Water heater help please

[KiRyah]

Hi Everyone.
I'm very new to full time RV living. We just hooked up the water to our site. The water heater has the top plug. Does this need to be replaced? My RV is a 2017 Keystone Montana 3910 FB.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Terry W.]

Personally yes I would replace it. Seen worse but I would replace

[bobbecky]

That anode is definitely due to be replaced. https://www.amazon.com/Suburban-Manu...s%2C503&sr=8-5

This is a link to the manual for the water heater. https://www.manualslib.com/manual/60...ban-Sw12d.html

[wiredgeorge]

The anode is sacrificial and is intended to draw minerals to it rather than the steel tank collecting them. Replace as your anode is shot. Also use some plumbers tape to stop any possible leaking. The electrical switch must be turned on ONLY when the tank is full else the electrical element will fry. Some folks use the breaker in your electrical panel to also be turned off if the electrical element is not used to heat water. If you do use it, most use the electrical heating function to augment the gas heating of the water.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by KiRyah

Hi Everyone.
I'm very new to full time RV living. We just hooked up the water to our site. The water heater has the top plug. Does this need to be replaced? My RV is a 2017 Keystone Montana 3910 FB.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

In your photo, you marked two places with red. The lower one is the anode and YES, it needs to be replaced. That, I think, is what all the previous posts have related to.

Now, the top red mark is adjacent to the pressure relief valve. It DOES NOT need replacement, unless it is not working properly. In short, as long as it's not leaking, and when you pull out or push in on the lever, if water comes out of the hose end of that relief valve, and it snaps shut and stops flowing when you remove your finger, it is OK and you don't need to replace it. Pressure relief valves usually last 15-20 years, often much longer than the porcelain lined tank that the anode rod protects.

So, if the valve works, it's good, just get a new anode rod, wrap the threads with teflon tape and install it for next season. I prefer to store the water heater with the anode installed to keep bugs and dirt out of my hot water next spring. Imagine a mouse taking up residence during the winter ???? UGGG

[KiRyah]

Thank you so much!

[dutchmensport]

Since you already have it pulled out, go ahead and replace it. It's still got about 50% life left in it, but since it's already out ..... why not?

[sourdough]

I didn't see any mention of it but since it's a 2017 model and the anode rod is currently pretty much shot (I replace mine yearly whether it needs it or not) I would clean/flush the bottom of you water tank. All that sediment collects on the bottom...might be years worth. There are various ways to flush/clean it but an easy way is to use a little washer type wand to get the excessive amounts on the bottom;

https://www.campingworld.com/water-h...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

[rlh1957]

Anode Rods are cheap. Should be less than $10.
It can be part of yearly winterization to replace.
As posted in the other pictures you can see your rod still has material left to be eaten away.
I always keep two on hand.