Most RVers try to perform this step one or two times per year. Next lesson, 1965 Peterbilt model 281. This foul odor is often very pronounced and difficult to ignore. Water heater anode rods are one of the most important appliances in a home. Let this mixture heat for 8-12 hours, and then turn off your water heater. The size of your tank will depend on how much vinegar will be required. When the water no longer smells of vinegar, youre all finished. So, last year we opted to go back to an original Suburban anode, choosing to run the risk of being unable to remove it, over the risk of the early demise of our water heater. Replacing a water heater in an RV can cost upwards of $800 to $1000. 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.
Hi Betty Lou! This small step can save you time, money, and prevent you from taking a cold shower. Longer actually as I started working on trucks in high school. This protection is normally provided by a magnesium anode already installed in the tank. If the odor problem stems from the reaction between the magnesium anode and your water, there are several options available to you. Thanks! Clessie Cummins would've fainted, if he'd seen how much power his engine actually made. In order to be able to maintain your water heater, you must first understand how this appliance works. Plus, Corro-Protec RV powered anodes limit the growth of bacteria that cause rotten egg odors in hot water and dont need any maintenance. Make sure you tighten the anode rod snuggly, but dont muscle it so much that you overtighten it. Hi Jeff, it's great that your hot water is working great but you should at least check the condition of your anode rod.
Theyre not expensive, and you can find them on Amazon here. You should see a considerable amount of debris this time. Most water heaters have a pressure-release valve that needs to be opened as well. After drawing vinegar into the water heater using the winterizing kit, we finish filling the heater by turning on the city water. These rods typically last two to three years, depending on how you use your RV. Chevy didn't sponsor racing, but they provided the part's. Consider consulting a YouTube video for directions for your specific model. You should check your RVs anode rod at least twice a year. Unlike magnesium anodes, powered anodes do not require any maintenance and are designed to provide corrosion protection for over 20 years. Just like your residential water heater, your RV water heater needs rust protection. They also include an anode rod that helps eliminate rust and deterioration of the tank. Whether you have an rv tankless water heater. If youve seen our previous 2 videos about flushing RV water heaters, youll know weve talked quite a bit about anode rods. What Is The Magnesium Anode Used For In The RV Water Heater, More efficient cathodic protection is now available for RV water heaters, Your RV Water Heater Anode Rod Should Be Checked Every Year, The Anode Can Be The Cause Of The Sulfur Smell In Hot Water, Sulfate reducing bacteria in your RV water heater. When I was done hot rodding it, it's about 700 horsepower, and not really breathing hard. Replace the rod if necessary and properly flush your water heater. PLEASE NOTE: We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. For RV water heater, a magnesium anode will be used as sacrificial protection. The price and effort to replace the entire heater is so great that we have no problem ponying up for a new anode as needed! First things first, an anode rod life expectancy is dependent on a plethora of factors, such as whether you have hard or soft water, but generally, you should call Nebrasky every two-to-five years to check the status and determine when its time for a replacement before it dissolves. How? Hi Kenneth! Unlike other RV appliances, there are some major differences between the two brands.
You must remove the LP gas burner tube and some wiring to reach it. You should also check your hot water tank's pressure relief valve and make sure that's operable by lifting the little lever on the top of it and then releasing it to make sure it goes back in place! However, this will only eliminate odors for a few days and this cleaning is generally longer and complex. The second solution is to perform a bleach treatment in the RV water heater. Most anode rods can be removed with the correct size socket. It's easy to do. Each year when servicing your RV, you should take a few extra minutes to check the condition of the magnesium anode. Or, of youre having some other issue with hot water on your RV, check out our post:RV Shower Getting Cold? Second, the OEM rod sacrificed itself the way its supposed to. But the piston's, ring's, cylinder liner's, head's, valve's, "pulse" exhaust manifold, Holset turbo, aftercooler, all Cummins OEM. Yours will be back to tip-top shape in no time. Also, excess sediment from the Anode Rod can cause flow problems with your RV's fresh water system.The video below explains how to replace the Anode Rod. 
Put your anode rod or drain plug back in.
