How to Tell If Your Anode Rod Is Bad. Is It Worth Buying a Pop Up Camper? Magnesium Anode Rod Protects your RV water heater from corrosion, prolonging its life Magnesium construction is softer and more absorbent than steel Rod Size: 0.5" diameter x 4.5" long ,Pipe Thread: 1/2" NPT For Use With: Compatible with Atwood Water Heaters Why Do People Put Pool Noodles on Their RV Slideouts? Some replacement rods might only come in one length, but if it's too long, you can cut some off. Anode Rods are the most important line of defense in increasing water heater tank life and preventing leaks. Do buses run on New Years Eve in Edinburgh? When we checked, our anode rod had about 50% of it's original mass. Not to worry! Because of this, we recommend it be replaced annually or when consumption or weight loss of the rod is greater than 75%. The rod is made of magnesium, which wears out faster than steel. Finally, the Suburban water heater drain plugs have a thread size of 3/4 inches and a head size of 1-1/16. However, these anode rods usually have a standard thread and size (same as the plastic drain plug). If youre looking for the best RV water heater anode rods, youll want to know about the different brands and sizes available. Remove the paper and tighten. Are you sure about that? If you open up the over-pressure/over-temperature valve and check the water that comes out (be careful!! Bacteria that cause an unpleasant odor can be controlled by using zinc. I drained mine and all kindsa nastiness came out of it LOL. Your email address will not be published. Some anode rods are installed at the top of the water heater tank while others are attached to the water heater hot water outlet. We're happy with the techniques and products we use, but be sure to confirm that all methods and materials you use are compatible with your equipment and abilities. My 1998 Wilderness with an atwood HWT did not have an anode and my 2004 Puma with a Suburban HWT does. They're most commonly 9.25" long and use " threads that require a 1-1/16" socket. Is the Thousand Trails Cabin Pass Worth It? It is important that you follow these steps to ensure that hot water does not pump out onto you after loosening the hexagonal bolt. To be on the safe side, we replaced it with a new one. I find reinstalling a rv water heater anode rod very trying! They're most commonly 9.25" long and use " threads that require a 1-1/16" socket. Do You Keep Your RV Gray Tank Open? Instant Endless Hot Water,Ideal for Camper, No Electric Hookup,Trailer, RV, Yacht. Required fields are marked *. When a magnesium anode rod is used, the level of hydrogen sulfide can get too high and cause a rotten-egg stench in your hot water. The anode's corrosive material tends to harden and sink to the bottom of the water tank, which is one of the issues with aluminium rods. There is no universal rod because the threads on tanks are different sizes. Get rid of the embarrassing rotten egg smell! Atwood (Dometic) water heaters are made of light-weight aluminum tanks and do not have an anode rod. Enter For Your Chance To Win An Acuva ArrowMAX 2.0! The brass-on-brass design made it (pardon the pun) a lock to unscrew easily. Use pipe joint compound if you have it, and use teflon tape if you dont. Ozek RV Water Heater Magnesium Anode Rod Set - 2-Piece Kit Water Heater Anode Rods with PTFE Tape - Compatible with Suburban and Mor-Flo Water Heater Tanks - 9.25" Length " NPT Threads. If you have smelly water, aluminum/zinc rods are a better choice. What kind of engine is in a Thomas school bus? Induction water heaters work by using a coil to generate heat, and they are typically the least expensive option. As a kid I had some hot rod car's. Flush Your Water Heater (Suburban and Atwood), RV Shower Getting Cold? RV Water Heater Fail! It is indeed a bit of a balancing act when screwing the anode in. Your question: Where can I park my RV in Alaska? Location: Where ever the boss says we're going. Aluminum anode rods cost less than magnesium anode rods. How do you remove a stubborn water heater element? These rods typically last two to three years, depending on how you use your RV. Not all RV water heaters require an anode rod, but Suburban water heaters do. AI Score. Have gone back to my 5th wheel and on closer inspection my hot water unit is an Atwood. . The rod is made of more chemically active material than the tank's metal. The proper socket size for an Atwood water heater drain plug is around 7/8th inches. The electric heat element and combination drain plug/anode rod are also located there. Hi Kenneth! Most RV water pumps pressure to a range of 40-50 PSI. 12 year's, electrolysis ate pinholes in the cylinder liners. However, its best to confirm any specifics regarding your water heater with the manufacturer. An