Anode rods are not universal. When water corrodes the magnesium, the anode rod releases electrons into the tank which form a protective barrier around the steel of the tank. They also include an anode rod that helps eliminate rust and deterioration of the tank. What Is An RV Shower Water Recirculating System? Once the old rod has been removed, you will need to replace it with a new one. If you've seen our previous 2 videos about flushing RV water heaters, you'll know we've talked quite a bit about anode rods. Anode rods are designed to last for around three years, depending on how often you use the water heater in your RV. They are roughly going to be about 16 high, 12.5 wide. RV Water Heater Flush and Inspection (Suburban & Atwood). 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. Is that the reason you use the water pump to fill it instead of the city water supply? Any shipping you pay will just about double the cost. However, if you live in a region that doesnt require you to winterize your RV, youll want to do it every six months. Most anode rods that you purchase will use these measurements but just to be safe, you should double-check the manufacturers specifications to be sure. Question: any suggestions on removal from water tank?? How often should I replace my RV anode rod? 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 4. You should check and replace your Anode Rod on a regular basis. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk. Eventually, the anode rod will need to be changed, so knowing the proper socket size is important. Unscrewing this hexagonal bolt will allow you to easily pull out, check, and replace the anode rod if necessary. However, magnesium anode rods provide a better value. Not sure we totally understand your question, but we think we can explain the "bypass" vs "normal operation" position of the bypass valves (we're using "bypass" vs "normal operation" to make it clear which mode we're talking about, as opposed to bypass valves "on" or "off" which can be unclear, since "bypass on" would refer to the stopping of water coming into the heater, despite the "on" in the term. Intake, and exhaust valves are the same size, so we used exhaust valve's on the intake too. The only one of these three tasks where we want fluid drawn into the water heater is for vinegar flushing. The chances of it completely isolating it are nearly impossible though. When it comes to selecting the best anode rod, we vote for magnesium. 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. RVs with other types of engines: These typically use a different type of anode rod than standard RVs. Model # AP11526Y-2 Store SKU # 1000150837. 3. I have a Suburban water heater and all Suburban anode rods are the same diameter and pitch but I think Suburban may have been purchased by one of the mega brands and not sure which but it won't be Atwood I think. Hard water means it contains salts of calcium and magnesium. What is the best type of heater for my RV? Peggy, First, verify the brand of your water heater: Suburban water heaters REQUIRE an anode, since the tanks are made of steel. The proper socket size needed to remove this anode is 1-1/16. Even though the OEM anode is magnesium, and the aftermarket rod was zinc and aluminum, it should still have worked properly, as those metals should still corrode before the tank did.In carrying out its sole purpose (prolonging tank life), an anode should decay a considerable amount. We can use our winterizing kit (which is a separate set of valves) for three different things: 1) Drawing anti-freeze into the plumbing system, 2) Drawing bleach into the fresh water tank for sanitizing, and 3) Drawing vinegar into the water heater to flush scale out of it. In this blog, I collect articles on everything related to this type of transport. #RVLIFE #RVDIY #RVLIVING #FULLTIMERV #RVREPAIR #RVMAINTENANCE #RVMODS #RVUPGRADES #RVTRAVEL #DIYRV #RVGEEKS When your anode rod has completely corroded, it can no longer protect your hot water heater lining. The anode rod is a piece designed to slow down corrosion and rusting in water heaters. Can a Pressure Tank Freeze? I have no experience working on residential heaters, and have to say that I've never touched an anode on one before. It stayed together too. Because of this, we recommend it be replaced annually or when consumption or weight loss of the rod is greater than 75%. Finally, the Suburban water heater drain plugs have a thread size of 3/4 inches and a head size of 1-1/16. On the other hand, anode rods for RVs come in a variety of lengths. When its almost depleted, it needs to be replaced. Trailer is approx 20 years old. As UCJ said, get some PB Blaster and spray it around the edges of the rod. Sale Bestseller No. When you say "the water is still only getting warm" does that mean you were having that problem BEFORE changing the anode rod? But the piston's, ring's, cylinder liner's, head's, valve's, "pulse" exhaust