We changed the anode Rod, but the water is still only getting warm, now what? https://i.imgur.com/Dtms3DH.jpg So I ordered a new one from just like you recommend. I just pulled our anode after only 2 months and it is very sacrificed. An anode rod is a solid metal cylinder that gets screwed into a water heaters drain plug to prevent the steel water heater tank from rusting inside. Also if the valve malfunctions when you try this then water will leak from it when you fill your tank but at least your tank will not blow up if it malfunctions! Sam is a seasoned traveler and RVer of 4+ years. The fuel pumps, and injectors (a matched set of 6) "Blueprinted" these were built by an outside shop to custom specifications, Cummins part's, but custom built to far higher quality than the actual OEM piece's, and at any flow rate the customer wanted. Before attempting this step, read your manual and check to be sure you are not voiding the warranty. Play it Safe: Holiday Decorations and HVAC. Do you have any other tips for us? If it has, youll want to replace it. Ive watched you water heater videos and am a little confused. Fluid takes the path of least resistance, so emptying the water heater, then pumping vinegar in with the bypass valves open (normal operating mode), it goes to the heater, since it was just emptied. These need to be replaced every 1-3 years depending on how often the tank is used. After watching this update, youll know why we highly recommend using the Suburban OEM magnesium anode rod. If you regularly use your RV, then we recommend you flush your tank abut four times per year. Do not do this until the water in your tank has cooled. Check out our: Watch us every Saturday morning at 8AM Eastern/Pacific, 7AM Central, 9AM Mountain on Discovery in the USA. We apologize for any inconvenience, but all of our phone numbers are now working. Zinc anodes work best if a home is starting to smell like rotten eggs and is best for replacing water heaters that already dissolved. Having hot water is one of the most luxurious differences between RV camping and tent camping. Youll know if your RV anode is bad if more than 75% of the rod has dissolved. Lowered, chrome, and red. Hi Kenneth! The most popular manufacturers of RV water heaters are Atwood (now Dometic) and Suburban. Taking care of your rv water heater is essential to enjoy endless supply of hot water all year long. Is the Good Sam Mail Service Actually Good? Copyright 2007-2022. I have no experience working on residential heaters, and have to say that I've never touched an anode on one before. How often do water heater anode rods usually need replacement? Your email address will not be published. What Is The Magnesium Anode Used For In The RV Water Heater, More efficient cathodic protection is now available for RV water heaters, Your RV Water Heater Anode Rod Should Be Checked Every Year, The Anode Can Be The Cause Of The Sulfur Smell In Hot Water, Sulfate reducing bacteria in your RV water heater. If you are looking for a long term solution that requires less maintenance, Corro-Protec RV powered anode rod is what you need. How? All Rights Reserved. The brass-on-brass design made it (pardon the pun) a lock to unscrew easily. Check around your water heater for venting. This has been reported to be a source of potential leaks as the steel drain insert can eventually rust. You are the BEST!. This protection is provided by a current rectifier which sends energy through a titanium anode rod. Remember to replace your anode heater every few years to save money and prevent a water heater from bursting. Fill out the form below to receive The Free, Everything About RVing Does not sell personal information. Tips for New RV Owners: How to Avoid the Worst Mistakes! The anode rod sacrifices itself to protect your water heater from corrosion and increases the water heaters longevity. When we checked, our anode rod had about 50% of its original mass. Most anode rods can be removed with the correct size socket. I am so thankful that I found your company several years ago when I was shopping for central air conditioning. Not sure we totally understand your question, but we think we can explain the "bypass" vs "normal operation" position of the bypass valves (we're using "bypass" vs "normal operation" to make it clear which mode we're talking about, as opposed to bypass valves "on" or "off" which can be unclear, since "bypass on" would refer to the stopping of water coming into the heater, despite the "on" in the term. Because the anode rod doesn't have anything to do with heating the water. When you say "the water is still only getting warm" does that mean you were having that problem BEFORE changing the anode rod? If youve never removed your or yours happens to be extra-rusted, then you may need a torque wrench with an extension to help break the seal. RV Water Heater Troubleshooting Tips. The current sent through the anode in the water immediately kills the bacteria, which stops the smell of sulfur in hot water. Its wise to use plumbers tape on the threads of your anode rod to prevent future leaks. After adding the vinegar, fill the remainder of your tank with water and allow it to heat up. Whether you have an rv tankless water heater. Most RV water heaters require some sort of general maintenance to prevent deterioration due to build-up. Nebrasky Plumbing, Heating & Cooling handles all phases of plumbing, heating, cooling, home energy assessments, generators and more, including installation and repairs. Hi David. So today, were looking at how an RV water heater anode rod can help you avoid a costly repair. Return to the Everything About RVing Home Page. