If you want to install a new RV water heater anode rod, you should follow these steps. It keeps the water hot, and you can enjoy warm baths anytime.
How Often to Replace RV Water Heater Anode Rod? You can replace the RV water heater anode rod every 2 to 3 years. Check and observe the heating device after every 5 to 6 months. You can replace the RV water heater anode by using a new rod of high quality. Several tools and expert guidelines help to complete the process.
How Often to Replace RV Water Heater Anode Rod?
An anode rod heater in an RV is a luxury. It helps in the warming of water in the time of need. The anode rod remains in a strong link with the water tank and sources.
It is a device that people install in their water tanks directly, and they increase the lifespan of warm water.
Tools required
- Protective gloves
- Precautionary goggles
- A uniform to protect the body
- Socket
- Screwdriver
- Wire catchers
- New heater rod
- New screws
- Pumps (optional)
- Thread
- Tape
Buy a new heater anode rod
It is an essential and tricky step when you replace a heater anode rod in your RV. Numerous companies offer heater anode rods for such RVs, and few of them are well-known. All of them provide high quality and excellent products with maximum heating qualities.
Suburban is one of the excellent manufacturers of these rods. As you know that these heating devices have short lifespans, and that’s why you require them after every 5-6 months.
The manufactures have increased the bulk production due to the immense use of RV and the internal device. Always check the quality and warranty of the device.
The manufacturing data plays a vital role in the precise use of the equipment. You can purchase a new heater water rod online as well.
There is a vast range of all types of heating rods with multiple sizes and cost ranges. The RV stores always supply these heating rods at excellent prices with maximum quality and efficiency.
Maintain safety measures
The anode heating device also requires electric power for its normal functions. Always maintain the safety measure to protect yourself from any accident. Wear protective gloves so that you cannot touch the hot rods.
Use protective goggles to protect the eyes from hot water splashes. It is a harmful thing that causes patches and bruises on human skin.
Wear a standard protective uniform. And it should contain water resilient properties. All of these things offer maximum safety during the whole process. It keeps the installer fear-free, and he can perform the task with professional measures.
Disconnect power supply
The heater anode rod of RVs gets its electrical power from the system. The batteries flow direct current that reaches such devices, and you cannot replace it in the presence of direct current.
It leads to short circuits and accidents. Always disconnect the power supply.
Always make sure that the RV is not on the ignition because it is a source of current to the device. Disconnect all the plugs and sockets and observe the electric system.
If you doubt any small wire that can cause electric flow, and remove it from the panel. Make the vehicle electricity-free before even starting the process.
Locate the old heater
An anode of water heater in an RV is usually occurring in the water tanks. There is a panel of these heating devices.
All the installers and users of a recreational vehicle know about it. You should reach the electric source and remove it by using the screwdrivers. Remove all the nuts and screws and put the device aside. In this way, you approach the anode of the heating device.
Allow water and heater to get less warm
When you turn off the electricity, then supply all the water and heating devices start cooling down. Leave the system for at least 1-2 hours.
The water in the tank is sometimes hot. Touching such devices leads to skin burns and irreversible damages, disconnect the power supplies of the RV.
If you do not unplug the water source, then it keeps mixing the hit water. In this way, the water will never cool down. Leave it for at least 30-40 minutes. It requires this time to cool down its anode rod. Some heaters need more time, do not touch the rod directly.
Remove the valve
There is a valve that helps it to be in its place. You require a socket, and they help in screwing off the valve.
These tiny devices are of a specific size, and you can use them anytime. Purchase them online or from any RV stores.
They are economical and efficient in their performance. The sockets offer maximum ease and relations during the replacement process.
Use anti-clock directions
In these steps, as you are removing the devices, always use anti-clockwise directions. They allow quick movements, and you can unscrew all the bolts.
It is a pattern of removing the screws from any device or surface. Keep the force at a moderate rate, or you can damage the system. These heat anodes are tough but sensitive to the sudden jerk.
Drain water
Draining water from the water tank of an RV is essential. You cannot replace a heating anode rod in the presence of already existing warm or cold water. Open the drain and valve area of the tank.
Allow the free-flowing of water until it stops draining, and stay at a certain distance during the process. The splashing of hot water is harmful to the skin. Use a bucket in those cases when you think that the tank can splash a lot.
