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. Generally, Suburban brand water heaters require an anode rod to protect the steel tank from corrosion. The rod is made of a metal that sacrifices itself, so that corrosion will attack the rod before attacking the steel tank. Atwood brand water heaters generally don't use anodes because their tanks are made of aluminum.

FEATURED & RELATED PRODUCTS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON:
Suburban Water Heater Anode Rod: [ Ссылка ]
Water Heater Tank Rinser: [ Ссылка ]

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 couldn't remove it. We actually ended up breaking a socket wrench in the process.

As a result, we installed an aftermarket anode with brass threads, that screws into an outer brass sleeve. The brass-on-brass design made it (pardon the pun) a lock to unscrew easily. 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 used the aftermarket rod for two full years (with an inspection at the halfway point) and it didn't look much different than when it was new.

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. 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. Second, the OEM rod sacrificed itself the way it's supposed to. 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. 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."

Here's our Suburban Water Heater Flush video:
[ Ссылка ]

Here's our Atwood Water Heater Flush video:
[ Ссылка ]

The piano music is my own performance of Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag from 1899.

WONDERING WHAT'S THE BEST GEAR TO USE ON YOUR RV?
Here's all of our favorite equipment that we use ourselves and recommend to friends:
[ Ссылка ]

Join us at [ Ссылка ] for more great RVing content!

Full-Time RVers since April, 2003, we share DIY (do it yourself) RV maintenance, repair, travel, upgrade and operational tips & tricks.

Many RVers are eager to learn more about using, maintaining and caring for their rigs. We hope our experience can help others go DIY, saving time & money, plus the satisfaction of a job well done.

We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. 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. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk.

We sometimes receive products for evaluation at no cost, and The RVgeeks participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. But our opinions are our own, you won’t pay an extra penny, and we only link to products we personally use, love and can recommend to friends with complete confidence.

Comments welcome! Thanks for watching! Don't forget to subscribe! #RVLIFE #RVDIY #RVLIVING #FULLTIMERV #RVREPAIR #RVMAINTENANCE #RVMODS #RVUPGRADES #RVTRAVEL #DIYRV #RVGEEKS

свернуть