Camplux Tankless Water Heater Maintenance [The Complete Guide]

Using a tankless water heater can be a better investment than a tank water heater. But without maintenance, your water heater will start getting expired. 

So, what should you do for Camplux Tankless Water Heater Maintenance? 

For ensuring Camplux Water Heater Maintenance, you must keep the internal components in check. You should inspect the water filter, shut off valves, pressure relief valves, water pressure, battery health, and gas valves every once a year. 

This is just a small overview of the maintenance guide. Keep reading the article below to check out the maintenance procedures in detail.  

Here’s an image of checking for any Camplux water heater leaks as a maintenance step.

Why Is Regular Maintenance Important For Camplux Water Heaters?

Regular maintenance is important for Camplux Water heaters to avoid unwanted accidents. If you don’t check on your water heater once or twice a year, the defective components can stir a fire hazard.

For example, your water heater can emit harmful carbon monoxide gas if there’s any issue with the installation process. Again, the water heater can produce excessive hot water which can lead to scalding.

So, to prevent these dangers, you must have a routine inspection done. You should check the relief valve, water filter, and venting system. Make sure you hire a gas appliance service professional to do the inspection for you.

Apart from preventing accidental cases, regular maintenance also increases the lifetime of your water heater. 

Safety Tips Performing Camplux Water Heater Maintenance

Now, before you go for any maintenance routine, you must be careful about your safety. Here are some precautions you should take before running maintenance for your Camplux water heater.

• If you need to repair or clean any water heater components, you must wear safety gear first. 
• You should never inspect or clean the burner. As it’s risky, you should call a professional to do the job. 
• Don’t perform a DIY repair for remote control, burners, vent connectors, and gas piping. You should leave it in the hands of the professionals.
• If you need to remove the control cover for any reason, you must cut the power supply to the water heater. It should be in the OFF position. 
• Make sure to label all the wires in the water heater so that you don’t mess up the connections.
• Keep gasoline and other flammable liquids like adhesives, paint thinners, and solvents far away from the water heater. 
• If you notice any gas leak, never light the appliance, touch any electrical switch, or use your mobile phone. The only thing you have to do is evacuate the building and open all the windows.  
• Don’t plug the relief valve if the system discharges periodically due to thermal expansion. 
• Make sure you never actuate the pressure relief valve when the water heater is ON.
• Don’t attempt to tamper with the pressure relief valve. Otherwise, it’ll void the water heater’s warranty.

As you noted down all the safety tips, now it’s time to move on to the maintenance guide.

Camplux Tankless Water Heater Maintenance: Quick Guide

The Camplux Tankless water heater maintenance mostly revolves around the water filter, pressure relief valve, and venting system. But there are other aspects you need to focus on as well.

So, what should you do to take care of your Camplux water heater? Check out the following segments to learn it all.

01. Keep Your Water Heater Clean

The first thing you must ensure is a clean water heater. If dirt and sediment get accumulated on the heating elements or the water filter, the water heater will stop functioning.

You must keep all the water supply connections, water filters, shutoff valves, and even the shower head clean. Apart from the inside of the appliance, you have to keep the water heater dust-free from the outside as well.  

So how do you clean it? You’ll get to learn about the cleaning process at the end of this article. 

02. Keep Gas Connections In Check

Another important routine maintenance is checking the gas valves and connections. Every time you want to light up the water heater, you must check for any gas leak beforehand. 

Here’s a note you should take. Never ignite the water heater without checking the gas connections. In case there’s a gas leak issue, the water heater can explode. 

You can use gas leak detectors or run bubble tests to detect gas leaks. However, this point is only applicable to tankless gas water heaters.

03. Check For Water Leakages

Aside from checking on the gas leaks, you should also watch out for any signs of water leaks. You must check all the pipings if they’re tight and secured.

Sometimes improper water heater installation can lead to water dripping issues. Again internal damage can also be the cause of water leaks. 

So, while you’re doing a routine inspection, to fix water heater leaking issues install the water heater and detect the problem.

04. Clear The Vent Blockages

Ensuring proper ventilation of the water heater is another vital maintenance routine. Sometimes vents get blocked due to dirt, debris, or any other obstructions. 

So, you must check and clean the vents every week. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove all the dirt and debris from the duct. Then, rub the end of a duct cleaner on the hard-to-reach areas to clean the blockage completely.  

If you fail to clear the ventilation system, the water heater can blow up and cause serious damage. 

You’ll get to know more about the ventilation system management for Camplux water heaters in the later segments of this article. 

05. Ensure The Correct Water Pressure

Again, you have to make sure the water heater is getting the correct water pressure. You can check the water pressure for each Camplux Water Heater in the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Usually, Camplux Indoor Tankless Gas Water Heaters have a water pressure between 3.6 and 150 PSI depending on the model. For RV outdoor Camplux Water Heater, the range is within 35 to 70 PSI. 

