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10-15-2004, 09:48 AM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: New Braunfels
Posts: 665
M.O.C. #920
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Odor from hot water heater
If I do not drain the hot water tank, a odor develops in the water. It develops for sure if not used in a 3 week period.
My last trailer did not have the anode rod and this never seemed to be a problem. Any ideas for a solution other than removing the anode rod? Thanks!
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10-15-2004, 10:51 AM
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#2
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Richmond
Posts: 161
M.O.C. #593
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you could add a portable water softener.
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10-15-2004, 12:28 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Englewood
Posts: 3,095
M.O.C. #164
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I never have had that problem.I am sure it has to do with the water in your area
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10-16-2004, 05:25 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: New Braunfels
Posts: 665
M.O.C. #920
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[quote]Originally posted by kdeiss
I never have had that problem.I am sure it has to do with the water in your area
[/quote
I do not think it is the water in the area, the problem has occurred in the past with water from a differnt area.
The anode rod appears to be made from aluminum. Is there a different type of anode rod?
Many thanks!
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10-16-2004, 05:56 AM
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#5
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Richmond
Posts: 161
M.O.C. #593
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The anode rod is sacrificial and attracts certain minerals in the water therfore saving the metal in your water heater. The problem is related to the minerals in the water and will vary by location. The only permanent solutions is a water softener or simply removing the anode rode. However, if you remove the anode rod you will decrease the life expectancy of the water heater.
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10-16-2004, 09:24 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Weatherford
Posts: 1,383
M.O.C. #9
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Someone said there's an anode rod with a drain plug (I suppose it has a hole toward the base and then hollow to the outside). That would facilitate draining after each use rather than letting it stand full ???
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10-16-2004, 11:23 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Oceanside
Posts: 20,028
M.O.C. #20
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VanMan, I'd like to have one of those if they exist. If you find out, please post.
ThunderMan, we used to leave water in the heater all season without problem. Fulltiming we change out the water every three to six months. No problem. The one time we had a problem was when it got full of water heavy with iron odor. We drained it, refilled with good water and drained again to get out any residue, then refilled it and have no problem again. As others mentioned, could it be your water? If not I wonder if there's something wrong with the lining in the heater.
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10-17-2004, 05:27 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: New Braunfels
Posts: 665
M.O.C. #920
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Thanks to all for the comments. The anode rod with drain sounds like a great idea. The problem occurred twice, once with water from the city and once with well water. I can't help but believe it is the anode rod..need to do a bit of research.
Thanks!
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10-17-2004, 06:03 PM
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#9
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Bend
Posts: 254
M.O.C. #162
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It's the water. Wait until you go to AZ. The water there is really bad and the hot water stinks after only a week or two. We never have the problem at home. just when we go South. Treecounter
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10-17-2004, 06:12 PM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: New Braunfels
Posts: 665
M.O.C. #920
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Treecounter
It's the water. Wait until you go to AZ. The water there is really bad and the hot water stinks after only a week or two. We never have the problem at home. just when we go South. Treecounter
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+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Treecounter,
You may be right, I am going to check on another anode rod. On RV.NET there is a comment in regard to Magnesium rods being the problem in Suburban hot water tanks.
Thanks!
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10-18-2004, 02:39 AM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Napanee
Posts: 3,440
M.O.C. #1493
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Anyone out there know how to drain the water out of the heater? I can't get the big plug to move. Our last unit had a plastic drain plug.
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10-19-2004, 05:40 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: New Braunfels
Posts: 665
M.O.C. #920
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Bill and Ann
Anyone out there know how to drain the water out of the heater? I can't get the big plug to move. Our last unit had a plastic drain plug.
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++++++++++++++++++++++
Make sure you are turning the plug which most likely is the anode rod on the other end. Turn it to the left to remove. Should be able to do it with a socket and a 1/2" ratchet. When you re-install wrap the plug threads with teflon tape to prevent leaking. Good luck!
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10-19-2004, 06:38 AM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Haldimand County
Posts: 2,413
M.O.C. #122
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by sreigle
VanMan, I'd like to have one of those if they exist. If you find out, please post.
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Steve:
See Camper's Choice Catalogue, Item, A282, Drainable Anode for Atwood water heaters. I think ours are Suburban, so it may not fit. Also the drain looks rather small. Given the junk I have seen come out of water heaters, I think it may plug up.
Bill and Ann:
The only safe way to get the plug out is a good socket and drive bar. As someone else said, put it back with teflon tape, not only to prevent leaks, but also to make it easier to get out next time. Most teflon tape is white, but there is a specal grade for plumbing, it orange in colour. I bought some at Home Hardware. - you know the one where Avril Lavigne hangs out.
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10-19-2004, 04:22 PM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Oceanside
Posts: 20,028
M.O.C. #20
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by OntMont
Steve:
See Camper's Choice Catalogue, Item, A282, Drainable Anode for Atwood water heaters. I think ours are Suburban, so it may not fit. Also the drain looks rather small. Given the junk I have seen come out of water heaters, I think it may plug up.
Bill and Ann:
The only safe way to get the plug out is a good socket and drive bar. As someone else said, put it back with teflon tape, not only to prevent leaks, but also to make it easier to get out next time. Most teflon tape is white, but there is a specal grade for plumbing, it orange in colour. I bought some at Home Hardware. - you know the one where Avril Lavigne hangs out.
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Thanks, John. I wish they'd state the size. Since it doesn't mention Suburban, it probably won't fit. Also, the anode part is very short, compared to the Suburban's. I'd be a bit uncomfortable about how well it works in the Suburban. Anybody know if this one will fit ours?
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