Hot water anode rod.

[j1251b]

Does anyone know what size socket is needed to remove the plug to change the anode rod in the hot water tank???

[Dave&Ginny]

I think it's 3/4 or 7/8

[Adamsvr]

Originally Posted by j1251b

Does anyone know what size socket is needed to remove the plug to change the anode rod in the hot water tank???

It's a 1 and 1/16 inch socket. Be sure to use an extension on your socket wrench, least you want cracked knuckles.

[lwg]

I'm checking/changing mine today as well. I'm curious what it'll look like after 10 months of Fulltiming in the Redwood. I also suspect my RO system might cause the anode rod to rot away a little faster than normal.

[Adamsvr]

We replaced ours after 14 months and it wasn't anything but a bare wire. However, I have to question its usefullness as the hot water tank is aluminium and not sussepectible to corrosion. Maybe, it's protecting the electric heating element? Anyway, checked our current element and it just had some calcium buildup on it.

I highly recommend flushing the hot water tank twice a year with one of these. You'll be amazed how much crap comes out.

http://m.campingworld.com/shopping/i...k-rinser/49070

[lwg]

So the Suburban tanks are AL? Maybe it's the internal components its protecting?

[atom ant]

Ya its a big socket - I remember I had to go buy one and I just leave it in the camper, inside the HW cover.

[arcticman1957]

Originally Posted by Adamsvr

It's a 1 and 1/16 inch socket. Be sure to use an extension on your socket wrench, least you want cracked knuckles.

Just did my mine and he is right.

[lwg]

Just replaced the anode rod. It wasn't too bad, about 50% gone after roughly 10 months of constant usage. Looks like once a year will be adequate for me. The tank wasn't terribly dirty either. However still glad I cleaned it out, there was some nasty red water that came out that I suspect was from the few months I used the stock filter only.

[Dan]

I thought all Suburban tanks were steel? Aluminum tanks donot have an anode and use plastic plugs as steel is a dissimilar metal

[Blue Dogs]

From Suburbans web page.

"Heated water attacks all metals, but not porcelain. That's why Suburban uses a porcelain-lined, steel water heater tank with an anode rod to "absorb" the electrolytical action - just like your water heater at home. In fact, when a Suburban porcelain-lined tank is properly maintained, tank life may double or triple its three-year limited warranty."

[atom ant]

Suburban SW12DE

Features a remote switch that electronically controls the water heater from inside the coach. Porcelain-lined, steel water heaters feature an anode rod to "absorb" the electrolytic action, ensuring that your water heater lasts longer. With the fastest recovery in the industry of 10.2 gallons, this water heater gives you hot water faster. Copolymer insulation jackets specially fit the tank to retain heat. For higher recovery, use the gas and optional electric element water heaters which use a 1,440 watt element to recover an additional 6 gallons per hour. Easy to install, operate and maintain. Twelve gallon features 12,000 BTUs and is 16-7/32"H x 16-7/32"W x 22-1/4"D.

I noted the section in red for those that didn't know you can run both electric and propane simultaneously for a faster recovery.

[spindrift]

Originally Posted by atom ant

Suburban SW12DE

Features a remote switch that electronically controls the water heater from inside the coach. Porcelain-lined, steel water heaters feature an anode rod to "absorb" the electrolytic action, ensuring that your water heater lasts longer. With the fastest recovery in the industry of 10.2 gallons, this water heater gives you hot water faster. Copolymer insulation jackets specially fit the tank to retain heat. For higher recovery, use the gas and optional electric element water heaters which use a 1,440 watt element to recover an additional 6 gallons per hour. Easy to install, operate and maintain. Twelve gallon features 12,000 BTUs and is 16-7/32"H x 16-7/32"W x 22-1/4"D.

I noted the section in red for those that didn't know you can run both electric and propane simultaneously for a faster recovery.

If this is the same water heater that is present in my coach, that's awesome. Had no idea you could do that. Thanks for the heads up.

[hoosierguy]

Originally Posted by spindrift

If this is the same water heater that is present in my coach, that's awesome. Had no idea you could do that. Thanks for the heads up.

I believe that this is the same water heater that has been used by Redwood in all of their coaches. My 2012 (built in August 2011) 36RL has the same water heater. After all this discussion about the water heater and anode, I decided to check the anode on mine after 6 months of use. I found it in surprisingly good shape. It was still in nearly new condition.

[rcflame]

How often you need to replace the anode rod depends on how the water you are using is. There is no standard amount of time. As for using both propane and electric and the same time, you can do this with any water heater you have. We have done it on every camper we have had. Comes in handy when you have several people that want a shower in a hurry.

[johnboytoo]

Originally Posted by atom ant

Suburban SW12DE

Features a remote switch that electronically controls the water heater from inside the coach. Porcelain-lined, steel water heaters feature an anode rod to "absorb" the electrolytic action, ensuring that your water heater lasts longer. With the fastest recovery in the industry of 10.2 gallons, this water heater gives you hot water faster. Copolymer insulation jackets specially fit the tank to retain heat. For higher recovery, use the gas and optional electric element water heaters which use a 1,440 watt element to recover an additional 6 gallons per hour. Easy to install, operate and maintain. Twelve gallon features 12,000 BTUs and is 16-7/32"H x 16-7/32"W x 22-1/4"D.

I noted the section in red for those that didn't know you can run both electric and propane simultaneously for a faster recovery.

COOL !
I guess I found this out by accident when I told the wife to turn on the hot water htr on our last trip and when I went to make sure all the air was out of the system, it was already warm !!! but typically I just run it on their electricity= not OUR propane

[lwg]

What's funny is that with a 12 Gallon tank I have never run out of hot water, even with two or three consecutive showers taken. I really like the fact it's big.

[Dan]

Gotta love this forum information information I may not post a lot but I read a lot