I also check and replace the anode for the hot water system in my caravan, while not as bad as 'Kiwijim's', mine was also well on the way to be totally stuffed. My own caravan had been serviced a bit over 12 months ago and also had the anode replace at the same time.
What concerned me was while the water was draining out there was also a lot of white sand and small little 'rocks' ( maybe a calcume build up ). A good flush out with a high pressure gurney also removed a lot more 'Rubbish'. Finely it came clear. replaced the anode with a new one and all good for another 12 months.
Well worth the effort, so as posted by Kiwijim check your anodes and replace as needed !!!!
-- Edited by valiant81 on Monday 24th of October 2016 09:57:06 PM
Magnesium last longer as an anode, this is not a good thing as it means it isn't doing the job as well and there may well be a reaction still. There seems to be some harsh water in wa, we had real problems in Albany
cheers
blaze
I also check and replace the anode for the hot water system in my caravan, while not as bad as 'Kiwijim's', mine was also well on the way to be totally stuffed. My own caravan had been serviced a bit over 12 months ago and also had the anode replace at the same time.
What concerned me was while the water was draining out there was also a lot of white sand and small little 'rocks' ( maybe a calcume build up ). A good flush out with a high pressure gurney also removed a lot more 'Rubbish'. Finely it came clear. replaced the anode with a new one and all good for another 12 months.
Well worth the effort, so as posted by Kiwijim check your anodes and replace as needed !!!!
-- Edited by valiant81 on Monday 24th of October 2016 09:57:06 PM
A good move valiant81, I also noticed a lot of while rubbish in the tank when I drained the system, this came out pretty easily with a good high pressure rinse, all's good now and like you, I will be checking the anode regularly in the future .
As a matter of information, the socket required to remove the Anode is 1+1/16" in size.
K.J.
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Yes 1 1/16 is the correct size for the nut on the anode, with mine i had to go a buy a 1/2 in socket of the correct size ( not cheap ether ) as all my sockets stopped at 25 mm / 1 inch . A pain in the hip pocket that's for sure. The wife has made a little bag to house the socket, 4" exstention and the 1/2 drive so as not to get lost and keep in the boot ( along with every think else ) and just something else to carry with you.
Anode life can be extended and the white muck in your hot water tank can be kept to a minimum if you empty the hot water tank and flush out thoroughly whan putting van away after use, it is important that you relieve the pressure in the hot water tank by turning tap on or triggering the pressure relief valve prior to removing the Anode.
Dont over tighten anode when reinstalling, I use white plumbers tape on the thread.
There is a guy in QLD who makes anodes and sells them on fleabay.
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I check mine out after each trip as well as flush tank out thoroughly , mixed replies whether to empty out and leave empty tank so just leave mine full and carry spare anode with me on my trips..
