Your RV water heater is one of those unsung heroes, faithfully providing hot water for showers, dishes, and cleaning, making life on the road much more comfortable. But like any hardworking appliance, it needs regular maintenance to keep it running efficiently and to extend its lifespan.
Neglecting your water heater can lead to corrosion, sediment buildup, reduced efficiency, and even premature failure. Today, I want to share some essential maintenance tips, focusing on why regularly flushing your RV water heater and replacing the anode rod (for Suburban models) are key to preventing corrosion and buildup. This extends its life and ensures efficient operation.
I’ve seen firsthand what happens when water heaters are neglected – costly repairs or replacements that could have been avoided with some simple preventative care. So, let’s dive into how you can keep your RV water heater in top shape.
RV water heaters, whether they are Suburban (which typically have a steel tank and an anode rod) or Atwood/Dometic (which usually have an aluminum tank and don’t use an anode rod), are constantly dealing with water.
Water, especially hard water, contains minerals that can precipitate out and form sediment or scale inside the tank. This buildup can reduce the heater’s efficiency by insulating the heating elements or burner from the water, and it can also lead to corrosion.
For Suburban-style water heaters, the anode rod plays a vital role. It’s a sacrificial rod made of magnesium or aluminum that corrodes instead of the steel tank. Once the anode rod is mostly consumed, the tank itself becomes vulnerable to corrosion. Regular flushing helps remove sediment from all types of water heaters.
Here’s a rundown of the essential maintenance tasks. You can find necessary supplies like anode rods and drain valves at RVupgradestore.com.
Frequency: At least once or twice a year, or more often if you’re in an area with very hard water.
Procedure:
Product Example: Suburban 232768 Water Heater Aluminum Anode Rod.
Frequency: Inspect it every time you flush the tank, or at least annually. Replace it when it’s about 75% consumed (looks like a thin wire core with little material left on it).
For water heater longevity, annual anode rod replacement is non-negotiable – tanks can fail in as little as just a few years with improper maintenance. I've seen tanks completely rusted through because the anode rod was never checked. This one small part is your main line of defence against corrosion in a steel water heater.
Procedure: The anode rod is also your drain plug on Suburban water heaters. When you remove it for draining and flushing, inspect its condition. If it’s heavily pitted or mostly gone, it’s time for a new one. When installing a new anode rod, use Teflon tape on the threads to ensure a good seal.
Frequency: Annually.
Procedure: With water in the tank and the system pressurized, carefully lift the lever on the pressure relief valve. Water should spurt out. If it doesn’t, or if it continues to weep or drip after you release the lever, the valve may need to be replaced. A faulty pressure relief valve is a safety hazard.
Frequency: Annually, or if you notice issues with gas ignition or flame quality.
Procedure: Spiders and insects can build nests in the burner tube, obstructing gas flow. Carefully clean out the burner tube with a flexible brush. The gas orifice is very delicate; clean it gently with compressed air if needed. Do not poke anything into the orifice, as this can damage it.
Winterizing: If you store your RV in freezing temperatures, you MUST winterize your water heater. This typically involves bypassing the water heater and then draining it completely to prevent damage from freezing water.
Many RVers find it convenient to replace the standard drain plug with a drain valve for easier draining.
Product Example: Camco 11663 Water Heater Drain Valve
This can make the flushing process a bit quicker and less messy, as you don’t have to fully remove a plug each time. Just ensure it’s a quality valve that seals well.
Taking a little time for regular RV water heater maintenance can save you a lot of headaches and expense down the road.
Flushing out sediment, replacing the anode rod when needed (for Suburban models), and keeping an eye on the pressure relief valve and burner components will ensure your water heater operates efficiently, provides plenty of hot water, and lasts for many years of adventures.
Don’t wait until you have no hot water or discover a leak. Make water heater maintenance a regular part of your RV care routine. Your future self (enjoying a hot shower after a long day of exploring) will thank you!
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
Follow me on LinkedIn