Draining your Camplux water heater can increase its lifespan anywhere from a few years up to a few decades. Yet where are all the articles on how to drain this water heater?
For this reason, we’re presenting a guide with further product details on properly draining this heater.
The main gist is this: You’ll want to drain your Camplux water heater at least once annually when the water temperature is lukewarm to warm, not hot. To do so, you’ll need to open some valves and release the water stored in the heater.
Perhaps you adhere to an outdoor life style and need to drain this innovative product so you can keep taking relaxing showers outside.
No matter your reason for owning this product, the following guide should clarify how to best maintain it.
When Should I Drain My Camplux Heater?
You should drain your mini-tank or tankless water heater at least once a year. Try draining when the water temperature is not high enough or if you see sludge coming out through the faucets.
Sludge can also fill the tank due to sewage contaminants and flooded stormwater systems.
Unfortunately, the mineral deposits tend to accumulate at the bottom of the tank where the heating element is located, which reduces its efficiency and hot water output.
Should I Drain My Camplux Heater After Every Use?
Drain the unit after every use if the outside temperature is below freezing or 32°F. This will prevent any internal damage to the heat exchanger. Be sure to remove the outgoing water line to ensure all the water is drained out.
Likewise, drain outdoor Camplux water heaters frequently. For example, the Camplux 1.32 GPM Propane Tankless Gas Water Heater for RVs should be drained either at the end of every season or anytime you store it away for more than a month.
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Drain Camplux Water Heater
It’s time to drain your Camplux. For a quick drain:
Remove the water heater from the gas supply line. Use a wrench to unscrew the water heater propane line from the unit.
Ensure to disconnect the inflow and outflow water lines from the unit.
Open the drain valve—it’s a ribbed cylindrical stem located near the water input valve. This should release all the residual water within the hot water tank.
To remove mineral deposits from the unit, follow these steps:
Get an adjustable wrench, hose lines, and 2.5 liters of undiluted vinegar.
Remove the gas, hot water supply, and outgoing water line from the unit. Remember to switch off the gas and water supply valves.
Open the drain valve to remove any warm water.
Get hosing lines from your local hardware store. Sometimes, the Camplux manufacturer may include hose lines with the unit.
Pour the vinegar into a container and place the open end of the inflow hose into it.
At the same time, set the outflow hose line into an empty container.
Switch on the unit and allow up to 45 minutes for the vinegar to cycle into the unit, cleaning out deposits.
Remove the hosing lines and reconnect the gas, hot water supply, and outgoing water line to the unit.
Restart the unit to remove any remaining debris or deposits.
How to Tell If Camplux Heater is Drained?
After draining and flushing out the sediments, the unit’s water flow rate and efficiency should improve, possibly reducing your water heating costs.
Vinegar should also remove any smell from stagnant water or contamination.
How Long Should I Wait After Draining or Flushing Water Heater?
You should wait at least ten minutes after draining or flushing your portable Camplux water heater before you use it again.
Run the water during this period to eliminate the strong smell of vinegar.
When Not to Drain Your Camplux Water Heater
Draining your Camplux water heater seems like the right choice.
However, avoid draining the unit if you haven’t done so in several years. Sediments and minerals accumulate at the bottom of the tank and harden as hot water passes through it. With time, the deposits break down the metal walls of the heater and create little leaks.
Furthermore, the sediments plug the leaks. So, if you remove all these sediments, you may end up with a leaking unit.
Instead, consult a licensed technician to drain old water heater units.
Conclusion
You have the power to decide the lifespan of your Camplux water heater. Draining the unit will usually save you more than a few bucks and ensure you get to keep taking hot showers for several more years to come.