The water pressure can change due to dirt and debris, or any malfunctions of the unit. In this case, you need to figure out the problem the solve it immediately. Otherwise, the water heater will be at risk of internal damage.

06. Charge The Batteries

For battery-powered Camplux water heaters, you must check the health of the batteries every once in a while. Make sure the batteries are fully charged. If it’s not, you should charge them.

In case the battery becomes non-functional, you must replace them with new ones. Having a defective battery or low power will stop the water heater from functioning.

07. Keep The Water Heater Safely Stored

Finally, it’s important to store your water heater in a safe place when it’s not in use. 

You should make sure there’s no water in the storage compartment. The Camplux water heater is an electrical appliance. If you store it in a damp place, it’ll get damaged and get exposed to the risk of electrocution.

Similarly, you should keep flammable and combustible materials away from the water heater. 

So, this is a general maintenance guideline that you need to follow at least once a year.

Now, we’ll move on to the details of the maintenance process in the next segments. 

How To Keep Your Camplux Water Heater Clean? 

By cleaning the external surface and internal parts of the water heater, you can keep your Camplux water heater clean. In case you have hard water flowing, you should also decalcify it as part of the maintenance process. 

Check out the following segments to learn how to perform these 3 cleaning processes.   

i) Cleaning The Outer Part Of The Camplux Water Heater

This segment is more appropriate for RV Camplux water heater owners. You should daily clean the outer part of your water heater.

It takes approximately 30 minutes to clean the entire water heater. However, the time can increase if there’s a broken or damaged component inside. 

You need to follow the instructions below to clean the external part of your water heater.

Step 1: First, you must inspect the water heater and its connections. Check for any cracks or loose sealings on the wall. Make sure you re-seal them and secure the water heater’s location. 

Step 2: Then, you have to check whether there’s mud, dirt, dust, debris, leaves, or twigs in the exhaust tube, pipes, or on the water heater. You can use a vacuum to clear the dust.

Step 3: If you detect any obstructions in the exhaust pipes, you have to remove them for air circulation.

Step 4: After that, take a spray bottle with water. Spray the water lightly on the surface of the water heater. Take a soft cloth and immediately wipe off the damp surface.

Now, if you have gas water heaters, you should perform the following procedure.

Step 1: Regularly vacuum the dust around the water heater. 

Step 2: Make a solution of 3-4 drops of mild detergent and water. 

Step 3: Then, dampen a soft cloth with the solution and clean the outer part of the water heater. 

Step 4: After that, you should take a soft dry cloth and wipe out the excess moisture from the surface of the unit.    

Important Safety Tips To Keep In Mind: 

Step 1: Don’t splash or use high-pressure water directly to clean the water heater. It can damage the water heater connections and even affect you with an electric shock.

Step 2: Again, don’t use any aftermarket protective screen on your water heater. Otherwise, the water heater’s warranty will become void.  

Step 3: Never keep combustible materials like cleaning agents, clothes, or flammable liquids near the water heater. They can cause a fire hazard. 

ii) Cleaning The Internal Part Of The Water Heater

Now let’s talk about cleaning the interior of the Camplux Water Heater. As per the manufacturer’s instructions, you must inspect and clean the interior on a monthly basis.

You need to wear your safety goggles and gloves before performing this operation. 

So, here’s what you’ll need to clean the internal part of the water heater.

Step 1: First, you have to turn off all the electrical power supply to the unit. Keep the water heater in the OFF position.

Step 2: Then, close the water supply outlets to the water heater.

Step 3: After that, take a flatbed screwdriver and unscrew the water filter. Carefully take out the water filter from its place. Make sure you don’t tap on the filter as it’s very fragile in nature.

Step 4:  Then, take a soft bristle brush and gently remove the dust from the water filter. After brushing the dirty parts, run water through the filter to wash it properly.

Here’s a picture of the process of cleaning the water filter. 

Step 5:  As the water filter is cleaned, place the filter in its original place and tighten the screws. 

Step 6: Finally, turn on the water heater by powering up the electrical power supply. Make sure you have turned on the cold water supply as well.

Note: Be careful while cleaning the water heater. Don’t remove any labels including the rating plate. 

You should also keep an eye on the air intake opening so that the opening doesn’t get blocked. Make sure to keep at least 12 inches of combustion air opening to avoid any obstruction. You’ll find it in the lower left corner of the water heater. 

iii)Decalcifying Hard Water 

When hard water enters your water heater, it leaves traces of minerals like calcium carbonate and magnesium. These minerals can build sediments inside the water heater. Eventually, your water heater will have reduced performance over time.

So, it’s essential you perform a decalcification 1x-4x per year depending on the hardness of the water. Here’s a table explaining when you should decalcify water per year. 

