Varillas de ánodo para calentadores de agua de vehículos recreativos

What does an anode rod do in an RV water heater?

An anode rod protects the inside of a Suburban or Atwood steel water heater tank from corrosion by sacrificing itself to rust and mineral attack before the tank does. As water heats and minerals react with the steel, the magnesium or aluminum rod corrodes in place of the tank wall. Replacing the rod once it is reduced to roughly 25% of its original diameter is the single most important maintenance step for extending tank life on a 10 gallon RV water heater or 6 gallon model.

Do all RV water heaters need an anode rod?

No. Anode rods are required for Suburban and Mor-Flo water heaters, which use a steel tank. Atwood and Dometic Atwood water heaters use an aluminum-clad tank and do not use a sacrificial anode; they take a plastic drain plug instead. Confirm your tank material by checking the model number on the data plate before ordering a replacement rod.

How often should the anode rod be replaced?

Inspect the rod at least once per season, and replace it when it is consumed down to about 1/4 inch of the steel core wire or coated in heavy scale. Full-time RVers and anyone running hard water through their system will typically replace the rod every 6 to 12 months. Weekend campers can often go a full season or two between changes.

Magnesium or aluminum anode rod, which one should I use?

Magnesium rods provide stronger protection and tend to produce cleaner-tasting water, but they corrode faster and can react with high-sulfur water to create a rotten-egg odor. Aluminum/zinc rods last longer, resist sulfur odor better, and are the better pick if you fill from variable water sources on the road. Pair a fresh rod with the rest of your seasonal service items in our RV winterizing kits collection when you drain and flush the tank.

What size socket do I need to remove an RV anode rod?

Suburban anode rods use a 1-1/16 inch socket. Use a 6-point socket with a breaker bar, since the rod is often seized after a season of heating cycles. Drain the tank, relieve pressure at the T&P valve, and apply thread sealant on the new rod before installing it to roughly 25 ft-lbs.