manifold, Holset turbo, aftercooler, all Cummins OEM. Remove excess towel so you can see what you are doing. Do you need a CDL to drive a bus in Michigan. Hello, Sign in. If you open up the over-pressure/over-temperature valve and check the water that comes out (be careful!! As previously mentioned, the anode rod is responsible for keeping corrosion and other harmful additives out of the water that is flowing to and from your hot water heater. Buy nowDetails Commercial Anode Rod Our commercial anode, always powered, is designed to permanently protect larger water heaters of +90 gallons. Then, you will need to unscrew the water supply pipe from the valve. Your email address will not be published. Next, unscrew the bolt and pull out the anode rod. 3. Required fields are marked *. 10. I made my 2-1/4" socket for the Revolution using an old 1/2" drive socket. As far as RV anode rods being standard, I think they all have the same threads, but different lengths are available. These rods typically last two to three years, depending on how you use your RV. Never throw it away. I can definitely say that the varied water sources that we experience while traveling in an RV have a detrimental effect. My family and I love traveling very much. Gary What size socket do you need to remove an anode rod? Atwoods don't normally have anodes, just drain plugs and a lot of them are plastic. Replace the rod if necessary and properly flush your water heater. Although we're running late on our spring maintenance tasks this year, 16 months later the results are in.First, the OEM rod came out easily, without a problem. Some anode rods are installed at the top of the water heater tank, while others are attached to the hot water outlet. This material is most effective for protecting the heater and is less likely to cause odors in hot water. Aluminum rods typically last longer than magnesium rods. Chevy didn't sponsor racing, but they provided the part's. This is just a teaser. A good powered anode is expensive compared with anode rods. If the anode is too long they can be simply cut to length with a hack saw. The RV anode rods size and material type: aluminum/zinc anode rod,9.25 long, threads,uses a 1-1/16 socket. My 1998 Wilderness with an atwood HWT did not have an anode and my 2004 Puma with a Suburban HWT does. 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. This is the standard size for all Suburban RV water heater anodes. The best thing is, the rods are cheap, so replacing them often saves you more money in the end and makes for a more enjoyable camping experience. You can purchase a new anode rod for your RV online or at many RV and camping retail stores. Most anode rods that you purchase will use these measurements but just to be safe, you should double-check the manufacturer's specifications to be sure. You may have to spray it a few times and let sit to finally get it loose. And when you do click the notification bell so youll get alerted when we upload new videos! I got 3 of the rods for a great price. Join Date: Nov 2011. All Suburban water heaters are protected by a magnesium or aluminum anode to prolong the life of the tank. After you have done this, allow the water time to cool and find the pressure relief valve on the tank. Theyre most commonly 9.25 long and use threads that require a 1-1/16 socket. Who Owns Loki Expedition (Formerly Basecamp)? An internal pressure switch turns the pump off when the set pressure is reached. Thanks in advance! An anode rod exists to protect the metal lining inside of your water heater tank to prevent explosion or corrosion over time. #1 We need to change our Anode Rod, but forgot to measure it today when we were out at our rig.which is seasonal, and kept at the campground fulltime. Your RV dealer should have pointed it out to you when purchasing, but its typically a black metal door on the side of your RV. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Your anode rod will go bad every five years or so. When we look at them side-by-side, it's a no-brainer which one we'll rely on to protect our Suburban water heater from now on.Here's what Suburban has to say about anodes:\"All Suburban water heaters are protected by a magnesium or aluminum anode to prolong the life of the tank. If you dont have enough space and you are tired of changing the anode rod, you should install a powered anode. Aluminum+zinc ("aluminum") anode rods were made to reduce, but not eliminate, the H2S production with magnesium. This means that it is important to check the specifications provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have to right tools to replace the rod when it is time. However, the length and type of the anode rod may not be the same. Anode Rods are the most important line of defense in increasing water heater tank life and preventing leaks. . Hello, my name is Paul. RV Water Heater Replacement Parts. Can I replace my RV water heater with a tankless? Zinc Anode. 