Expert: Dana Bostick - 11/4/2009

Question
I figured that as long as I had the jet much less the regular auger here to see about clearing out the tub drain if that is possibable.  On the other hand, there has been a thought about changing the water heater.  I have a water that was running in a cabin heating the water by propane.  My trailer is powered by natural gas. It runs the stove/oven, furnace and water heater.  Would the other water heater be safe to use if it replaces the one currently in place?
nathan

Answer
Hey Nathan,
Tub drains are cleaned by snaking down through the overflow after removing the stopper mechanism.  You cannot go through the tub drain.

Propane and Natural gas appliances ARE NOT interchangeable.  You may be able to get a conversion kit from the water heater manufacturer. There is a difference in the fuel jetting and the thing could blow up or start a fire.  Gas stuff is not something to mess around with if you don't know what you are doing.  

Going from Propane to natural gas will more likely just not work.  The difference is in the amount of energy per cubic foot of fuel gas.  Natural gas is about 1100 BTU/cu ft, propane is around 1300/BTU per cu ft so the orifice would be smaller and would not supply enough fuel to burn properly.  Lots of soot and carbon monoxide. Not good!
Good Luck,
Dana