Suburban water heater anode replacement

[Foldbak]

I pulled and inspected the anode rod yesterday. It obviously needs to be replaced. My question is the replacement rods I see online are substantially larger in diameter. Was my anode that large when new?

[BB_TX]

Yes, a new one is larger than that one.

[Carl n Susan]

That looks like it has 40+% left. But as long as it is out, go ahead and change it. They are inexpensive.

[Foldbak]

Originally Posted by Carl n Susan

That looks like it has 40+% left. But as long as it is out, go ahead and change it. They are inexpensive.

So are you telling me that rod was bigger? Holy crap Carl, I had no idea. 5 trailers out of 7 that had a water heater and I never touched the anode rod....
I thought it was small and collected crap.

[BB_TX]

When you install a new one don’t over tighten it. They have 3/4” NPT pipe threads which are basically self sealing. Two wraps with Teflon tape, snug it in, and maybe another quarter to half turn with a ratchet/socket.

[Kyle and Lisa]

I replace ours once a year with the heating element as well, use Mg rod not the Alum. and flush the tank.

[Carl n Susan]

Originally Posted by Kyle and Lisa

I replace ours once a year with the heating element as well, use Mg rod not the Alum. and flush the tank.

I understand changing the anode, but why the heater element that frequently? I still have the original element in my 2012 Montana. And before someone asks, yes, it works.

[BB_TX]

The heating element in my 2007 was still good after 14 years.

[Kyle and Lisa]

I have seen the heating element impacted or coated with deposits, so I replace it while doing yearly maintenance, $7-$8.00, it's cheaper than the anode rod, peace of mind.

[Todd & Mary]

Don't forget to flush the water heater as all of the sediment that came off the anode is in the bottom of the hot water tank. We fulltime and replace it annually, it is truly amazing how much sediment is in the bottom of the tank! And use plumbers Teflon tape on the threads when installing the new anode. I bought a flushing wand off Amazon also, that is the easiest way to get it clean inside.

[Foldbak]

Originally Posted by Todd & Mary

Don't forget to flush the water heater as all of the sediment that came off the anode is in the bottom of the hot water tank. We fulltime and replace it annually, it is truly amazing how much sediment is in the bottom of the tank! And use plumbers Teflon tape on the threads when installing the new anode. I bought a flushing wand off Amazon also, that is the easiest way to get it clean inside.

Since this is my first time, I did what I thought made sense. I turned the valve to city water and pressurized the system. Then unscrewed the anode rod which blew out with such force that it flew 20 feet and so did the water. Me soaked and tank clean......

[RMcNeal]

My SIL did the same thing before I could stop him. Good thing you weren't standing in front of it. He had a nice round bruise on his torso for a while.

[mlh]

Sounds like my wife. Years ago she checked the oil in the lawn mower while it was running. She only did that once.
Lynwood

[bigred715]

Lynwood, I'm surprised, you make your wife mow the lawn and service the lawn mower too! I flush the hot water tank every year and only changed the heating element once. Turned on the heating element before the hot water tank was full. Release the pressure on top of hot water tank before unscrewing anode rod or you will get a bath.

[Kyle and Lisa]

I used to open the relief valve as well when servicing, but it does not always reseat as well as before and leaks and then needs to be replaced, now I use the outside shower hose to drain the water as well as the pressure and do the same when refilling to purge the air in the tank as it fills.

[DebNJim B]

I usually just shut off water and turn on "fill" to fresh water tank to relieve pressure.
Also if you use the cheap Camco flush tool beware. The first time I used mine the long tube blew off it and into the HW tank. Fortunately a lot of flush water was coming out and the tube came right out with it. I put a small hose clamp on it and now it's safe to use.
I now recommend this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Flusher-Power...9&sr=8-17&th=1

[RMcNeal]

You got lucky. I had the same happen and the plastic end is still in my tank. I couldn't get it flushed out and can't even see it with the endoscope camera.

[daboom11]

Originally Posted by mlh

Sounds like my wife. Years ago she checked the oil in the lawn mower while it was running. She only did that once.
Lynwood

Yes, It only takes one time to learn that lesson !!!LOL

[twindman]

Sadly, some people repeat the same mistakes over and over! LOL (just a general comment not aimed at anyone on this thread)