DIY Network

Campground Projects Learn how to maintain your RV water heater. From "RV Roadtrips" episode DRVR-102

Gary explains the importance of water heater maintenance. He explains to Mr. Phillips why it's important to periodically blow out the soot and dust from the water heater as well as the flute.

The Phillips also share some helpful campground advice such as using insect repellant on the RV tires to keep ants out and how to maintain the batteries with the use of a Flow Right Kit.

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	Be sure to check your water heater regularly before hitting the road and once you're at the campground.
	Gary clears the soot by using compressed air on the water heater.
	Jim says having two golf-cart batteries for accessories on the RV road will make life easier.

RV Water Heater Maintenance

Jim Phillips has had an intermittent problem with his water heater. Sometimes it comes on all by itself but on occasion it doesn't. This could be caused by the electrode assembly or the electronic circuit board. First check for corrosion build up on the electronic circuit board and make sure all the connectors are free of rust and dirt. Then it's a good idea to clean the electrode assembly as well.

Materials:

compressed air
acetone
steel wool
tape

Tools:

eye goggles
screwdriver

1. Using steel wool clean the electrode assembly.

2. Remove the orifice and soak in acetone.

3. Use compressed air to back flush air through the exhaust assembly and clear any soot that may have built up. Before you clean with compressed air in this area make sure to seal off the gas valve with tape so dirt won't re-enter through this opening and clog the system.

4. Replace all the components to their proper place

5. For the preliminary set-up to make sure the unit is working properly, place the electrode assembly on a position that is 1/4 of the way open. That is the starting point from which you can adjust after you fire the unit up.

6. One way to know that airflow is adjusted properly is when the flame is mostly blue with a little orange.

7. Another test is to close the door, walk a few feet away and see if the sound diminishes. If so you're all set!

Owner's Advice

• Chris Phillips shares her tips for keeping ants out of the motorhome--once at camp simply sprinkle a generous amount of ant powder around each tire. The repellant will do the rest.

• Jim installed two golf-cart batteries to make sure they have enough power on the road for all the accessories. He also installed a flow right watering system to maintain the batteries with water and give them a longer life. Using a hand pump and distilled water, Jim makes sure the batteries are full and is all set to go.