When you use this kind of cathodic protection, you need to do maintenance at least once a year and verify the anode. We actually ended up breaking a socket wrench in the process. If you do not feel comfortable performing this maintenance, feel free to take your RV to a mechanic for its routine tune-ups. Check out our handy blog post on winterizing your RV. The rod is made of a metal that sacrifices itself, so that corrosion will attack the rod before attacking the steel tank. By regularly checking your anode rod, you can increase the chances of replacing it before damage is done to your water heater. If there is any debris in the tube, this can start a small fire and blow your thermal cut-off. Let this mixture heat for 8-12 hours, and then turn off your water heater. The 10 Best Thousand Trails Campgrounds in Florida, The Best Books to Help With Your School Bus Conversion, 15 Country Songs You Have to Listen to on Your Next Road Trip. If you store your RV for the winter, then you can perform this task before you winterize your RV. They are made from aluminum, magnesium, or zinc, all metals that will sacrifice themselves through electrolysis and save the exposed steel water heater tank from a similar fate. Interstates, Highways, and Freeways: Whats the Difference? Then, when you turn on a hot water faucet, hot water is pulled from the tank and comes out of the faucet or shower. Before unscrewing the hexagonal bolt, turn off the water heater and the water supply, and drain the pressure from the water lines. Is a National Park Pass for Seniors Worth It Now? Any pointers? How Often Should You Check Your RV Anode Rod? The drivetrain was also updated, and the truck hand built. Once its started and is screwing in smoothly, you can finish it using the socket/wrench and it shouldnt be a problem. In addition, this technology does not require maintenance and is good for many years. They are fairly inexpensive to replace and might save you from an expensive hot water tank replacement in the future. The smell of sulfur is present in many homes in North America and can be a recurring problem for campers as well. A good maintenance will assure you to have an optimal water temperature and good water pressure all year long. The size of your tank will depend on how much vinegar will be required. Having owned, and operated a class 8 heavy duty truck, half my career, and worked in every aspect of the business, mostly as a driver, and mechanic, one's bound to learn something in close to 45 year's. Posted on Published: September 22, 2013- Last updated: July 28, 2022, Categories Routine Maintenance, Tips & Tricks, Water & Sewer, Water & Sewer. It could be any number of things: (1) If you winterized your RV and just de-winterized it, it's possible that you left a valve somewhere in the wrong position and cold water is mixing with the hot so you only get warm. Corro-Protec anodes are easy to install and will solve your odor problems in just a few hours. Need Assistance? This protection is provided by a current rectifier which sends energy through a titanium anode rod. Ive watched you water heater videos and am a little confused. For a quality reliable and affordable plumber or plumbing / heating / air conditioning contractor, call on Nebrasky. I just pulled our anode after only 2 months and it is very sacrificed. Your email address will not be published. (3) If you used your outdoor shower, it's possible you left the valves open and just closed off the switch on the shower head/handle which (believe it or not) allows the hot and cold water to mix so you only get lukewarm water throughout the RV (we have a video about that here: https://www.thervgeeks.com/miscellaneous/water-heater-fail-newbie-mistake/ ). You must always consult your manual before beginning any maintenance and always ensure the power to your water heater is off by flipping the breaker switch.
Do this before turning on your hot water on as doing it when the water has heated could get you scalded!! Join in and write your own page! If it ISN'T hot, then it's a problem with the water heater itself which could be the thermostat or circuit board. 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. Taking care of your rv water heater is essential to enjoy endless supply of hot water all year long. That's how we use the same winterizing kit to add bleach for sanitizing. 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. Everything About RVing Does not sell personal information.
