Is It Worth Buying a Pop Up Camper? First, the OEM rod came out easily, without a problem. Heat Pump Water Heater vs Tankless: Whats the Difference? Ive watched you water heater videos and am a little confused. You may need to cut it down to fit your water heater if you have a smaller tank. I drained mine and all kindsa nastiness came out of it LOL. 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. Going to a magnesium anode can prolong the life of your water heater. You may not have any confusion about are all RV anode rods the same size? Can a Pressure Tank Freeze? Generally, Suburban brand water heaters require an anode rod to protect the steel tank from corrosion. 1/2 inch. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get exclusive tips and tricks to save your money and time in the RV lifestyle! Is the Thousand Trails Cabin Pass Worth It? Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Youll know if your RV anode is bad if more than 75% of the rod has dissolved. Some anode rods are 33 inches in length while others are 44 inches in length. You will need a 1- 1/16 socket with an extension and attach it to either a socket wrench or a breaker bar. You will need to use a socket size 15/16ths to fit onto the head of the drain plug. 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. Get details here on where to watch. 9.25" long RV anode rods are typically a standard size. Sacrificial anodes change sulfates into hydrogen sulfides. WD-40 will not loosen rusted bolts. Zinc Anode. When its almost depleted, it needs to be replaced. Generally, Suburban brand water heaters require an anode rod to protect the steel tank from corrosion. Class 39(1). On the other hand, anode rods for RVs come in a variety of lengths. Most of the anode rods sold today are made of zinc, aluminum or a combination of both. Peggy, First, verify the brand of your water heater: Suburban water heaters REQUIRE an anode, since the tanks are made of steel. Are RV anode rods standard size? 10. 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. Intake, and exhaust valves are the same size, so we used exhaust valve's on the intake too. When it comes to selecting the best anode rod, we vote for magnesium. How do I replace an anode rod in my RV water heater? Velocity-modulated tubes. Anodes are not recommended by Atwood for Atwood water heaters (though aftermarket ones are sold). Same thing goes for drawing bleach into the fresh water tank, where again, we "bypass" (block) the water heater to keep bleach out of it (again, we don't want bleach in there, since it's a nuisance to flush it back out). These electrons prevent corrosion in the tank and cause the anode rod to break down over time. If you have a Suburban water heater, the tank is porcelain-lined steel and requires an anode rod to prevent corrosion of the steel tank. What size socket do you need to remove an anode rod? As far as RV anode rods being standard, I think they all have the same threads, but different lengths are available. Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000 T 4-Gallon (ES4) - Eliminate Time for Hot Water - Shelf, Wall or Floor Mounted. Is an Expansion Tank Required by Code? An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Protecting your water heater by maintaining your anode rod isnt difficult. Till then this is going to help you. Typically, the thread size of a water heater drain plug is around inch. Posts: 13,621. When its almost depleted, it needs to be replaced. This is just a teaser. Initial Cost. The anode rod is a sacrificial component. PLEASE NOTE: We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. Zinc anode rods are designed to eliminate or reduce the sulphur or rotten egg smell present. An anode rod is a small, metal rod that is inserted into the water heaters hot water supply. I thought the reason you switched your bypass on was to PREVENT water from entering your water heater. Simple design features that make this outdoor unit easy to use and install as well as unobtrusive if located within view of working or . A motorhome is the best means of comfortable travel. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. 12 year's, electrolysis ate pinholes in the cylinder liners. The rod corrodes instead of your water heater tank. Just purchased one from my local RV dealer for 10.95.. No shipping.common item for them to stock and sell. AI Score. Note: Water with high levels of iron and/or sulfate will increase the rate of deterioration. Induction water heaters work by using a coil to generate heat, and they are typically the least expensive option. So, if you have an Atwood water heater, buy their one time use nylon drain plugs (about $1 each). When we look at them side-by-side, its a no-brainer which one well rely on to protect our Suburban water heater from now on. Meets new NZ gas regulations and *NZ/Australian WaterMark certification scheme. The aluminum rod will withstand harder water better than a magnesium or zinc rod. Easy to use propane tankless water heater was designed for a fast and easy setup. We have a large camping group with many different types of rigs and mine is the only one with an anode. Why does the camper smell like rotten eggs? After you have done this, allow the water time to cool and find the pressure relief valve on the tank. Motorhomes: These typically use smaller anode rods than standard RVs. What size is the drain plug on an Atwood RV water heater? That's especially true when spending much time in the Desert SW, where the water quality is pretty bad. Answer: Yes, anode rods can be cut to fit specific water heaters. Max working pressure 850Kpa. Are all RV anode rods the same size? Thanks in advance! What accessories do I need for my camper? A 1975 block. The right socket for water heater element is Drive x 1-1/2 inches socket. What Is the GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity? Expansion tanks, also known as water heater or thermal expansion tanks, are one of the best ways, The plumbing industry has come a long way, but few of its components have improved as much, Pressure tanks are one of the most important components of your plumbing system. When installing the rod, you should ensure that it is tightened securely but not tight enough that it is troublesome to remove and replace later. Instant Endless Hot Water,Ideal for Camper, No Electric Hookup,Trailer, RV, Yacht. Some anode rods are installed at the top of the water heater tank while others are attached to the water heater hot water outlet. Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item is handmade or was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic . A Suburban Water Heater requires an Anode Rod because the tank of the Suburban Water Heater uses glass enamel over a steel tank. Trailer is approx 20 years old. Suburban Replacement Anode Rod; 1 116 Socket (for Suburban anode rod) 34 PVC Drain Plug (use while vinegar solution is in tank) 1 18 Socket (for 3 4 " PVC Drain Plug) Atwood Water Heater: Replacement Atwood Brand 1/2 Drain Plugs (set of 2) 1516 Socket (for Atwood brand drain plugs) 78 Socket (for Camco . But some anode rods are also connected to the top of the water heater. When getting your new anode rod ready to install, you should consider covering the threads with some form of plumbers tape to discourage leaks in the future. Most anode rods can be removed with the correct size socket. We hope this guide has been helpful in determining exactly what socket size your RV water heaters anode rod needs. Anyway I ordered another one and didnt need it, but I will someday. Any shipping you pay will just about double the cost. 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. Can anyone tell me what this anode is protecting against? Rv water heater anode rod exclusive suburban anode rod absorbs the corrosive action accused by hot water and prolongs. When the rectifier is connected to the nearest outlet or electric wire connected to the battery, the rod located in the tank supplies a small amount of current into the . RV anode rods are typically a standard size. The brass-on-brass design made it (pardon the pun) a lock to unscrew easily. You should check with the manufacturer of your water heater; the tank may be lined and it does not even require an anode rod. Can be found in Sears tool dept. This will prevent rust and other damage to the water heater tank. Quick Answer: What does RV antifreeze smell like. Answer: Pretty much, yes. However, magnesium anode rods provide a better value. Longer actually as I started working on trucks in high school. If youre looking for the best RV water heater anode rods, youll want to know about the different brands and sizes available. As far as RV anode rods being standard, I think they all have the same threads, but different lengths are available. Even with that, dissolved magnesium in the water supply can also have health benefits. The standard size of an anode socket is 9.25 long and uses three-fourth-inch threads that require a 1-1/16 socket to remove and reinstall. 5. I prefer the breaker bar because sometimes the drain plug . Because of the unique properties of an aluminum rod, it withstands hard water much better than a magnesium anode. Here are 5 annual RV maintenance tasks you can do yourself. However, the anode rod may differ in length and type. And the winterization was not a day too late. 3. 801,804. Once everything is ready, loosen the bolt and remove the old anode rod and put it to the side. Hello, Sign in. You can do this by inserting the rod into the water heaters hot water supply and screwing it into place. Check Price at Amazon. Anode rods vary in length and material. The electric heat element and combination drain plug/anode rod are also located there. Your email address will not be published. Do you need a title to register a pop up camper in MA? To extend anode life, drain water from tank whenever the RV is not being used. Once you have located the water heater door, open it up and find the hexagonal bolt that keeps the anode rod in place. Size 9 '' Long and has '' Thread, Uses a 1-1/16'' socket (Not included). Anode rods are not universal. The anode rod sacrifices itself to protect your water heater from corrosion and increases the water heaters longevity. 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. These devices work because the metal in the rod is more easily corroded than the metal of the water heater tank. 4. are all rv anode rods the same size Never throw it away. What Are the Best Campgrounds in Branson, Missouri? How do you remove rust from an RV anode rod? And How to Do it Legally. You should check and replace your Anode Rod on a regular basis. Make sure you tighten the anode rod snuggly, but dont muscle it so much that you overtighten it. Smith, Rheem, Richmond, Kenmore, State, and GE. Generally, Suburban brand water . If youve seen our previous 2 videos about flushing RV water heaters, youll know weve talked quite a bit about anode rods. the GC6AA is the combo gas and electric but they are the same size. How to Replace Your RV Water Heater Anode Rod, RV Anode Rods Dont Have to Be Complicated. 0. If youre traveling full-time in your RV, youll likely experience a shorter lifespan than if youre using your RV seasonally. As UCJ said, get some PB Blaster and spray it around the edges of the rod. The diameter of residential water heater anode rods is universal at 3/4 inches. And since Atwood heaters don't have rods, yes, all rods for modern WHs are the same size and thread. The brass-on-brass design made it (pardon the pun) a lock to unscrew easily. As a result, youll have to remove the clamps on the RVs water line. Camco RV Water Heater Drain Plug and Wrench Kit Designed for RV & Camper Water Heater Drain Plugs| Fits 7/8 & 15/16 Drain Plugs | Angled Design Allows You to Reach Tight Spots -(11633), Atwood Water Heater Drain Plug Kit. 5. I can definitely say that the varied water sources that we experience while traveling in an RV have a detrimental effect. Includes service door. - Anode Rod Protection - Porcelain Lined Steel Tank The limit switch, reset button and on/off electric element rocker switch (if applicable) are conveniently located in a housing behind the removable outer door. 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). if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'rvlibary_com-leader-2','ezslot_6',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rvlibary_com-leader-2-0');Anode rods made of aluminum are the least expensive and most durable. All materials are posted on the site strictly for informational and educational purposes! Answer: Anode rods are generally interchangeable. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Camping group with many different types of rigs and mine is the drain.. Water with high levels of iron and/or sulfate will increase the rate of deterioration the brass-on-brass design it... 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