RV Water Heater

I picked up an inspection boroscope (camera on the end of a wand) for about $50 at Menard's, and it's a lifesaver for getting into small spaces.

There's a hook and a magnet attachment available to put on the camera tip itself, or you can use the scope to give you a view to help maneuver one of those mini-claw pick-up tools to snag it that way.

We have one of those cameras on the end of a flexible wand that might be used to see where it is.

If you can't get it out with a magnet, just turn your RV on its side and shake it until the piece falls out...

Of course, I'm not serious. It might be possible to wash it out with a hose and a jet nozzle, or (if you can locate it) grab it with a claw grabber tool. A magnet is a great idea if the metal is ferrous, but if it's non-magnetic then obviously a magnet isn't going to be too useful.

Use a magnet. You can purchase one from an auto parts store or Harbor Freight. They come on a telescoping handle so you can move it around in the tank.

The piece of iron probably won't hurt anything but you will get rusty hot water. That will be an issue for dish washing and bathing.

HR18 inch reach


25 inch NAPA telescoping magnet
LeRoy

tools like these are available at most hardware auto and home stores
Telescopic Magnetic Pick-Up Tool