7 Best RV Vacuum Cleaners: Get One That Really Sucks! Can You Power an RV With a Solar Generator? As hot water is pulled from the tank, cold water is pulled back into the tank and continues to be heated. If you are looking for a long term solution that requires less maintenance, Corro-Protec RV powered anode rod is what you need. The next morning, remove your anode rod or drain plug and drain the mixture. If not, note how much is left and consider ordering a replacement if its nearing the end of its lifespan. for the most efficiency. How to Replace Your RV Water Heater Anode Rod, RV Anode Rods Dont Have to Be Complicated. This rod was no longer protecting the water heater tank. Since magnesium is a more active metal than the one used for making the water heater, magnesium will sacrifice itself to protect the tank. If you've been having trouble with the water heater not getting the water hot for a while now then something else is wrong. Fortunately, the anode is cheap to replace, and we have it out for cleaning once a year anyway. Check out our handy blog post on. I've used sacrificial Zinc anode's in other application's for years. We changed the anode Rod, but the water is still only getting warm, now what? 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. Pro Tip: Check out these RV items you didnt know you could get at Lowes. Because of this, we recommend it be replaced annually or when consumption or weight loss of the rod is greater than 75%. appreciated as important team members. There are two ways to kill this bacteria and stop odor problems. Should You Camp at Thousand Trails Las Vegas RV Resort? Using your winterizing kit, put 3-5 gallons of white vinegar directly into your water heater. After adding the vinegar, fill the remainder of your tank with water and allow it to heat up. We participate in the Amazon affiliate program, which provides a means for us to earn a small commission by linking to products there. RV Water Heater Flush and Inspection (Suburban & Atwood). How to Protect Your RVs Decals & Keep Them From Fading. Do not do this until the water in your tank has cooled. What Is the Best Time to Visit Utah National Parks? Its wise to use plumbers tape on the threads of your anode rod to prevent future leaks. Hi John. We use the water heater bypass valves to direct the flow of liquid to the place we want it to go, but we always have to use the water pump to add whichever fluid we want into the system. If you are removing your drain plug, anode rod, or attempting to drain it, the water heater must be off and cooled down. The final step is to fill your water heater with water and then turn on all faucets and showers to empty out the last of the vinegar. Atwood brand water heaters generally dont use anodes because their tanks are made of aluminum.
Check out our: Watch us every Saturday morning at 8AM Eastern/Pacific, 7AM Central, 9AM Mountain on Discovery in the USA. When not exploring in her RV or writing about her travels, you can find her reading a good book, cooking a delicious meal, caring for her plants, or hiking with her dogs. Whether youre doing dishes or taking a shower, its nice to have hot water in your RV. All Rights Reserved. It's the water pump that draws fluid up through the winterizing kit, but it gets directed into the empty water heater because it's the path of least resistance (empty / full of air). If you have a Suburban water heaters, the first method is to install an impressed current anode.
As a result, we installed an aftermarket anode with brass threads, that screws into an outer brass sleeve. Open the door and look for a hexagonal bolt. Is It Safe to Have a Wood Stove in an RV?
If we were to "bypass" (block access to) the water heater, the vinegar couldn't get into it. Founded in 2007, TCM is the RV community's number one source for news, reviews, guides, newbie advice, destination ideas, maintenance recommendations, modifications, and more. Magnesium anode rods are expected to work better in a home with soft water. 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. Return to the Everything About RVing Home Page. So today, were looking at how an RV water heater anode rod can help you avoid a costly repair. 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. The next step requires the use of a winterizing kit for the most efficiency. When you have the right tools, the anode unscrews easily and just pull on it to remove it from the tank.
Hi Betty Lou! This small step can save you time, money, and prevent you from taking a cold shower. Longer actually as I started working on trucks in high school. This protection is normally provided by a magnesium anode already installed in the tank. If the odor problem stems from the reaction between the magnesium anode and your water, there are several options available to you. Thanks! Clessie Cummins would've fainted, if he'd seen how much power his engine actually made. In order to be able to maintain your water heater, you must first understand how this appliance works. Plus, Corro-Protec RV powered anodes limit the growth of bacteria that cause rotten egg odors in hot water and dont need any maintenance. Make sure you tighten the anode rod snuggly, but dont muscle it so much that you overtighten it. Hi Jeff, it's great that your hot water is working great but you should at least check the condition of your anode rod.
Theyre not expensive, and you can find them on Amazon here. You should see a considerable amount of debris this time. Most water heaters have a pressure-release valve that needs to be opened as well. After drawing vinegar into the water heater using the winterizing kit, we finish filling the heater by turning on the city water. These rods typically last two to three years, depending on how you use your RV. Chevy didn't sponsor racing, but they provided the part's. Consider consulting a YouTube video for directions for your specific model. You should check your RVs anode rod at least twice a year. Unlike magnesium anodes, powered anodes do not require any maintenance and are designed to provide corrosion protection for over 20 years. Just like your residential water heater, your RV water heater needs rust protection. They also include an anode rod that helps eliminate rust and deterioration of the tank. Whether you have an rv tankless water heater. If youve seen our previous 2 videos about flushing RV water heaters, youll know weve talked quite a bit about anode rods. What Is The Magnesium Anode Used For In The RV Water Heater, More efficient cathodic protection is now available for RV water heaters, Your RV Water Heater Anode Rod Should Be Checked Every Year, The Anode Can Be The Cause Of The Sulfur Smell In Hot Water, Sulfate reducing bacteria in your RV water heater. When I was done hot rodding it, it's about 700 horsepower, and not really breathing hard. Replace the rod if necessary and properly flush your water heater. PLEASE NOTE: We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. For RV water heater, a magnesium anode will be used as sacrificial protection. The price and effort to replace the entire heater is so great that we have no problem ponying up for a new anode as needed! First things first, an anode rod life expectancy is dependent on a plethora of factors, such as whether you have hard or soft water, but generally, you should call Nebrasky every two-to-five years to check the status and determine when its time for a replacement before it dissolves. How? Hi Kenneth! Unlike other RV appliances, there are some major differences between the two brands.
