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Old 09-24-2016, 09:09 PM   #1
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Removing anode for winter

Wondering if I should remove the water heater anode before winter storage, I have the last two years but not so sure it's a good idea, the threads get corrosion and makes it more difficult to install in the spring, thoughts?
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Old 09-24-2016, 09:13 PM   #2
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I re-insert mine with fresh Teflon tape on it after draining the tank and prepping it for winter....for much the same reason as you stated.
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Old 09-24-2016, 09:19 PM   #3
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I re-insert mine with fresh Teflon tape on it after draining the tank and prepping it for winter....for much the same reason as you stated.
X2. You also don't want to leave the rod and plug out or risk insects or rodents from getting up in there.
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Old 09-24-2016, 09:49 PM   #4
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X2. You also don't want to leave the rod and plug out or risk insects or rodents from getting up in there.
X3.

One less thing to do in the spring!
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Old 09-25-2016, 12:38 PM   #5
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I remove mine and apply a very light coat of vegetable oil to the threads to prevent them from rusting. I do this to ensure the tank can dry itself out of any residual water and also to give the mice a place to sleep comfortably in the winter months.
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Old 09-25-2016, 01:04 PM   #6
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I always leave mine out, I have a bug guard on the outside of the hot water cover. In spring, I always flush out the hot water tank for a few minutes prior to putting the plug back in.

When my trailer was new, the first time that I removed the rod, it was really stuck. With a breaker bar, I was concerned about how much pressure I was putting on the rod and water heater. Had my portable air compressor out because I blow out the lines and then use the pink stuff. Got out the air impact gun and the rod zipped right out.
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Old 09-25-2016, 01:17 PM   #7
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Wipe off the threads and wrap thoroughly with Teflon tape.
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Old 09-25-2016, 02:09 PM   #8
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Might be ok for the winter to wrap with Teflon tape but do not do extra Teflon when sing the rv. One single wrap should be plenty . More can ruin the tank.


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Old 09-25-2016, 04:36 PM   #9
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I take it out, check the rod, flush out the tank, put on new teflon tape and put it back in. If your tank is empty for the winter, then there is no requirement to take it out.
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Old 09-25-2016, 04:49 PM   #10
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I thought we're not allowed to say the dreaded "W" word until October!!

(I say this remembering that I had to wear my winter coat into work this morning...a brisk wind out of the north at 38 degrees!)



(Oh, and I, also, put some fresh teflon tape on the anode rod and reinsert inside the water heater.)
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Old 09-25-2016, 04:56 PM   #11
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I thought we're not allowed to say the dreaded "W" word until October!!
....that's when it starts to get cool enough to camp here.
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Old 09-25-2016, 05:29 PM   #12
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....that's when it starts to get cool enough to camp here.
Since our ski cams have been showing lots of fresh snow here, we'll be looking at heading south to West-Texas before we have to put Rocky into her "W" hibernation.

Any suggestions for good sites in Texas?
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Old 09-25-2016, 05:51 PM   #13
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Palo Duro Canyon is nice but I haven't been in years. Can't say as to much of the W Tx area as I haven't traveled that side as much.

I don't want to hijack this one too much, lol. Try this thread out. -->http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ip-118220.html
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Old 09-26-2016, 04:50 AM   #14
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Originally Posted by WFD View Post
I re-insert mine with fresh Teflon tape on it after draining the tank and prepping it for winter....for much the same reason as you stated.
Ditto on everything, just make sure you turn off the electric switch to the hot water heater that way you won't forget and turn it on by mistake before you fill the hot water tank in the spring. Been there done that
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Old 09-26-2016, 06:45 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NOREASTRV View Post
Wondering if I should remove the water heater anode before winter storage, I have the last two years but not so sure it's a good idea, the threads get corrosion and makes it more difficult to install in the spring, thoughts?
Apparently there's no real right or wrong answer here except to say be
careful and shut off breaker or hidden rocker switch to avoid accidentally burning out the element in the Spring! (been there done that...)

I tried mine both ways and for the reason you mention- I started removing,
flushing, and replacing the anode so the tank threads won't rust so bad.
I used Oatey great white pipe dope with teflon or plenty of teflon tape.
Not sure about the comment " One single wrap should be plenty . More can ruin the tank."???

Yes the anode needs to be electrically connected to the tank to do it's thing but I believe no matter how much tape you use, if you tighten it up
it's gonna work. You for sure don't want that puppy getting stuck rusted
in there so I advise ample amount of tape or pipe dope!

Happy Trails!
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Old 09-26-2016, 06:52 AM   #16
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If you do plan to leave anode out,,, I would find a plug you could put in its place !!!
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Old 09-26-2016, 07:36 AM   #17
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After deploying bypass valves, drain, flush well, inspect anode, clean if necessary. Leave rod loose in heater till the tank dries, tape anode treads and install it. Do turn off the outside switch (Surbanan), set for next trip out, usually to LA in early spring.
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Old 09-26-2016, 07:44 AM   #18
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Quote:
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snip.....Do turn off the outside switch (Surbanan), .
Yeah, my hidden rocker switch stuck on pretty early in the process so
I would shut off the breaker when draining just to be sure it didn't get
powered up by accident before it was re-filled. The one time I deviated it
got burned up!

See thread in FAQ about water heater element. Home Depot had the cheapest price on camco exact replacement elements last time I checked.
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Old 09-26-2016, 07:45 AM   #19
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I remove it to drain tank for winter and also use a syringe to extract remaining water in tank. You would be surprised how much water is still trapped in the bottom of tank. Once dry I will add little vegetable foil to threads and reinstall and no I do not wrap with tape never has leaked in all the years I've done it this way. Later RJD
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Old 09-26-2016, 07:56 AM   #20
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I picked up my new travel trailer from the dealer 5 weeks ago. I was surprised when doing the walk-thru that he recommended removing the anode every time I planned on not using the trailer for more then a week.

But... yesterday I winterized it and removed the anode and was surprised at the amount of pitting already on it even thought its only been in water for a month..
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