Aluminum, Magnesium or Zinc??? - Page 2

HouseMouse · 07-29-2022, 03:05 PM

This Suburban Vid pretty much sum's is up.

https://suburbanrv.com/service-suppo...enance-videos/

Ed Beard · 07-29-2022, 04:12 PM

HouseMouse, thanks for the reply. I watched all of the video's in that link. I was helpful. There's a lot to learn going from a pop up to a travel trailer.

larryflew · 07-31-2022, 10:09 AM

We used Mag rods for years and then got a freeby aluminum. As mentioned it would have some build up etc but lasted a few years rather then one until our water heater started getting pin holds in the tank and had to be replaced. MAGNESIUM for us from now on.

BTW the most reasonable WH was through Amazon by over $100.

rlh1957 · 07-31-2022, 10:50 AM

You choose which you use. They both work the same and neither gives better HW heating performance.
The great thing about them, is they are cheap.
They may last several seasons, but are cheap enough to replace every year when you do your flush or winterization maintenance.

Sledog · 07-31-2022, 01:01 PM

As a camper I use magnesium, If I were a full-timer, I would use aluminum. Magnesium is more sacrificial, and does the job it is supposed to do, more consistently. Magnesium works best if you're a full timer only because it will last longer. Regardless, replace it at least once a year. Check it 2 or 3 times a year, but odds are, you'll only have to replace it once a year.

hlh1 · 07-31-2022, 05:04 PM

I don't think my water heater has an anode. Am I overlooking it?

**sourdough** · 07-31-2022, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlh1

I don't think my water heater has an anode. Am I overlooking it?

Is it a Dometic/Atwood? If so it won't. The Suburbans have the anode rod.

hlh1 · 08-01-2022, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

Is it a Dometic/Atwood? If so it won't. The Suburbans have the anode rod.

I have a Dometic. Does that mean my hot water tank will corrode without the anode?

wiredgeorge · 08-01-2022, 04:13 AM

I think Dometic bought Atwood or vise versa. In any case, they don't have a tank prone to rusting so don't use an anode.

**flybouy** · 08-01-2022, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlh1

I have a Dometic. Does that mean my hot water tank with corrode without the anode?

They use a stainless steel tank so there's no need for an anode. They do have a drain plug and it should be removed and the tank flushed per the manual.

**sourdough** · 08-01-2022, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlh1

I have a Dometic. Does that mean my hot water tank will corrode without the anode?

You don't need the anode rod in a Dometic. It has a drain plug (plastic/polymer) vs an anode rod. It won't accumulate all the debris like one with an anode rod but still needs to be flushed at least once a year. I always carried spare drain plugs from Atwood (Dometic now). The OE and the first Camco replacement I tried split in the center of the plug and leaked water due to cheap construction best I could tell. Migrated to the Atwood brand and never had another problem.

hlh1 · 08-02-2022, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

You don't need the anode rod in a Dometic. It has a drain plug (plastic/polymer) vs an anode rod. It won't accumulate all the debris like one with an anode rod but still needs to be flushed at least once a year. I always carried spare drain plugs from Atwood (Dometic now). The OE and the first Camco replacement I tried split in the center of the plug and leaked water due to cheap construction best I could tell. Migrated to the Atwood brand and never had another problem.

Where did you get the spare drain plugs? I received a set from Amazon that are too small.

**sourdough** · 08-02-2022, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlh1

Where did you get the spare drain plugs? I received a set from Amazon that are too small.

