Rinsing the inside of your RV water heater clean with a rinse wand (http://goo.gl/XOt7QJ) is the first step towards maintaining it. The next step is to install a fresh ALUMINUM ANODE ROD into the unit. This begs another question: what the heck is an aluminum anode rod?
Anode rods are designed to prevent the harmful buildup of corrosion inside your water heater. They work by attracting the corrosive elements themselves. Instead of attacking the interior of your valuable appliance, corrosive elements are attracted to the rod.
The enemy of your water heater (not to mention just about every other piece of metal you own) is corrosion. It’s harmful corrosion that will lead to the unit’s untimely death.
If your unit’s anode rod is working, it will take the brunt of the damage. Hence these rods are intended to be replaced on a regular basis. Many RV owners choose to replace the rods when winterizing their RVs.
When most of us hear someone talking about an A-rod, we think of baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez. (Sadly, Rodriguez is currently out of action due to a groin injury. He also has some aches and pains from playing baseball.)
This is a very different A-rod, and it’s one we all should be concerned about. Replacing an water heater costs hundreds of dollars. A little preventative maintenance can help extend the life of your unit.