You must remove the LP gas burner tube and some wiring to reach it. You should also check your hot water tank's pressure relief valve and make sure that's operable by lifting the little lever on the top of it and then releasing it to make sure it goes back in place! However, this will only eliminate odors for a few days and this cleaning is generally longer and complex. The second solution is to perform a bleach treatment in the RV water heater. Most anode rods can be removed with the correct size socket. It's easy to do. Each year when servicing your RV, you should take a few extra minutes to check the condition of the magnesium anode. Or, of youre having some other issue with hot water on your RV, check out our post:RV Shower Getting Cold? Second, the OEM rod sacrificed itself the way its supposed to. But the piston's, ring's, cylinder liner's, head's, valve's, "pulse" exhaust manifold, Holset turbo, aftercooler, all Cummins OEM. Yours will be back to tip-top shape in no time. Also, excess sediment from the Anode Rod can cause flow problems with your RV's fresh water system.The video below explains how to replace the Anode Rod. Put your anode rod or drain plug back in. When you use this kind of cathodic protection, you need to do maintenance at least once a year and verify the anode. We actually ended up breaking a socket wrench in the process. If you do not feel comfortable performing this maintenance, feel free to take your RV to a mechanic for its routine tune-ups. Check out our handy blog post on winterizing your RV. The rod is made of a metal that sacrifices itself, so that corrosion will attack the rod before attacking the steel tank. By regularly checking your anode rod, you can increase the chances of replacing it before damage is done to your water heater. If there is any debris in the tube, this can start a small fire and blow your thermal cut-off. Let this mixture heat for 8-12 hours, and then turn off your water heater. The 10 Best Thousand Trails Campgrounds in Florida, The Best Books to Help With Your School Bus Conversion, 15 Country Songs You Have to Listen to on Your Next Road Trip. If you store your RV for the winter, then you can perform this task before you winterize your RV. They are made from aluminum, magnesium, or zinc, all metals that will sacrifice themselves through electrolysis and save the exposed steel water heater tank from a similar fate. Interstates, Highways, and Freeways: Whats the Difference? Then, when you turn on a hot water faucet, hot water is pulled from the tank and comes out of the faucet or shower. Before unscrewing the hexagonal bolt, turn off the water heater and the water supply, and drain the pressure from the water lines. Is a National Park Pass for Seniors Worth It Now? Any pointers? How Often Should You Check Your RV Anode Rod? The drivetrain was also updated, and the truck hand built. Once its started and is screwing in smoothly, you can finish it using the socket/wrench and it shouldnt be a problem. In addition, this technology does not require maintenance and is good for many years. They are fairly inexpensive to replace and might save you from an expensive hot water tank replacement in the future. The smell of sulfur is present in many homes in North America and can be a recurring problem for campers as well. A good maintenance will assure you to have an optimal water temperature and good water pressure all year long. The size of your tank will depend on how much vinegar will be required. Having owned, and operated a class 8 heavy duty truck, half my career, and worked in every aspect of the business, mostly as a driver, and mechanic, one's bound to learn something in close to 45 year's. Posted on Published: September 22, 2013- Last updated: July 28, 2022, Categories Routine Maintenance, Tips & Tricks, Water & Sewer, Water & Sewer. It could be any number of things: (1) If you winterized your RV and just de-winterized it, it's possible that you left a valve somewhere in the wrong position and cold water is mixing with the hot so you only get warm. Corro-Protec anodes are easy to install and will solve your odor problems in just a few hours. Need Assistance? This protection is provided by a current rectifier which sends energy through a titanium anode rod. Ive watched you water heater videos and am a little confused. For a quality reliable and affordable plumber or plumbing / heating / air conditioning contractor, call on Nebrasky. I just pulled our anode after only 2 months and it is very sacrificed. Your email address will not be published. (3) If you used your outdoor shower, it's possible you left the valves open and just closed off the switch on the shower head/handle which (believe it or not) allows the hot and cold water to mix so you only get lukewarm water throughout the RV (we have a video about that here: https://www.thervgeeks.com/miscellaneous/water-heater-fail-newbie-mistake/ ). You must always consult your manual before beginning any maintenance and always ensure the power to your water heater is off by flipping the breaker switch.