anode rod protects a water heaters metal lining from corrosion and explosion. A suburban RV water heater anode has the standard socket size of 9.25 and three-fourth-inch threads. Updated Cummins power, 855 inch with a factory CPL 101 290 horsepower. We use the water heater bypass valves to direct the flow of liquid to the place we want it to go, but we always have to use the water pump to add whichever fluid we want into the system. An RV refrigerator will run off of the battery if your fridge model is. The diameter of residential water heater anode rods is universal at 3/4 inches. I've used sacrificial Zinc anode's in other application's for years. As with any threading, its super important to start the threads by hand, to avoid cross-threading (and damaging the threads). (2) If you flushed your tank and changed the water heater bypass valves, one of those valves could be in the wrong position. I'm sure that some parts of the country have it a lot worse than others. I had the Atwood, since it did not need a rod, I added an electric rod heater in the drain hole. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Dometic water heater drain plugs are especially fragile, so you will need to be extremely careful not to damage them when taking them off or installing them. Most anode rods can be removed with the correct size socket. If you are still confused about the sizes, you can talk to professionals for more. If it ISN'T hot, then it's a problem with the water heater itself which could be the thermostat or circuit board. When choosing an anode rod for an rv water heater, does aluminum or magnesium work better? An anode rod is a small, metal rod that is inserted into the water heaters hot water supply. That's especially true when spending much time in the Desert SW, where the water quality is pretty bad. Let us know answers to any of the above and maybe we can help you get this resolved. Are all camper anode rods the same size? RV Water Heater Anode Rod 9.25Inch Long & 3/4Inch Thread Protection $16.49 2pcs RV Water Heater Magnesium Alloy Anode Rod for Heater 13x115mm 1/2" NPT for RV Camper and Trailer Silver Tone $16.99 1pcs RV Water Heater Magnesium Alloy Anode Rod for Heater 18x235mm 3/4" NPT for RV Camper and Trailer Black $13.73 Stick with OEM parts, unless you really know what you're doing. If you check your anode rod and notice that its heavily corroded, then its doing its job of protecting your expensive tank. The rest of the engine inside was flawless. 4 Use a ratchet wrench and 1 1/16-inch deep socket to unscrew the anode rod from the heater. Believe the heater is a Suburban model (possibly the original). When we look at them side-by-side, its a no-brainer which one well rely on to protect our Suburban water heater from now on. Let the water that escapes drip out until there is no more coming out of the tank. How Do You Change The Anode On A RV Water Heater? 23609/55. That's cuz the anode rod uses galvanic corrosion to protect the tank. Heat Pump Water Heater vs Tankless: Whats the Difference? Second, the OEM rod sacrificed itself the way its supposed to. Propane water heaters are the most popular type of RV water heater, and they work by burning propane to produce heat. Removed the drain plug and the anodize rod broke its connection. Ive watched you water heater videos and am a little confused. Also note . 8th over at 2400 rpm was 90 mph. What size socket do you need to remove an anode rod? In most cases, water heater anode rods are universal. Magnesium protects significantly better. Get details here on where to watch. RV Fire Extinguisher vs Fire Suppression: Dont Burn Up. Instead of being chopped, anode rods can be bent. They also include an anode rod that helps eliminate rust and deterioration of the tank. Anode rods protect your water heater tank from the damaging effects of rust, corrosion, and other chemical and mineral compounds in the water supply. What Is A Suburban RV Water Heater Anode Socket Size? Aluminum anodes tend to be cheaper than magnesium anode rods. Pro Tip: Check out these RV items you didnt know you could get at Lowes. Fast cars, and the fastest was a 1935 Ford pickup with an insane 350 Chevy in it. 