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Calcite in the Hot Water Tank while draining it out...
The source of the calcite has already been explained and the hot water tank is the source.
Upon the end of any trip, short duration or extended, I will remove the plastic drain plug and drain out the hot water tank. You will see calcite coming out as the water flows out. It is almost the size of coarse salt crystals you use in your Soft Water Tank at home. I leave the plug in the compartment and do not insert it until I am filling and pressurizing the water system before leaving home.
Flushing out the hot water tank, I will take our water hose and spray it into the hot water tank drain hole, after it is empty, to flush out any other calcite debris. Sometimes the high pressure wand at a car wash can be used if you have so much calcite that it might take a bit more force to remove it and get it to wash out.
I will leave the plastic plug out until we are ready to go on another trip. Always.
Considering how important it is to DRAIN THE HOT WATER, FRESH WATER TANK and FRESH WATER FROM THE WATER LINES... there is one of these tasks that is difficult. The Hot Water Tank plastic plug. It is in a spot where you have to work around the propane line. I have tried to figure out how to get a ratchet, extension and socket to easily remove the plug without any success... maybe someone has a solution for that. I have to use a "monkey wrench" and slowing back the plug out.
Vinegar is acidic and the idea is to dissolve the calcite. I do not think it is that effective in calcite "crystals" but better than nothing. Baking Soda will neutralize the Vinegar. Add baking soda into some vinegar in the kitchen and it should fizz... After each and every trip I flush the fresh water, grey water, black water and the hot water tank. Even on your first trip with a NEW trailer, calcite crystals will come out when the hot water tank is being emptied. I was even surprised at the amount on the first trip. We use the hot water tank infrequently for showers, so it does not take much. I am sure there is a chemical reaction to mineralized water when heated to the temperatures for the trailer hot water, but still am surprised.
Mild Muratic Acid is much stronger than Vinegar, but ONLY in cases where the calcite is so profuse in your hot water tank and lines there is NO OTHER OPTION. Baking Soda will neutralize it. If you can keep it in the hot water tank, you can flush it out through the drain hole. I would also be aware of keeping the aluminum well watered, as I would not expect a reaction but I have never found myself in this position. There are also kitchen products to do the same that are safer, but not up to getting the "caliche calcite" and scale removed. A 25 year old Trailer that had poor maintenance would be my candidate for extreme measures.
Just always flush your hot water tank and you will probably have fewer problems.
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Human Bean
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