hot water heater plug and rod

[bojack]

Went on our first trip and had a blast everything seemed to work at last. Today I drained the hot water tank and removed the the plug and found a rod connected to it. To most RVer's that would not be a suprise but to me it was. This is our first RV and do not remember anyone telling us anything about that, we even bought Mark Polk's DVD on class a's and all he did was removed a plug to drain his tank and no rod. If this question seems dumb to you, then I am dumb but I am asking it. We have a 2012 Georgetown 350F,V10,5speed and have a 10 gallon water heater tank. I thank you in advance for all your help

[papap]

You have to replace the plug with the rod(anode) every couple of years. They are for corrosion.

[B47]

Originally Posted by bojack

Went on our first trip and had a blast everything seemed to work at last. Today I drained the hot water tank and removed the the plug and found a rod connected to it. To most RVer's that would not be a suprise but to me it was. This is our first RV and do not remember anyone telling us anything about that, we even bought Mark Polk's DVD on class a's and all he did was removed a plug to drain his tank and no rod. If this question seems dumb to you, then I am dumb but I am asking it. We have a 2012 Georgetown 350F,V10,5speed and have a 10 gallon water heater tank. I thank you in advance for all your help

Bojack - just to add a little here, your home hot water heater will also have an anode rod installed. On the home HWH I have worked on, the anode rod is screwed in from the top and goes from top to botton while your RV HWH anode rod is screwed in from the bottom and goes across the bottom of the tank.

You can go on the Camping World site and do a search and you will see what they look - not very expensive.

[SinkorSwim]

As a strong suggestion, when you put it back in, make sure to use teflon tape, as you will read from other posts they have a habit of seizing if left for any lenght of time without taped threads.

[Mountainmanbob]

Originally Posted by SinkorSwim

As a strong suggestion, when you put it back in, make sure to use teflon tape, as you will read from other posts they have a habit of seizing if left for any lenght of time without taped threads.

excellent point
our unit is only a few years old
and when I removed this a while back
it was everything I could do
just to get it out

I repaired pipes for prox 15 years
but
still even with the right tools
(one which bent -- hard strain to remove)

when put back in
I used even a little extra teflon tape
I may be the poor guy
who has to take it out next time

seriously
thought something was going to break while removing !

Mountainman

[MtnGuy]

The anode rod serves a very useful purpose. Instead of your water heater corroding, the anode rod will deteriorate due to galvanic exchange. Depending on the impurities and metals in the water, an anode rod can last for many years. Here is mine after 3 years.



That puppy is only about 90% used up, and has many more years to go.

If it looks like this, then you have waited way to long to replace it:

[B47]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

The anode rod serves a very useful purpose. Instead of your water heater corroding, the anode rod will deteriorate due to galvanic exchange. Depending on the impurities and metals in the water, an anode rod can last for many years. Here is mine after 3 years.

Attachment 14968

That puppy is only about 90% used up, and has many more years to go.

If it looks like this, then you have waited way to long to replace it:

Attachment 14970

Yeah - waaaay too long!!!

[buffalohunter]

Are the replacement rods all the same? I have not ever purchased one.

[B47]

Originally Posted by Buffalohunter

Are the replacement rods all the same? I have not ever purchased one.

I am not sure - just take your old out and measure it before buying a new one.

[buffalohunter]

Yes, I have done that and had it posed next to a tape measure to assure that the length will be correct, when the time comes to replace it.

[Dave_Monica]

I checked on Camping World's site. They list one anode for Atwood WH's and one anode for Surburban WH's.

Dave

[jimh]

if u have an atwood, u can buy one with a drain on it. the diameters are different on the plugs between the two brands.

i pulled my anode rod after 8 yrs. it was abt 60% gone. never drained it until then (purchased trailer in 2002). it all depends on the water quality. that varies considerably thru out the US.

[Lawfive]

Do a search of old posts on this site. We've had lots of discussion on the anode rod issue and there is plenty of information and pictures to inform you. I drain my heater after every trip, don't use teflon tape since it's fairly frequent but am on my second anode rod in my 2007 rig. This one should last a long time since there is no water on it while idle.

[JimF]

A good point about here would be to pull out your manual that came with your rig and read it. With a Suburban hot water heater you are to remove the plug monthly, back flush the tank, inspect the rod and reinstall it if it is still serviceable. I have been in areas where the anode rod was completely gone in just over 60 days, thankfully that is a rare occurrence but you never know if you don't perform the factory recommended maintenance.

[campingPhil]

Make sure you empty the tank if you are not going to use it over a week, that water can get really nasty. I drain all the water out of all of my water lines every time I come back from camping.

[bakken]

Originally Posted by campingPhil

Make sure you empty the tank if you are not going to use it over a week, that water can get really nasty. I drain all the water out of all of my water lines every time I come back from camping.

X2
Once we had some real gross white stuff growing in the tank after leaving it full in between camping trips, about a month. I can't remember where the water came from, but something in the water was obviously reacting with the anode, and it stank to high heaven.
Now we drain it as soon as we get home, and even sometimes even before we pull out of the campground!

[bob213]

Originally Posted by Buffalohunter

Are the replacement rods all the same? I have not ever purchased one.

No. The Atwood is shorter than the Suburban and might be 1/2" thread instead of Suburban's 3/4". They come in two types of material. Magneseum which with certain water can make your water smell and for a longer lasting rod, aluminum. Most people use the magneseum without any problems.
These are a pretty good price if you don't mind buying 2:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suburban-Wat...item1e6d3e658c

[Lawfive]

When your anode rod slims down to a pencil you will get all sorts of calcium deposit in your heater. The calcium will clog faucets in no time. Drain your water heater after every use. I had this problem in a home heater and worked my tail off getting all the calcium out of the pipes and fixtures. Its easier in a MH but it's still no fun. I don't use teflon tape, I empty after every use. We go out about every two weeks and generally only stay for a weekend. No big deal just another item on the check list. BTW I also drain all the rest of the cold water lines too.