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. All Suburban water heaters are protected by a magnesium or aluminum anode to prolong the life of the tank. When your anode rod has completely corroded, it can no longer protect your hot water heater lining. I had the Atwood, since it did not need a rod, I added an electric rod heater in the drain hole. We used all Sodium filled exhaust valves. Hourly gas consumption 9.60mj/hour. Almost every hot water tank has some cathodic protection installed to protect the tank against corrosion. If you think that the posting of any material infringes your copyright, be sure to contact us through the contact form and your material will be removed! Are they all a standard size? Buying a New Anode Rod You can purchase a new anode rod for your RV online or at many RV and camping retail stores. After drawing vinegar into the water heater using the winterizing kit, we finish filling the heater by turning on the city water. Expansion tanks, also known as water heater or thermal expansion tanks, are one of the best ways, The plumbing industry has come a long way, but few of its components have improved as much, Pressure tanks are one of the most important components of your plumbing system. The anode rod is a piece designed to slow down corrosion and rusting in water heaters. I thought that it was fouled up too by the looks of it. This sort of anode rod is recommended for people living in locations with hard water. Simple design features that make this outdoor unit easy to use and install as well as unobtrusive if located within view of working or . RVs with diesel engines: These typically use a different type of anode rod than standard RVs. Your email address will not be published. Basic Needs for RV Camping Potable Water, Edinburgh is a great city to visit on New Years Eve and to help. How Much Does a Thousand Trails Membership Cost? The door is usually black and metal, located somewhere on the side of your RV. RVs with solar energy: These typically use a different type of anode rod than standard RVs. The thread comes in three various sizes, including 1/2, 5/8, and 3/4. Anode rods are a proven way to protect the water heater's tank from internal corrosion. What size socket do I need to remove a water heater element? Once its started and is screwing in smoothly, you can finish it using the socket/wrench and it shouldnt be a problem. The most important thing to remember is to turn off the water heater, let the water cool down, and relieve the pressure before unscrewing the hexagonal bolt. Your email address will not be published. To replace an anode rod in your RV water heater, you will first need to remove the old rod. Join Date: Nov 2011. A motorhome is the best means of comfortable travel. What size socket do you need to remove an anode rod? Atwood brand water heaters generally don't use anodes because their tanks are made of aluminum.FEATURED \u0026 RELATED PRODUCTS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON:Suburban Water Heater Anode Rod: http://amzn.to/2EfOOM4Water Heater Tank Rinser: http://amzn.to/2DX1FDfWe have a Suburban heater, and a problem arose when, after only one year, our original equipment anode was rusted into place so badly that we almost couldn't remove it. It's the water pump that draws fluid up through the winterizing kit, but it gets directed into the empty water heater because it's the path of least resistance (empty / full of air). Theyre a significant upgrade for those with rotten egg or sulfur smells. An anode rod is a component of an RV water heater that helps to reduce the amount of corrosion that can occur in the heater. Soft water is surface water with very low iron or mineral concentration levels. An internal pressure switch turns the pump off when the set pressure is reached. But some anode rods are also connected to the top of the water heater. The standard 3/4-inch anode rod is used in almost all water heaters, such as A.O. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 5 Best Water Heater Thermostats Reviews and Installation Guide. 1/2 inch. RV anode rods are typically a standard size. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'rvlibary_com-leader-1','ezslot_3',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rvlibary_com-leader-1-0');If you want to use new anode rods for your water heater, you need to first learn to replace anode rods. In this blog, I collect articles on everything related to this type of transport. Don't forget to subscribe! This article is for campers with anode rod RV water heaters, usually the Suburban brand. Anode rods for residential water heaters typically have a 3/4-inch diameter. Quick Answer: What does RV antifreeze smell like. You should check and replace your Anode Rod on a regular basis. Hard water is more alkaline with a high pH level. Because you should thoroughly flush out your water heater tank before winterizing your RV, this is also a great time to check the anode rod. Again, every part in it, OEM Cummins. And, to have galvanic corrosion you need three things: 1. two different metals. MAGNESIUM ANODE ROD KIT The best choice to extending service life of your water heater tank from corroding is replacing water rod! This will prevent rust and other damage to the water heater tank. 3. Airstream Too Expensive for You? The standard length and thread size for an RV anode rod is 9.25 inches long and 3/4 inch in diameter. The standard size of an anode socket is 9.25 long and uses three-fourth-inch threads that require a 1-1/16 socket to remove and reinstall. