Water heater maint.

[RADHAZJOE]

How often should I remove the zinc and drain the water heater?

[stiles watson]

I do it at least twice a year. We have a calendar for preventative maintenance. When stuff comes up I just do it.

[bobgay]

Stiles, the idea of a maintenance calendar sounds like a really good one. Could you post something that would show what items yours covers, frequency, etc?
Bob

[315RLS]

Check the anoid rod. If its badly pitted or corroded then replace it as needed.

[Illini Trekker]

My trailer is on a year old so the first time I pulled the plug was when I winterized. After 7 months of use there was a lot of lime build up. I use a short piece of hose I insert into the water heater to flush it out. My rod should make it another year. It would help to drain the tank after each outing.

[Searchers]

The mineral content of the water will determine how often you need to replace the anode. I drain my water heater after each trip and haven't had to replace it in over seven years.

[EagleRunner]

I drain and check mine about twice a year as well. I also flush out the lime build up that settles on the bottom of the heater floor. Some of this will flush out on its own, but a good deal remains. I use a simple tool, available at most RV parts stores for about $10, that attaches to the end of the hose. It has a valve built on it and a long narrow plastic tip that provides a strong steady stream when the valve is opened. It does a fantastic job cleaning the lime out. Wear a rain suit when you do this; chances are you will get wet.

[RADHAZJOE]

Thanks all for great, prompt replies. We full time, so I will do it today. We have been racing aroundthe USA for 11 Months now. Have started slowing down.

[sreigle]

I check it a couple of times per year but have never seen more than a little bit of wear. I used to replace it anyhow until our dealer showed me one where you could see the little inner core. He said until you see that core just clean it best I can with a wire brush and put it back in. Our tank has water in it all the time since ours is a continuous outing but draining after each outing would, I would think, prolong the life of the rod.

Some folks had a lot of wear on the anode rod while we all wintered in the Rio Grande Valley. I checked ours before we left and had no wear and just a little bit of crud on the rod. Go figure.