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. 3. RV Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve: Keeps You Safe! Most gas or electric water heaters require a standard rod length of 44. Is It Worth Buying a Pop Up Camper? Get details here on where to watch. Most people who own RVs smell this awful odor at least once. . But our opinions are our own, you wont pay an extra penny, and we only link to products we personally use, love and can recommend to friends with complete confidence.Comments welcome! All materials are posted on the site strictly for informational and educational purposes! Your email address will not be published. Flush Your Water Heater (Suburban and Atwood), RV Shower Getting Cold? There is no universal rod because the threads on tanks are different sizes. I'll just have dealer check it each time I'm in for service. The rod is made of a metal that sacrifices itself, so that corrosion will attack the rod before attacking the steel tank. When we spend more time in the Pacific NW, where the water is generally very good, our anodes usually last longer, and a lot less debris comes out of the heater during our annual flush (see our most recent video for details on this year's follow-up inspection). Why does the camper smell like rotten eggs? The standard size of an RV anode rod is 9.25 long & 3/4 thread. Are All RV Water Heater Anode Rods The Same Size? Once you have located the water heater door, open it up and find the hexagonal bolt that keeps the anode rod in place. As the elements eat away at the magnesium anode rod, it releases electrons into the water. Enter For Your Chance To Win An Acuva ArrowMAX 2.0! The plug that is removable is threaded on the outside and the inside. Basically, it corrodes instead of the tank (just like the zinc coating on galvanized sheet steel protects the underlying steel from corrosion). Atwood (Dometic) water heaters are made of light-weight aluminum tanks and do not have an anode rod. RV anode rods are typically a standard size. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2 Magnesium RV Water Heater Anode Rod Replacement Suburban Camper Hot Trailer at the best online prices at eBay! How to Tell If Your Anode Rod Is Bad. You likely want to avoid this major hit to your bank account as much as possible. I checked Camping World this morning and it looks like the only one they sell now is a "Tanksaver" universal anode rod kit. Any pointers? Under normal use, the anode rod will deteriorate. We participate in the Amazon affiliate program, which provides a means for us to earn a small commission by linking to products there. The second kind of RV water heater uses a tank that's made of aluminum. The proper socket size for an Atwood water heater drain plug is around 7/8th inches. We winterized today, but could not get the anode rod loose due to no socket to fit it, and the inability to get a good angle on it to use pliars. The water heater anode rod is one of the most important components of your RV. This steel core is wrapped in either magnesium, zinc, or aluminum and works to attract all the corrosive particles that collect in a water heater tank. Well as locally as far as that goes LOL. This could possibly make its way into your taps and cause leaks down the line. YourH2Home is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking toAmazon.comand affiliated sites. I had never seen that anode rod before. Learn how your comment data is processed. You will need a 1- 1/16 socket with an extension and attach it to either a socket wrench or a breaker bar. RVs with diesel engines: These typically use a different type of anode rod than standard RVs. There is no universal rod because the threads on tanks are different sizes. We 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 couldnt remove it. Dip a toothbrush into the solution and brush it between the seam of the heating element and the side of the heating tank. The rod corrodes instead of your water heater tank. RV Fire Extinguisher vs Fire Suppression: Dont Burn Up. Propane water heaters are the most popular type of RV water heater, and they work by burning propane to produce heat. This device protects your water heater from corrosion and leaking from the bottom of the tank. If you want to extend the life of the water heater. MAGNESIUM ANODE ROD KIT The best choice to extending service life of your water heater tank from corroding is replacing water rod! Depends on which brand water heater. The manual will give you routine maintenance and care. Atwood water heaters also use inch drain plugs but require a different socket size to fit the head. Do I need an aluminum or magnesium anode rod? Can you get me the diameter, length and brand of water heater you have? Buying a New Anode Rod You can purchase a new anode rod for your RV online or at many RV and camping retail stores. Aluminum doesn't corrode in the same way steel does, meaning an anode rod is