More Places to Caulk

[TheSasks]

Originally Posted by herk7769

This was my thought exactly. I am also curious as to how this actually works. Is the copper extension left on all the time? How do you close the door?

The purpose of the anode is to protect the iron of the heater. The inevitable copper corrosion on the threads may very well electrically isolate the anode from the iron of the heater.

You could just as easily use a galvanized npt pipe and coupler and if your worried about the anode rod going into the heater, just get a longer one although I don't think it should be an issue.

[herk7769]

From the photo it looks like it will clear the door. I will have to examine the caulking around the area in any case when I reinstall the anode when I de-winterize.

It occurs to me that the reason copper was used is that the ID of an Iron Nipple of the correct OD may be too small for the anode.

I normally drain the hot water heater when I open the low point drains to drain the camper. It "glugs" a bit, but I am usually doing something else while it empties in any case. I use the "paper towel in the hole and hanging off the door" technique to get the last of the water out.

Using the low point drains to drain the hot water tank avoids the occasional "whoosh" of pressurized hot water when removing the anode from a full tank.

[jwuertz]

I have used this copper drain extension on the water heater on my previous camper for the past 8 years without any problems. If you are a full time camper the anode rod will help lengthen the life of the water heater but for the occasional weekend camper it will not make much difference if it is there or not. As far as the copper interacting with anything, take a look at most any residental water heater and you will see that copper tubing is always used for the in and out lines.
If one is to make this you will have to measure to get the proper length so the outside door will close properly.

jWuertz

[herk7769]

That makes perfect sense. Thanks for the tip!

[mtnguy]

Originally Posted by jwuertz

As far as the copper interacting with anything, take a look at most any residental water heater and you will see that copper tubing is always used for the in and out lines.

jWuertz

Good point !!