Don't be Cary
- Thread starter crussian
- Start date
wdk450
Well-known member
I hate to say that when I FINALLY serviced my water heater this year, just the bare rod was left. I suspect I had stayed in areas with acidic water. I last serviced the water heater about 2 years ago, and then the anode was in good shape although it had been about 2 years since the service before that.
Okay, replaced the anode rod, hot watwe on 12V/LP. Went to change out heating element, 110V, i didnt have the right sized socket. Went to my local RV repair shop, and bingo, they sold a socket (large one) specifically for the heater core. Will install new core this evening. Its been a learning journey. I have a feeling I'm not done either.
C&J
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C&J
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mlpeloquin
Well-known member
You have a Suburban. Well so do I, and my being new to fifth wheels when I purchased my Big Horn, I noticed a plastic plug on ours. I asked the tech while going through the PDI if it needed an anode rode. He said never with this water heater. I can tell you that a Suburban tank lasts two and a half years without one. Now you do not have to ask me why I know!
Piperflyer
Well-known member
I have a Suburban water heater and they recommend changing the anode every 12 months. I just did mine after 11 months on the road and it was a good thing I did.
uncledon
Her chauffeur
Hmmm? Everything I was ever told/read on water heaters, residential or RV, concerning the sacrificial anode was that if there is something other than the bare core rod it's still doing its' thing. Now Cary's is going a bit far I'll agree.
Up to this point I have always had to winterize my rig and pulling the anode was part of the process, so I got to see it every winter. The condition of the water put through the water heater is going to dictate how long the anode will last for sure. I'll have to watch mine closer as we will be traveling this fall and it won't get it's normal inspection unless I make it a point to pull it at some point.
danemayer
Well-known member
Cary,
If you'll look at our Water Heater Troubleshooting Guide, it'll step you through figuring out what's wrong. You will need a voltmeter.
Understand about troubleshooting. I have never used a voltmeter. I probably should invest in one quickly. I had gone through the Troubleshooting guide but didn't see anything that reached out and grabbed me as being wrong. Will let you know what happens next.
C&J
- - - Updated - - -
I did take the cover off and replaced the 110V side. 12V works fine.
C&J
C&J
- - - Updated - - -
I did take the cover off and replaced the 110V side. 12V works fine.
C&J
As he said, the troubleshooting guide is a great tool and walks you through each step with pictures and everything!
Also, Home Depot has heater elements for a lot less than RV stores. Rheem: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rheem-PROTECH-120-Volt-1440-Watt-Stainless-Steel-Heating-Element-SP10868LH/205650136?MERCH=REC-_-PIPHorizontal1_rr-_-204834407-_-205650136-_-N
$14 vs $35 at RV stores
Also, Home Depot has heater elements for a lot less than RV stores. Rheem: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rheem-PROTECH-120-Volt-1440-Watt-Stainless-Steel-Heating-Element-SP10868LH/205650136?MERCH=REC-_-PIPHorizontal1_rr-_-204834407-_-205650136-_-N
$14 vs $35 at RV stores
