Your RV water heater may be out of sight most of the time, but a little routine maintenance can go a long way toward preventing an inconvenient and potentially costly repair.
If your RV is equipped with a water heater that uses an anode rod, it is crucial that you routinely replace your RV water heater anode. It’s a small maintenance item with an important job: helping protect the inside of your water heater tank from corrosion.
What Does an RV Water Heater Anode Rod Do?
An anode rod is sometimes called a “sacrificial” anode because it is designed to corrode so the metal tank doesn’t.
As water sits and heats inside the tank, naturally occurring minerals and other elements can contribute to corrosion. The anode rod attracts that corrosive action, gradually deteriorating in the process and helping protect the tank.
That deterioration is normal. In fact, it means the anode is doing its job.
But once the rod becomes too depleted, it can no longer provide the same protection. Continuing to use the water heater without adequate anode protection can shorten the life of the tank. Taking care of it before the rod becomes severely deteriorated helps maintain protection for the tank while reducing buildup from deteriorated anode material.
How Often Should You Check Your RV Water Heater Anode?
At least once a year is a good rule for RV water heaters equipped with an anode rod.
How quickly an anode deteriorates can vary depending on water conditions and how frequently you use your RV. Water containing higher levels of iron or sulfate, for example, can cause the anode to deteriorate more quickly.
That means you shouldn’t rely solely on how long the rod has been installed. Regular inspection is the best way to know when it’s time for replacement.
At Delta RV, we recommend taking a proactive approach and replacing the anode rod when it has been approximately 50% consumed. While some manufacturer guidelines allow an anode to remain in service until it is more heavily deteriorated, replacing it earlier helps ensure continued protection for the water heater tank and can reduce the amount of deteriorated anode material and sediment that collects inside the tank.
An anode should also be replaced if it shows significant pitting or flaking, large portions of the sacrificial material are missing, or the steel core is becoming exposed.
Does Every RV Water Heater Have an Anode Rod?
No, and this is an important distinction.
Some, like Suburban water heaters, use an anode rod to help protect their tanks from corrosion. Other types of RV water heaters may be constructed differently and may not require one.
If you aren’t sure what type of water heater is installed in your RV or what maintenance it requires, check your manufacturer’s recommendations or have it inspected by our RV service technician.
Don’t Wait Until Your Water Heater Has a Problem
RV water heater maintenance is easy to forget, especially when everything seems to be working normally. Unfortunately, neglecting a worn anode can contribute to tank corrosion and eventually lead to a much larger repair.
An annual water heater check is a simple addition to your RV maintenance routine and can help you catch wear before it interferes with a camping trip.
It’s especially worth checking if you recently purchased a used RV and don’t know its maintenance history, or if you can’t remember the last time your water heater was serviced.
Need Your RV Water Heater Serviced?
Not sure when your anode rod was last checked?
Delta RV in Paso Robles can help. Our experienced technician services RV living quarters and can inspect your water heater and take care of needed maintenance or repairs so you’re ready for your next trip. Delta RV services all makes and models, with a focus on RV living quarters.
Schedule an appointment with Delta RV today and help avoid an unexpected water heater problem on your next camping adventure.
Sources:
https://parkingday.org/when-should-you-replace-the-water-heater-anode-in-your-rv/