Do this before turning on your hot water on as doing it when the water has heated could get you scalded!! Join in and write your own page! If it ISN'T hot, then it's a problem with the water heater itself which could be the thermostat or circuit board. 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. Taking care of your rv water heater is essential to enjoy endless supply of hot water all year long. That's how we use the same winterizing kit to add bleach for sanitizing. 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. Everything About RVing Does not sell personal information.
7 Best RV Vacuum Cleaners: Get One That Really Sucks! Can You Power an RV With a Solar Generator? As hot water is pulled from the tank, cold water is pulled back into the tank and continues to be heated. If you are looking for a long term solution that requires less maintenance, Corro-Protec RV powered anode rod is what you need. The next morning, remove your anode rod or drain plug and drain the mixture. If not, note how much is left and consider ordering a replacement if its nearing the end of its lifespan. for the most efficiency. How to Replace Your RV Water Heater Anode Rod, RV Anode Rods Dont Have to Be Complicated. This rod was no longer protecting the water heater tank. Since magnesium is a more active metal than the one used for making the water heater, magnesium will sacrifice itself to protect the tank. If you've been having trouble with the water heater not getting the water hot for a while now then something else is wrong. Fortunately, the anode is cheap to replace, and we have it out for cleaning once a year anyway. Check out our handy blog post on. I've used sacrificial Zinc anode's in other application's for years. We changed the anode Rod, but the water is still only getting warm, now what? 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. Pro Tip: Check out these RV items you didnt know you could get at Lowes. Because of this, we recommend it be replaced annually or when consumption or weight loss of the rod is greater than 75%. appreciated as important team members. There are two ways to kill this bacteria and stop odor problems. Should You Camp at Thousand Trails Las Vegas RV Resort? Using your winterizing kit, put 3-5 gallons of white vinegar directly into your water heater. After adding the vinegar, fill the remainder of your tank with water and allow it to heat up. We participate in the Amazon affiliate program, which provides a means for us to earn a small commission by linking to products there. RV Water Heater Flush and Inspection (Suburban & Atwood). How to Protect Your RVs Decals & Keep Them From Fading. Do not do this until the water in your tank has cooled. What Is the Best Time to Visit Utah National Parks? Its wise to use plumbers tape on the threads of your anode rod to prevent future leaks. Hi John. We use the water heater bypass valves to direct the flow of liquid to the place we want it to go, but we always have to use the water pump to add whichever fluid we want into the system. If you are removing your drain plug, anode rod, or attempting to drain it, the water heater must be off and cooled down. The final step is to fill your water heater with water and then turn on all faucets and showers to empty out the last of the vinegar. Atwood brand water heaters generally dont use anodes because their tanks are made of aluminum.
Check out our: Watch us every Saturday morning at 8AM Eastern/Pacific, 7AM Central, 9AM Mountain on Discovery in the USA. When not exploring in her RV or writing about her travels, you can find her reading a good book, cooking a delicious meal, caring for her plants, or hiking with her dogs. Whether youre doing dishes or taking a shower, its nice to have hot water in your RV. All Rights Reserved. It's the water pump that draws fluid up through the winterizing kit, but it gets directed into the empty water heater because it's the path of least resistance (empty / full of air). If you have a Suburban water heaters, the first method is to install an impressed current anode.
As a result, we installed an aftermarket anode with brass threads, that screws into an outer brass sleeve. Open the door and look for a hexagonal bolt. Is It Safe to Have a Wood Stove in an RV?
If we were to "bypass" (block access to) the water heater, the vinegar couldn't get into it. Founded in 2007, TCM is the RV community's number one source for news, reviews, guides, newbie advice, destination ideas, maintenance recommendations, modifications, and more. Magnesium anode rods are expected to work better in a home with soft water. 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. Return to the Everything About RVing Home Page. So today, were looking at how an RV water heater anode rod can help you avoid a costly repair. 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. The next step requires the use of a winterizing kit for the most efficiency. When you have the right tools, the anode unscrews easily and just pull on it to remove it from the tank.