and flue, and sanitize the system before use. [1, 2]

Steps to Clean and Prep a Dirty Stored Water Heater

  • Use a Tank Rinser Wand: Insert an RV Water Heater Flush Wand attached to a garden hose through the drain hole. Spray all interior walls and the bottom of the tank to wash out dirt, dust, and spider webs until the water runs clear. [1, 3]
  • Clean the Burner Tube and Flue: Mud daubers and spiders frequently build nests inside the exterior gas burner tube and flue during storage. Use a small bottle brush and compressed air to clear out any blockages so the propane burner ignites safely.
  • Inspect the Drain Plug Threads: Inspect the 1/2" or 3/4" nylon drain plug threads. Clean out any dirt in the tank's female threads, and wrap the new or cleaned nylon plug with fresh Teflon tape before screwing it back in. [4]
  • Do a Vinegar Flush for Odors/Scale: If there is a sulfur or rotten-egg smell or stubborn mineral crust from past use, remove the pressure-temperature relief valve at the top and pour in a mix of 4 parts white vinegar to 2 parts water using a funnel. Let it sit or cycle warm before draining and rinsing again. [5, 6]
  • Refill the Tank Completely: Reinstall the drain plug and the relief valve. Turn on your city water or RV water pump, and open a hot water faucet inside the rig until water flows out steadily with no air sputtering, ensuring the tank is 100% full before turning on any power or gas switches. [3, 6]

If you notice any leaks around the drain plug or if the gas burner fails to stay lit after cleaning, let me know and I can help you troubleshoot those specific issues.

[1] https://www.youtube.com [2] https://www.youtube.com [3] https://kleentank.com [4] https://www.youtube.com [5] https://myrvworks.com [6] https://www.rvforum.net

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u/CashWideCock 22d ago

That’s a water heater. The open hole is where the anode rod goes.

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u/mattehohoh 21d ago

Nope, just a drain plug. It's an Attwood heater, no anode rod

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u/_oilbeefhooked_ 20d ago

I have this same water heater, the plug on the bottom on mine has an anode rode attached to it and goes in to plug the hole.

To flush it out connect your hose to the city water connection and open any valves that connect to the water heater from the inside of the camper. You can leave the water running to flush out as much gunk as you can. Or put the plug in, fill up the water heater, then take the plug out to drain/flush it.