Water heater

[leisurelarry]

After one year of use of my FR3 30, I have changed the anode rod and flushed out the water heater tank. $20.00 investment for a new aluminum anode rod and a reusable flush out tool. By the looks of the anode rod, I believe I will now change it out and flush the tank every 6 months. Spent about 150 nights in the coach this first year.



Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[wayne and sherry]

What's the purpose of that rod anyway?


JeNNY (2015 FR3 / 30DS)
2000 Jeep TJ Moab Rock Crawler
2013 Jeep JK
USS Seattle (AOE-3) 84-88 Wayne
US Army 06-15 Sherry

[wayne and sherry]

Where did you get your replacement rod from? Are the threads all the same? I understand the rod attracts junk to it keeping the heating parts of the heater clean, I see them on Amazon but what one to order?


JeNNY (2015 FR3 / 30DS)
2000 Jeep TJ Moab Rock Crawler
2013 Jeep JK
USS Seattle (AOE-3) 84-88 Wayne
US Army 06-15 Sherry

[youroo]

Wayne & Sherry,you need to read your (Suburban W/H Manual). The A-Rod is a (Sacrificial/Replacable) part! The one pictured is about (50%-Life). Proper Maintenance of your (Suburban W/H) will provide (Long Life)! Youroo!!

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by wayne and sherry

What's the purpose of that rod anyway?

Originally Posted by wayne and sherry

Where did you get your replacement rod from? Are the threads all the same? I understand the rod attracts junk to it keeping the heating parts of the heater clean, I see them on Amazon but what one to order?

Airxcel | Suburban Manufacturing Service

Are all water heaters equipped with an Anode Rod? What is its function? When should it be changed?


Only Suburban water heaters feature an anode rod. The anode equalizes aggressive water action, providing cathodic protection for the tank. It is a very important factor in tank life and should only be removed for inspection, draining or replacement. It is removeable using a 1-1/16" thin wall socket.

All Suburban water heaters are protected by a magnesium or aluminum anode to prolong the life of the tank. Under normal use, the anode rod will deteriorate. Because of this, we recommend it be replaced annually or when consumption or weight loss of the rod is greater than 75%. Note: Water with high levels of iron and/or sulfate will increase the rate of deterioration. To extend anode life, drain water from tank whenever the RV is not being used. Avoid any extended time of non-use with water in the tank.

--------------------------------------------------

Only the Suburban water heater, with it's porcelain lined steel tank, utilize the anode rod..which sacrifices itself so the tank won't rust. If you have an aluminum Atwood brand water heater, you don't need an anode rod.

They make two different anode rods. One made from magnesium and the other is aluminum. The standard OE magnesium one sacrifices itself faster and offers better protection. However, if you are in water areas where the magnesium rod is corroding too fast (less than a year) you may want to consider an aluminum rod.

Part # 232767 for the magnesium and # 232768 for the aluminum. Aftermarket rods should show what part number it replaces.

[leisurelarry]

This is the one I use Wayne. Perfect fit and function for our water heater tanks. I ordered from Walmart.com.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[lmsafford]

Make sure to only use an anode rod in a suburban tank. Some people think an anode rod is a great idea for any tank and it isn't. Atwood Water heaters (with a plastic plug vs an anode rod is made of aluminum and coated with ceramic. The metal threads of an anode rod will fuse to the aluminum theads of an atwood tank and then you are in trouble.

[Iwritecode]

Originally Posted by leisurelarry

After one year of use of my FR3 30, I have changed the anode rod and flushed out the water heater tank. $20.00 investment for a new aluminum anode rod and a reusable flush out tool. By the looks of the anode rod, I believe I will now change it out and flush the tank every 6 months. Spent about 150 nights in the coach this first year.Attachment 79766Attachment 79767



Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

That rod doesn't actually look all that bad. There's still some life left in it.

[leisurelarry]

A little bit of life left in it Iwritecode. Huge amount of debris flowed out of tank when I flushed it.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[maurerra]

How do you flush the hot water tank?

[leisurelarry]

You must remove the anode rod from the bottom of the tank by unscrewing it with a socket. Then insert the hot water tank cleaning tool attached to a water hose into the opening and spray it out moving the cleaning tool around. All of the sediment is on the bottom of the tank so aiming the tip of the tool towards the bottom of the tank is the way to go. The sediment and water will flow out. You need to continue spraying until you get no more sediment flowing out.

[leisurelarry]

You can get a cleaning tool from Walmart, Amazon, Camping World or any RV parts house. They are about $7-$8.

[leisurelarry]