Suburban water heaters are manufactured with porcelain lined steel tanks just like a residential or commercial water heater. Suburban uses an anode rod for cathodic protection against corrosion in the water heater tank. When the tank is filled with water, current flows from the anode to the cathode or tank through a process called electrolysis. The electrolysis process makes the anode rod corrode instead of the tank. Once the anode material is depleted, the electrolysis process will start to eat away on the tank. How fast the anode self sacrifices is based on the resistance of the water.

All Suburban water heaters are manufactured with a magnesium anode rod. The magnesium rod offers suitable protection against corrosion from a broad geographical range of water types. However, some water conditions can consume a magnesium rod in a relativity short period of time, say less than a year. For those types of water conditions, Suburban recommends the use of the optional aluminum anode rod which is less reactive than magnesium providing a slower consumption rate, thus longer life.

To ensure your water heater is being properly protected Suburban recommends you remove and inspect the anode rod at least once annually. The rod should be replaced when it is 75% consumed.

RV 101® Tip: I personally think it’s a good idea to drain the water heater after each trip, if you don’t have another trip planned in the very near future. This gives you an opportunity to inspect the anode rod more frequently and remove loose sediment when you drain the tank.

Here is how you do it:

To remove and replace the anode rod you will need:

• A ratchet with a 1-1/16 ” socket and extension
• A small wire brush
• Mineral oil
• Teflon tape or thread sealant suitable for potable water.

Before removing the anode rod:

• Turn off the electrical power supply to the appliance either at the element switch or at the RV’s circuit breaker.
• Turn off the appliance’s gas heating system controls.
• Turn off the water supply to the appliance; on-board water pump or city water connection.
• Release the pressure in the water system by opening both hot and cold water faucets. Caution: never drain the water heater tank when it is hot or under pressure.

Removing the anode rod:

1. Open the exterior door of the water heater to access the anode rod. The anode rod is located on the front of the water heater at the center bottom position. 
2. Using the ratchet with a 1-1/16” socket, rotate the anode rod counter-clockwise to unthread it from the drain port. Be aware that sometimes it may take extra pressure to remove the anode.
3. Once free, remove the rod to allow the water to drain from the tank.

Installing replacement anode rod:

Clean the drain port spud threads with a small wire brush to remove any sediment deposits or remaining thread sealant.

Apply mineral oil to the cleaned drain port threads to prevent corrosion and assist in installing the replacement anode rod.

Apply Teflon tape or a thread sealant approved for potable water to the replacement anode rod threads.

Start threading the replacement anode rod into the drain port clockwise by hand to ensure that it is properly threaded. Using the ratchet with a 1-1/16” socket continue rotating the anode rod clockwise into the drain port until it is secure. Refill the water heater and check for leaks. Annual inspections of your anode rod (at a minimum) along with proper maintenance can add years to the life of your water heater.

Happy Camping,
Mark J. Polk
RV Education 101
http://rveducation101.com/

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