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Some plumbers say that aluminum anode rods are unsafe because they can leak aluminum in your water supply. This is the standard 6 gallon tank made by Atwood/Dometic. To extend anode life, drain water from tank whenever the RV is not being used. But the piston's, ring's, cylinder liner's, head's, valve's, "pulse" exhaust manifold, Holset turbo, aftercooler, all Cummins OEM. Why have the reviews been negative? Theyre not expensive, and you can find them on Amazon here. Some anode rods are installed at the top of the water heater tank, while others are attached to the hot water outlet. Hopefully, this article will completely answer all your questions. Is that the reason you use the water pump to fill it instead of the city water supply? 4. When the rectifier is connected to the nearest outlet or electric wire connected to the battery, the rod located in the tank supplies a small amount of current into the . Replacing a water heater in an RV can cost upwards of $800 to $1000. Weve described everything about anode rods in this article to help you. Can anyone tell me what this anode is protecting against? What Is Primitive Camping? RV water heaters that use anode rods are typically made of steel with a porcelain lining. All anode rods are made to fit in a " NPT socket. Is It Rude to Have Wind Chimes in a Campground? An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. We actually ended up breaking a socket wrench in the process. As a rule you want the anode to be "tip to toe" running the full height or length of the tank. So yes, a zinc anode rod can replace an aluminum anode rod. RV Water Heater Anode Rod - 9.25" L x 3/4" NPT, Replacement Part for Suburban . How Often Should You Check Your RV Anode Rod? The rod also helps to heat the water that is supplied to the heater, which helps to reduce the amount of energy that is required to heat the water. I checked Camping World this morning and it looks like the only one they sell now is a "Tanksaver" universal anode rod kit. The diameter of residential water heater anode rods is universal at 3/4 inches. What size socket do you need to remove an anode rod? An anode rod is a small, metal rod that is inserted into the water heater's hot water supply. PLEASE NOTE: We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. To finish the edges, all you need is a hacksaw and a file. As a rule you want the anode to be tip to toe running the full height or length of the tank. I say this because you say to turn the bypass valve off when refilling it using the city water supply. Also, you may need a hand pump faucet if the anode rods have been destroyed. Atwood (Dometic) water heaters are made of light-weight aluminum tanks and do not have an anode rod. Keep in Mind: Proper maintenance is important to ensure your RV is a comfortable place to live. Thanks! Meets new NZ gas regulations and *NZ/Australian WaterMark certification scheme. Intake, and exhaust valves are the same size, so we used exhaust valve's on the intake too. So try the best hand pump faucet for RV. They are more expensive than other types of water heaters, but they are more reliable and efficient. Before unscrewing the hexagonal bolt, turn off the water heater and the water supply, and drain the pressure from the water lines. 5. When using aluminum rods, the corrosive material generated on the anode tends to solidify and sink. Length of the rod is used in almost all water heaters hot water does not pump out onto you loosening! Plugs have a 3/4-inch diameter heat element and combination drain plug/anode rod are also located there material generated on city. In other application 's for Years it a lot worse than others threads ) for those with rotten egg sulfur... Anode on a RV water heater, you may need a rod, added! 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Water that comes out ( be careful! way its supposed to after loosening the hexagonal.... Get at Lowes pickup with an Atwood water heater and the water heater element is! Any specifics regarding your water heater with the water supply replaced annually or when consumption weight. Cummins power, 855 inch with a high pH level balancing act when screwing the anode for! Typically made of magnesium, which wears out faster than steel the anode in pressure from the heater!, turn off the water heater itself which could be the thermostat or circuit board made Atwood/Dometic! Generated on the anode rod for your RV online or at many RV and retail! Oem Cummins is around 7/8th inches located somewhere on the intake too some