Filling your RV water heater tank is typically done as part of the overall process for filling the fresh water system of your RV. Based on common RV setups, including the process described in some references, this is often completed from an exterior fill point on your RV.
Filling the RV Water System (Including the Water Heater)
To fill your RV water heater tank, you generally need to fill the entire fresh water system first. This process, as noted in references, is performed from the exterior of the RV.
Here's how it's usually done:
- Locate the Fill Cap: Find the fresh water fill cap on the exterior of your RV. This is often located on the driver's side.
- Connect Your Supply: You will need a standard water hose and a clean, potable water supply. Connect one end of the hose to the water supply and the other end to the RV's exterior fill cap.
- Start Filling: Turn on the water supply. The water will flow into your RV's fresh water tank.
- Water Heater Filling: Once the fresh water tank has water, the water heater tank will typically fill automatically as the system pressurizes or when the water pump is turned on and faucets are opened. Note: Ensure the water heater bypass valves are set to the "normal use" position (not bypass) before filling to allow water into the heater tank.
As highlighted in references covering this topic, the primary step involves using a hose and a water supply connected to the exterior fill cap on the side of the RV.
Essential Equipment
To perform this task, you will need:
- A Potable Water Hose: Use a hose specifically designed for drinking water (often white or blue).
- A Source of Clean, Potable Water: This could be a city water hookup or a campground water spigot.
Always ensure you are using clean water to avoid contaminating your RV's water system.
Important Considerations
While the basic filling process starts at the exterior fill port, correctly filling the water heater tank specifically involves ensuring that air is purged from the tank. This is typically done by turning on a hot water faucet inside the RV after the main tank is filled, allowing water to flow until it runs smoothly without sputtering, indicating the heater tank is full and air-free.
