Can I soak the entire mixing valve in vinegar for cleaning?

[depot44]

I have a 2020 Flying Cloud 26 RBT with a Dometic XT GE9EXT hot water heater. This week we travelled from to NH to NC where it was being stored for the past few months.

After un-winterizing everything, we had what appears to be the not uncommon problem of only getting only a few seconds of hot water from a faucet before turning cold.

I got access to the water heater, and removed the mixing valve, and the screen was indeed clogged up. Taking advice given on other posts, I soaked the portion of the valve with the screen in warm vinegar for about 30 minutes, after witch the screen cleaned up nicely.

However, after re-installing the mixing valve, I still had the same symptoms. Maybe there is debris in other parts of the mixing valve? Is it OK to soak the entire mixing valve in warm vinegar, or would that just ruin it entirely? Is there something else I should also be looking at?

[rbs]

I've had them apart, soaked in vinegar, CLR and no damage. But, I've found that running water (turned to hot water) thru the valve will fix the problem, usually in a short time.

[depot44]

Originally Posted by rbs

I've had them apart, soaked in vinegar, CLR and no damage. But, I've found that running water (turned to hot water) thru the valve will fix the problem, usually in a short time.

Thanks, I gave that a try, but after 30 minutes, still just cold

[centennialman]

I had the same issue. After researching, I learned that a few easy taps on the mixer with a hammer did the trick. It has run fine since.

[depot44]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

I had already tried the 'tapping' but it didn't seem to help initially.

Then I tried these two things:

1. Tapped on the mixing valve several more times.

2. In addition to running the water with the campground pressure, I turned on the water pump. It seems that the added pressure that the pump provided freed up the valve.

And now we have hot water flowing. Thanks to each of you for taking the time to post your suggestions.

[link2dks]

Originally Posted by depot44

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

I had already tried the 'tapping' but it didn't seem to help initially.

Then I tried these two things:

1. Tapped on the mixing valve several more times.

2. In addition to running the water with the campground pressure, I turned on the water pump. It seems that the added pressure that the pump provided freed up the valve.

And now we have hot water flowing. Thanks to each of you for taking the time to post your suggestions.

Keep an eye on flow at your faucets. You may have sent some calcium thru your plumbing by tapping on the valve. If your flow goes down remove the faucet aerators and rinse out.

If you have trouble in the future with the mixing valve soak it for 30 minutes in CLR then rinse it out with water. Vinegar will take hours to dissolve all the calcium deposits from the valve.

Preventative medicine is thoroughly rinsing out your hot water tank to flush out the calcium that accumulates in the bottom of the tank at least once a year more often if you run hard water thru your plumbing (frequently found in the western US campgrounds.) Ask me how I know. There is a cheap plastic tool specifically for rinsing these tanks that can be found at most RV stores.

Dave S

[depot44]

Thanks Dave. Yes, I have one of hose extensions to rinse out hot water tank. It gets used twice a year, once each before our spring and fall trips.

Interestingly, the kitchen faucet aerator does need to be cleaned occasionally, but the bathroom faucet is always fine.

I'll pick up some CLR to have on hand to use that instead of the vinegar.

[Fjord F-150]

The past 2 years after de-winterizing , I have had the same problem with limited hotwater at the faucet

I have not been brave enough to remove the mixing valve, however the
following combined solution has worked for me and resulted in nice hot water for the remainder of the season.

1) Remove hot water drain plug and pressure relief valve
2) Use wand to flush the tank through the top orifice.
3) Fill tank with dilute vinegar water mix and let soak
4) Drain and flush again
5) ....... and do the "ceremonial" knocking on the mixing valve with a wrench while turning the water valve off and on. Not sure why this step works but it does!

Best of Luck!

[napunani]

We've used COKE in a pinch to do soaking - works great!

[cfishii]

I took the screen out of the mixing valve two years ago and have never had another problem. Much easier to clean faucet screens if necessary, than removing the mixing valve, removing the pressure valve in the water heater and flushing it out. The mesh on the mixing valve is just too fine, in my opinion.

[Daquenzer]

I had this problem just about every year when we lived in an area with a lot of alkaline in the water. So I got a better water filter and started using soft water treatment. That seemed to do the trick. I also always carry an extra mixing valve now so I can replace it right away and then soak the other one completely in white vinegar.

[depot44]

Originally Posted by Daquenzer

I also always carry an extra mixing valve now so I can replace it right away and then soak the other one completely in white vinegar.

Yes, I now have a new spare to use so the clogged one can be quickly swapped out and then cleaned when convenient.

[waninae39]

this is a better product and works very well

CLR

[Woody48]

For the past seven years, while living full time in our Airstream, we have used two 10” filters to clean the water before entering the trailer. Our water is clean, our plumbing is clean, and we have no deposits/plugging in our water plumbing. Here is one source for water filters: www.rvwaterfilterstore.com

[depot44]

Originally Posted by Woody48

Our water is clean, our plumbing is clean, and we have no deposits/plugging in our water plumbing.

Thanks Woody.

In my case, I don't think the 'clogging' is caused by external debris, as I've used a 0.5 micron water filter since the camper was new. Probably more likely due to the scaling that occurs when the tank is emptied and left empty as it is during the winterization process.