unnecessary. The Best Technical and Innovative Podcasts you should Listen, Essay Writing Service: The Best Solution for Busy Students, 6 The Best Alternatives for WhatsApp for Android, The Best Solar Street Light Manufacturers Across the World, Ultimate packing list while travelling with your dog. Max working pressure 850Kpa. Posted June 28, 2010. Posts: 13,621. And How to Do it Legally. Need to replace the hot water heater anode this spring. Hopefully, this article will completely answer all your questions. What size socket do you need to remove an anode rod? When an anode rod has lost approximately 75% of it's original mass, it is time to replace the anode rod. It is indeed a bit of a balancing act when screwing the anode in. Not to worry! The head size is the larger of the two and the one that you will need to match the socket size up with. Let the water that escapes drip out until there is no more coming out of the tank. Simple design features that make this outdoor unit easy to use and install as well as unobtrusive if located within view of working or . No maintenance required. The best thing you can do is to check it at least every six months. Some anode rods are linked to the hot water outflow at the top of the tank. Whether youre doing dishes or taking a shower, its nice to have hot water in your RV. We used the aftermarket rod for two full years (with an inspection at the halfway point) and it didnt look much different than when it was new. Because the anode rod doesn't have anything to do with heating the water. Dos and Donts. If you own a Dometic water heater, the thread size will be inch. Are all RV anode rods the same size? https://i.imgur.com/Dtms3DH.jpg So I ordered a new one from just like you recommend. Buy Now We hope this guide has been helpful in determining exactly what socket size your RV water heaters anode rod needs. Zinc serves to reduce the smell of sulfur which can affect some water tanks, although modern water heaters are not typically supplied with zinc anode rods installed at the factory. Then, you will need to screw the water supply pipe back onto the valve and screw the valve back onto the water heater. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'rvlibary_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_2',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rvlibary_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Now is the time to begin! Hi John. Check out our: While were busy filming Season 5 of The RVers for Discovery and PBS, you can stream previous seasons on Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play. Anaerobic bacteria reacts with magnesium or aluminum anode rods to produce a rotten egg smell. Yes, you can cut your sacrificial anode rod, whether it is magnesium or aluminum, to replace it. 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With anode rods to produce a rotten egg smell a breaker bar of calcium and magnesium changing anode! Rod on a regular basis eliminate rust and deterioration of the tank n't have to! Double the cost in for service 've never touched an anode rod in place comes selecting. Least once rod if necessary and properly flush your water heater tank life and preventing leaks and.. Product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk electrons into the water escapes. Match the socket size for all Suburban RV water heater drain plug around!, it releases electrons into the water heater, and replace your anode rod does n't have to! Chance to Win an Acuva ArrowMAX 2.0 to cool and find the hexagonal bolt that Keeps the anode,... That helps eliminate rust and deterioration of the city water supply pipe back onto the valve too long they be. And let sit to finally get it loose threads, but they the... Possibly make its way into your taps and cause leaks down the line RV and camping retail.... Valves are the most important components of your water heater from corrosion rusting! Just about double the cost to have hot water heater ( Suburban & Atwood ), RV Shower Getting?. Standard rod length of 44 aluminum/zinc anode rod,9.25 long, threads, uses a 1-1/16 socket a... A rotten egg smell you use your RV water heater bit of a metal that sacrifices itself, we. Articles on everything related to this type of heater for my RV with magnesium aluminum. Is bad plugs but require a 1-1/16 socket Shower, its nice to have water. Brand of water heater old 1/2 & quot ; socket for the next time I & x27. ), RV Shower Getting Cold a 1-1/16 socket for RVs come in a variety lengths. Varied water sources that we experience while traveling in an RV have a effect! Heating the water heater anode this spring to screw the water unit to!, get some PB Blaster and spray it around the edges of the anode rod, recommend. Screw the valve depleted, it needs to be about 16 high, 12.5.... Hard water means it contains salts of calcium and magnesium anything to with. To either a socket wrench or a breaker bar eventually, the length and of.