A bucket method is time-consuming, but it saves the user from deadly accidents. Drain the water in a dumping station or any other hose. Remove every droplet from the water tank.
Leave this tank for at least 30-35 minutes, and it allows cooling of the tank’s walls.
Check the electricity source
In this step, access the whole electricity panel. Learn all the instructions in the manual. You can also take expert help to carry out the installation process.
Choose the sockets and point where you are going to install the new device and its wires. Select the panel and clean it with a smooth cloth. It helps to provide a better view of the electricity sockets.
Cover thread or tape the water heater anode rod
Few manufacturers of the heating anode rod provide them with coverings. There are few heating devices without any shield. Use protecting tape or threads to cover it.
You cannot insert an open electric heater in a control panel directly. You can apply the process to all types of anode rods. Cover the thread on the rod in a way that it completely hides it.
Wrap a layer of tape on all the thread areas. It helps in extreme protection conditions. Install the new device by following the manual’s process. Do not run it without removing the residual water.
Run the water tank
Turn on the electric power of the water tank. You can use a pressure pump to remove the water. Rinse every wall of the tank with a cleaner.
It helps in the removal of any contaminants. The tank can get the toxic substances during the process and even after it. The pressure pumps help in deep cleaning. Further use becomes easy and comfortable for the users.
Remove air bubbles
The removal of air bubbles is also an essential thing. The air particles entrap in the valves, and they do not allow the heating.
The cold water flows after a stream of hot water, and it is not suitable for the proper functions of the heating anode rod.
Adjust the new device
Connect the wires of the heater rod with the panel of electricity. Tighten all the screws in a clockwise direction.
Turn on the system and check the leakage problems. In case of such issues, keep on tightening the screws. Secure the setup carefully, and replace the anode completely.
Never leave any old part of the previous heating device with the new one. It decreases the work efficiency of the heater and its anode rod.
When to replace the water heater anode rod?
The anode rod of the heater stops working. It loses its ability to warm the water. It is an indication that the anode rod requires a replacement.
The anode rods lose their power after reaching half of their efficacy. It is a sign of replacement immediately. If you keep on using the degrading material, and it harms the water tank system drastically.
There is a protective material on these rods that is magnesium. Sometimes the material starts damaging due to corrosion and other factors. It is time to replace the rod to get maximum work efficiency.
What are the uses of an anode rod water heater in an RV?
- It is beneficial for heating the water. It helps in a constant supply of warm water.
- The heating rod is an instant solution for cold water conditions.
- The use of a heating rod is an exceptional feature. You can get warm water to distant places.
- These are efficient and economical devices.
Why replace the heater anode rod?
It is essential to replace the anode rod of a heater because it degrades the water tank. The corrosion starts spreading in water, and it makes it contaminates.
The magnesium in water is toxic for human health. There is a specific span of rod efficiency. You cannot utilize it for many years by expecting the same power and performance.
The average cost
The process is cost-effective, and you can carry it out twice a year. The average cost of replacing a heater anode rod is approximate $150 – $290.
17 Examples of Best RV Water Heater Anode Rod with Price and Dimensions
- ARL heating anode rod – 10 x 2 x 2 inches – $ 12
- Ozek RV magnesium anode rod – 13 x 5 x 2 inches – $ 10
- Suburban heating anode rod – 2 x 1 x 1 inches – $ 14
- Camco anode rod – 13 x 4 x 1 inches – $ 13
- Oneness RV magnesium anode rod –13 x 2 x 0.5 inches – $ 15
- Magnesium RV heater rod –13 x 3 x 4 inches – $ 13
- RV water heater rod – 10 x 2 x 2 inches – $ 11
- RV water aluminum zinc rod –10 x 1 x 2 inches – $ 10
- Camco aluminum with drain – 2 x 1 x 9 inches – $ 18
- Camco 10 gallon water heater – 10 x 1 x 1 inches – $ 20
- Universal heat rod – 10 x 1 x 1 inches – $ 30
- VALfluids heater rod – 12 x 2 x 0.5 inches – $ 9
- Quick products magnesium heater rod – 7 x 6 x 3 inches – $ 16
- Dumble anode rod for RV – 10x 5 x 2 inches – $ 15
- Qwork anode rod – 8x 5 x 2 inches – $ 11
- Blue lightning magnesium anode rod – 1x 1 x 45 inches – $ 46
- Water connection heater rod – 2x 1 x 4 inches – $ 42
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