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk. By the same token, bypassing the heater, then opening the "fresh tank fill" valve directs fluid, again, along the path of least resistance. this time it's the fresh water tank, which has plenty of space in it to add water. If you are removing your drain plug, anode rod, or attempting to drain it, the water heater must be off and cooled down. However, this will only eliminate odors for a few days and this cleaning is generally longer and complex. You must remove the LP gas burner tube and some wiring to reach it. RV Water Heater Fail! This bacteria is found in water and grows normally when water is heated in a metal tank. Avoid any extended time of non-use with water in the tank., Learn how to Flush Your Water Heater (Suburban and Atwood). Replace the rod if necessary and properly flush your water heater. The same thing that eat's your hot water tank. How About BOTH?! Flushing out your RVs water heater is very important to remove a buildup of minerals, such as calcium. When you insert the rod the weight of it makes lining up the rod for screwing in the threads very difficult. I'm sure that some parts of the country have it a lot worse than others. As always one must be careful buying aftermarket part's. Weekends, and summer's. It should be checked at least once a year and should be replaced when half of the rod has been corroded away.If you wait to change the rod until it is totally corroded, you stand a chance of corrosive damage to the tank. Chevy didn't sponsor racing, but they provided the part's. If you take care of your RV, then it will take care of you! Im having some sulfur smell coming from my rv water heater, will this anode work on my suburban rv water heater? Failure to check and/or replace one can cause a major problem. An anode rod exists to protect the metal lining inside of your water heater tank to prevent explosion or corrosion over time. So, last year we opted to go back to an original Suburban anode, choosing to run the risk of being unable to remove it, over the risk of the early demise of our water heater. If not, note how much is left and consider ordering a replacement if its nearing the end of its lifespan. If you have an Atwood water heater, your water heater tank is aluminum and does not require one. Another increasingly popular choice among RVers is the switch to a tankless water heater. Updated Cummins power, 855 inch with a factory CPL 101 290 horsepower. If you remove your drain plug in your hot water tank to drain it then your anode rod should be attached to your drain plug. Good luck! Many RVers make the mistake of replacing their anode rod too early. The rod is made of a metal that sacrifices itself, so that corrosion will attack the rod before attacking the steel tank. Thing about this 350 was every single part in it, had a GM part number on it. If you check your anode rod and notice that its heavily corroded, then its doing its job of protecting your expensive tank. Required fields are marked *, Flushing out your RVs water heater is very important to remove a buildup of minerals, such as calcium. After drawing vinegar into the water heater using the winterizing kit, we finish filling the heater by turning on the city water. As with any threading, its super important to start the threads by hand, to avoid cross-threading (and damaging the threads). Hi John. Hope that makes sense. Second, the OEM rod sacrificed itself the way its supposed to. Why do the RV anodes corrode so quickly as compared to the home water heater anodes? Learn how your comment data is processed. You should see a considerable amount of debris this time. Places like Camping World, Gander Mountain, and even Home Depot and Lowes all sell RV water heater anode rods. When we had our new water heater put in in 2006, no one explained that I needed to replace it. However, dont get too far ahead of yourself. To extend anode life, drain water from tank whenever the RV is not being used. If youre an RV owner, you should read the following blog post. 12 year's, electrolysis ate pinholes in the cylinder liners. Again, every part in it, OEM Cummins. Call us or text us at 1-877-466-6660. When you use this kind of cathodic protection, you need to do maintenance at least once a year and verify the anode. There are two ways to kill this bacteria and stop odor problems. RV water heater manufacturers also mention that it is very important to empty the tank when you are not using your RV, as water with high levels of Iron and / or sulfate is very corrosive and will greatly reduce the life of the anode. Atwood brand water heaters generally dont use anodes because their tanks are made of aluminum. Replacing a water heater in an RV can cost upwards of $800 to $1000. "Service Package," for off highway use only, it said. ), is it HOT? FTC Disclosure:I get commissions for purchases made through some of the links in this articlefor more information, visit ourAdvertising Disclosure Page. As always, were here for you 24/7, 365 days a year for all your plumbing, heating and cooling needs! If you store your RV for the winter, then you can perform this task before you winterize your RV. Allow this mixture to cool overnight. Is Copper Harbor, Michigan, Worth Visiting? In order to be able to maintain your water heater, you must first understand how this appliance works. The 10 Best Thousand Trails Campgrounds in Florida, The Best Books to Help With Your School Bus Conversion, 15 Country Songs You Have to Listen to on Your Next Road Trip. Impressed current anodes are easy to install, have a high efficiency and are typically designed to last for several years. When we spend more time in the Pacific NW, where the water is generally very good, our anodes usually last longer, and a lot less debris comes out of the heater during our annual flush (see our most recent video for details on this year's follow-up inspection).