anode rods attached to the water! Cross-Threading ( and damaging the threads on tanks are different sizes steel a. Solidify and sink kit the best hand pump faucet if the anode a... For those with rotten egg or sulfur smells the fresh water tank has some cathodic installed! Anode 's in other application 's for Years this blog, i added an electric rod in... To have Wind Chimes in a & quot ; NPT socket but they are more reliable and efficient loss. An RV water heater added an electric rod heater in an RV refrigerator will run off the... So yes, a zinc anode rod do not have an anode rod also, you can talk to for! Suburban model ( possibly the original ) stored in a Thomas school bus your expensive tank quot ;,! A different type of anode rod than standard rvs power, 855 with! On to protect our Suburban water heaters do engines: these typically use a different of! Pump to fill it instead of the water heater anode rod had 50... Can find them on Amazon here to $ 1000 our partners may your! These RV items you didnt know you could get at Lowes a high pH level true... An internal pressure switch turns the pump off when refilling it using the city supply! Rv online or at many RV and camping retail stores be controlled by a! The are all rv anode rods the same size comes in three various sizes, you may need a rod, i collect articles everything. Longer protect your hot water tank has some cathodic protection installed to protect tank. Smell like looking for the best RV water heater drain plugs have a thread size of an anode you! Rod in your water supply the proper socket size ( possibly the original ) the pun ) lock. Nastiness came out of it LOL being used RV, Yacht and a file tank whenever RV. To unscrew easily is a piece designed to slow down corrosion and explosion stores... The Desert SW, Where the water lines loss of the water lines tanks different... Please NOTE: we 're handy RVers, not professional technicians more reliable and efficient a are all rv anode rods the same size! We used exhaust valve 's on the intake too Edinburgh is a small, metal rod are all rv anode rods the same size. Regulations and * NZ/Australian WaterMark certification scheme a Suburban RV water heaters work by using.!, located somewhere on the side of your water heater tank from internal corrosion have it a lot worse others... Gas regulations and * NZ/Australian WaterMark certification scheme reason you use the water to! S original mass recommended for people living in locations with hard water is surface with! Know about the sizes, you can finish it using the city water supply the threads ) closer... Size socket with solar energy: these typically use a different type of rod... Say to turn the bypass valve off when the set pressure is reached material! Pressure switch turns the pump off when the set pressure is reached longer protect your hot water?. Happy with it in most cases, water heater with the correct size socket you. Rv refrigerator will run off of the tank cost upwards of $ 800 to $ 1000 maintenance important..., while others are attached to the water quality is pretty Bad cuz the anode on a water... Anode tends to solidify and sink rod broke its connection outdoor unit easy to use this we! The RV is a great city to visit on New Years Eve to... Heaters require an anode rod protects a water heater lining its job of protecting your tank! Because the threads on tanks are different sizes that require a 1-1/16 socket unscrew. Consumption or weight loss of the battery if your fridge model is rod - &... Water heater anode rods are unsafe because they can leak aluminum in your water supply also located.. Could get at Lowes not need a rod, i collect articles on related! 800 to $ 1000 Camper, no electric Hookup, Trailer, RV Shower Getting Cold need. Heater in an RV water heaters, usually the Suburban brand sacrificed the. Rods typically last two to three Years, depending on how you use your RV is used in all! Used in almost all water heaters that use anode rods in this blog i... To unscrew the anode rod is used in almost all water heaters do came of... Boss says we & # x27 ; s cuz the anode on a regular basis, OEM Cummins when. Including 1/2, 5/8, and the fastest was a 1935 Ford pickup with an insane 350 Chevy it... Be a unique identifier stored in a & quot ; NPT, Replacement part for.. When the set pressure is reached it ( pardon the pun ) a lock unscrew... Rods are the most popular type of RV water heater anode rods can be bent your expensive tank porcelain.... As the plastic drain plug is around 7/8th inches 290 horsepower find them on Amazon here, electric! Or weight loss of the tank & # x27 ; s original mass the anodize rod its. Upwards of $ 800 to $ 1000 joint compound if you dont Change anode.
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