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Old 06-14-2016, 03:54 AM   #1
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THOR #1658
Water heater maintenance

Just a reminder to change your anode at least once a year. Here is a pic of them side by side (one year of use).

Things needed:
Part #232767
Teflon tape
1 1/16 socket
Extension
Ratchet
Water heater tank rinser. To flush out the tank.

Going to pull it in 9 months next time and inspect it.

I have a Suburban water heater.


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Old 06-14-2016, 12:10 PM   #2
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rynosback, you have been busy! One other thing I might add to your post for those that have never done this, make sure you bleed all the water pressure off the trailer before you pull the rod. I learned this the hard way the first time I ever had to change a rod. My wife had a good laugh over the process that day.....
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Old 06-14-2016, 12:37 PM   #3
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13 month RV owner here, are all water heaters (in all RV's, ie Vegas) in need of yearly change of the heating element?

Doc
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Old 06-14-2016, 01:04 PM   #4
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I may be wrong but I believe only Suburban water heaters require anode rods. We owned a 5th wheel a few years back that had an Atwood WH and it did not have a rod.
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Old 06-14-2016, 01:09 PM   #5
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If you have an Atwood there is no anode
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Old 06-14-2016, 01:15 PM   #6
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We have an Atwood, already had it serviced for some kind of "board" short.

Thanks.

Doc
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Old 06-14-2016, 07:17 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hunter11 View Post
I may be wrong but I believe only Suburban water heaters require anode rods. We owned a 5th wheel a few years back that had an Atwood WH and it did not have a rod.
Correct as they have stainless steel tanks.
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Old 06-14-2016, 07:20 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hunter11 View Post
rynosback, you have been busy! One other thing I might add to your post for those that have never done this, make sure you bleed all the water pressure off the trailer before you pull the rod. I learned this the hard way the first time I ever had to change a rod. My wife had a good laugh over the process that day.....
For sure!! I turned my water heater off for two days and ran water through it also to make sure all of the water was cold and that there was no pressure. But I will add that to the first post also.
Thanks
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Old 06-16-2016, 03:12 PM   #9
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Mine looked very similar. While at DRV I pulled mine to see how it looked. I will replace when I get to our home base next month.

Be sure to turn OFF the WH power.
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Old 06-21-2016, 01:49 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DocMike View Post
13 month RV owner here, are all water heaters (in all RV's, ie Vegas) in need of yearly change of the heating element?

Doc
Doc,

The heating element on a Suburban hot water heater is different than the anode rod that is in Ryan's picture. While an anode rod may need changed every year, it's not the same with the heating elements. Our 2010 is still operating on the original heating element, and we've been living fulltime in ours since 2011.

Terry
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Old 06-21-2016, 01:57 AM   #11
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Terry,

Thanks. One less thing to worry about.

Doc
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Old 06-21-2016, 11:29 AM   #12
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On my prior coach with a Suburban water heater, replacement of the anode rod was an annual item (at minimum) because it also served as the drain plug for the water heater. I had to remove the anode to drain the water heater for winterizing.

Also, if you are at a campground that uses well water that has a high mineral content the anode may need to be replaced more frequently.
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Old 06-21-2016, 01:10 PM   #13
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It's also good to use one of the water tank flush sprayer. There is an accumulation of crud that precipates from water when it is heated. It really depends on the hardness of the water. Again make sure the water is cool before you unscrew the plug.
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Old 06-21-2016, 05:35 PM   #14
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I use a water softener which extends the life of the anode rod considerably, but still check it once or twice a year. The one pictured above I'd keep as a spare, my last one was about the diameter of a coat hanger.
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Old 07-11-2018, 02:25 AM   #15
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Can’t find what have.

Can anyone tell me if my 2014 Hurricane would have an Atwood water heater and if it does or doesn’t have an anode? I can’t find this information anywhere in my manuals or paperwork. Sometimes it seems to be taking a lot longer for the water heater to light when on gas. I don’t keep water heated all the time since I mostly dry camp and I don’t use the electric setting.
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Old 07-11-2018, 03:48 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OKnative View Post
Can anyone tell me if my 2014 Hurricane would have an Atwood water heater and if it does or doesn’t have an anode? I can’t find this information anywhere in my manuals or paperwork. Sometimes it seems to be taking a lot longer for the water heater to light when on gas. I don’t keep water heated all the time since I mostly dry camp and I don’t use the electric setting.
Pull the drain plug of the heater. I would think most water heaters use use a drain plug anode combo. Post a pic of the water heater also.
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Old 07-11-2018, 03:49 AM   #17
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Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans View Post
I use a water softener which extends the life of the anode rod considerably, but still check it once or twice a year. The one pictured above I'd keep as a spare, my last one was about the diameter of a coat hanger.
I have been running a softener now for about 6 months so we will see soon when I pull it out to inspect it.
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Old 07-11-2018, 10:44 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans View Post
I use a water softener which extends the life of the anode rod considerably, but still check it once or twice a year. The one pictured above I'd keep as a spare, my last one was about the diameter of a coat hanger.
Danny, when we pulled ours just after our purchase, that is exactly what the anode rod looked like. Needless to say, I carry a spare now!
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Old 07-11-2018, 12:55 PM   #19
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Just a curious question.

I wonder how many people put this much effort into their home electric water heaters?
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Old 07-11-2018, 03:22 PM   #20
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Pulled mine last October and put it back in as it still looked good after one year use. It all depends on the water how long the Anode will last.

Personally I use Teflon pipe dope on all my threaded fittings, much better at sealing.

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