For decalcification instructions, you must contact Camplux services. Don’t try to pull up a DIY in this case. You can get an overview of the descaling process from the link below.

• What to Do When Camplux Water Heater Is Too Hot?   

Now, apart from cleaning, draining the water heater correctly is also a part of the regular maintenance routine. You should check out the following segment to learn about the procedure.  

How To Drain Camplux Water Heater?

Here’s a step-by-step guideline on how to drain your Camplux Tankless Water Heater.

Step 1: First, you have to close all the gas shut-off valves.

Step 2: After that, you need to turn off the water heater. You can disconnect the circuit breaker for this but it has to be at least 10 seconds after closing the gas shut-off valves.

Step 3: Then, turn off the water shut-off valve.

Step 4: Next, open the drain valve and all hot water faucets. You must wait until cold water is running from the hot water faucets. 

Step 5: Finally, you should turn on the water heater by reconnecting the circuit breaker. Make sure you open the water shut-off valves to let the air out from the water lines. Also, close the hot water outlet drain valve simultaneously. 

Here’s a picture of water draining valves of the Camplux Water Heater. 

How To Drain Camplux Water Heater In Winter?

Now, in winter, the temperature fall can be a reason to drain your water heater. 

So, as part of the winter maintenance guide, you must ensure the water temperature is always above 32°F(0°C). 

If the temperature is lower than the requirement, you must drain the water heater to save it from freezing. Here’s how you’ll do it. 

Step 1: First, you have to close the main gas valve and power off the water heater. 

Step 2: Then, shut off the inlet water valve.

Step 3: After that, you need to turn on all the faucets.

Step 4: Then, remove the drain valve. Let the water heater drain water for at least 3 minutes. Keep the draining process running until the full unit is empty.

Step 5: Finally, you have to replace the drain valve and close all the faucets. 

You must follow all of these steps in the correct order. Otherwise, your water heater won’t function. 

How To Ensure Pressure Relief Valve Maintenance?

A pressure relief valve helps to release any excess pressure build-up in a water heater. Both RV and Gas Camplux water heaters also contain pressure relief valves to protect your water heater from exploding. 

But this safety valve will support you for the long term if you take good care of it. The maintenance process is almost similar for indoor gas Camplux Water Heaters and Outdoor RV Camplux Water Heaters. 

You have to follow the maintenance routine below at least once a year.

Step 1: First, lift the lever handle on the pressure relief valve. You’ll find the valve situated in the hot outlet piping of the water heater. 

Step 2: Then, slowly release the lever handle. For RV Camplux Water Heaters, you have to turn the pressure safety valve approximately 5 times to check if there’s any water leakage. Make sure to turn it counterclockwise. 

Here’s what the pressure relief valve looks like.

Step 3: Check if the pressure relief valve gets stuck or not. It should operate freely to properly function the water heater.

Step 4: After that, flush several gallons of water through the discharge line. It will remove all the dirt and debris from the discharge line and flush it out through the drain line.

Step 5: If you hear any banging noise while checking the faucets and solenoid valves, you should use risers or water hammer arresting devices in the water pipe system. 

Step 6: You should also check for pipe disconnections or gas leaks if you hear any abnormal noises. 

Step 7: If you notice the pressure relief valve discharges periodically, you have to check the water heater system. 

This often happens when there is an internal problem. In this case, refrain from plugging the relief valve outlet. You should contact a professional. 

How To Inspect The Venting System?

For Camlux gas water heaters, it’s essential you inspect the venting system annually. You must inspect the system with a Category III venting system specialist to avoid any hazards.

So, to inspect the venting system in the Camplux water heater, you must check the vent joint sections thoroughly. Make sure they are airtight and secured. 

An effective way to test the tightness of the venting connections is by taking a bubble test. Just put soap and water solution near the joint connections. If you see bubbles forming, this means the seals are not airtight. 

In case there’s a leakage issue, don’t operate the water heater. You must make sure the air and the vent terminals don’t contain any blocks or sediments.  

What To Do If You’re Away From The Water Heater For A Long Time?

Now, sometimes your water heater can remain idle for more than weeks. This happens when you’re on vacation. You must shut down the power supply and the water heater before going on vacation.

And when you come back, you should drain the water inside the pipes first. It’s because when the water heater doesn’t work for a long time, the water becomes frozen. It’s more applicable where the atmosphere has freezing temperatures.

You must call a professional to heat up the water heater again. Don’t try to operate the control knobs in this case unless you’re a trained professional. Also, you can contact Camplux customer service center to get help. 

FAQs:

Final Words

Hopefully, the article has cleared all your thoughts about the Camplux tankless water heater maintenance. You must check out the manual for your water heater model before performing any maintenance procedure. It’ll help you to stay safe and get the best output. 

Well, in case you face any lighting issues with your water heater, you can check out our guide on camplux water heater not lighting issues to fix it.

That’s all for today. Have a great day!