I believe those are all 1/2" plugs. I got some (Camco) at CW and ordered the rest, probably from Amazon but could have been any number of places. Here's a link to the Atwood plug on Amazon;

https://www.amazon.com/Atwood-91857-...s%2C105&sr=8-2

HouseMouse · 08-03-2022, 08:27 AM

Update: Got the 2-Pack Mag. Rods and away we went. Pulled the Original Rod out and it was 100% gone. My inspection camera is out of commission. Took the plunge and flushed out the tank. Out comes White Stuff! Figure it is Calcium(?), and lots of it. Nothing else. The center Metal "Rod" in he Anode had a very slight rust spot. I couldn't pull the Element without the "Tool" for it as others have pointed out, you need to grind down a Socket to get one to work. Sorry, I don't do things like that. Anyway, the "Tool" will be here on Friday. Meanwhile, i have filled the tank with a Vinegar/Water solution and will let it set for about three hours then flush again. A second Vinegar/Water flush will follow. Friday or Saturday I expect to pull the element, Inspect and Replace.

**flybouy** · 08-03-2022, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HouseMouse

Update: Got the 2-Pack Mag. Rods and away we went. Pulled the Original Rod out and it was 100% gone. My inspection camera is out of commission. Took the plunge and flushed out the tank. Out comes White Stuff! Figure it is Calcium(?), and lots of it. Nothing else. The center Metal "Rod" in he Anode had a very slight rust spot. I couldn't pull the Element without the "Tool" for it as others have pointed out, you need to grind down a Socket to get one to work. Sorry, I don't do things like that. Anyway, the "Tool" will be here on Friday. Meanwhile, i have filled the tank with a Vinegar/Water solution and will let it set for about three hours then flush again. A second Vinegar/Water flush will follow. Friday or Saturday I expect to pull the element, Inspect and Replace.

The whitestuff is the magnesium flaking off as it sacrifices itself thus saving your tank. It is harmless but needs to be flushed out. You can purchase a tank flushing wand for a couple bucks that works very well for that task.

HouseMouse · 08-03-2022, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flybouy

The whitestuff is the magnesium flaking off as it sacrifices itself thus saving your tank. It is harmless but needs to be flushed out. You can purchase a tank flushing wand for a couple bucks that works very well for that task.

Oh... Kool(?). The Special Socket will be here today... Through the Miracle of the Post Office. Will take the Element out at that time for a good look and replacement. I want a Fresh Start with this New To Us Coach that is only 2.5 - 3 years old. Glad I'm investing the time to inspect everything.

hlh1 · 08-03-2022, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

I believe those are all 1/2" plugs. I got some (Camco) at CW and ordered the rest, probably from Amazon but could have been any number of places. Here's a link to the Atwood plug on Amazon;

https://www.amazon.com/Atwood-91857-...s%2C105&sr=8-2

Ends up what Amazon sent me is correct after all. For some reason what they sent me had a smaller head but the threads were the same and work.

thanks!

**sourdough** · 08-03-2022, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HouseMouse

Oh... Kool(?). The Special Socket will be here today... Through the Miracle of the Post Office. Will take the Element out at that time for a good look and replacement. I want a Fresh Start with this New To Us Coach that is only 2.5 - 3 years old. Glad I'm investing the time to inspect everything.

You might get that flush wand that was mentioned. A completely deteriorated anode rod leaves a LOT of stuff in the bottom of the tank. That wand will get it all out whereas trying to fill and/or flush may or may not and take a few attempts. Some of the chunks can get pretty large.

HouseMouse · 08-03-2022, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

You might get that flush wand that was mentioned. A completely deteriorated anode rod leaves a LOT of stuff in the bottom of the tank. That wand will get it all out whereas trying to fill and/or flush may or may not and take a few attempts. Some of the chunks can get pretty large.

yup, I forgot to mention that, Yes, I got the wand for flushing. There were lots of chunks, lots of chunks. But, it did take several attempts to get the stuff out. A Lot more came out after the Vinegar application. The Element was Toast and replaced. My inspection cam Batteries were beyond help. Did a good job flushing anyway. Previous owner did not maintain for cause.

HouseMouse · 08-04-2022, 08:04 AM

being that the WH was all wet last evening, I didn't function test it. Just now finished the testing and we now have HW on the Electric side. Take about 45 Min to get how enough to determine that it's working as designed and now the outside temperature heating the pipes or something..... Next project.... Testing the Main refrigerator. Saturday?

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