Replacing your hot water heater annode rod

[mitch5252]

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Can you use either type in your water heater - the aluminum or that other kind? I just replaced mine a couple of months ago and ordered the aluminum one from Amazon. I thought maybe all that gunk wouldn't end up in the tank... ? ? ?

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[retiredhappy]

Mitch, you really DO want the gunk to eat up the rod. That's what saves the tank from corroding.

[rriverstone]

You have 2 choices: drain the deposits & corroded anode rod out of your tank periodically, or replace tank when it becomes corroded, instead of anode rod.

[mitch5252]

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So, does the aluminum one do the job properly??? If not, I'll get another one of the other type since this aluminum one is brand new...

PS: Next time we meet, we can discuss it over icey-cold cocktails since we both will have an abundance of ice!!

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[Bethers]

Mitch, I almost don't want to answer - want to wait until you and Karen are together with all that ice - but

YES - the aluminum is fine.

And for you: http://www.howtodothings.com/home-garde ... er-heaters

Just a note - that article makes a big deal about not using water from a water heater with an aluminum rod for cooking etc - should not use water from a hot water faucet for that in a home or rv - ever. Use cold water for cooking, etc. Always.

[mitch5252]

Mitch, I almost don't want to answer - want to wait until you and Karen are together with all that ice - but

YES - the aluminum is fine.

And for you: http://www.howtodothings.com/home-garde ... er-heaters

Just a note - that article makes a big deal about not using water from a water heater with an aluminum rod for cooking etc - should not use water from a hot water faucet for that in a home or rv - ever. Use cold water for cooking, etc. Always.

That's probably very good advice...never thought about it! Actually, we mostly never even light the hot water tank - water for coffee and dishes is heated on the stove. And we've never used the shower - it's so small, and I can't figure out how to leave my boobs outside the door.

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[bikerchic777]

If the weather isn't nasty on Wednesday, workamper Ken and I plan to flush my water heater and replace the annode rod, if needed.

[Bethers]

When you take it out to flush, you'll know if it needs replacing. First time I did mine - was nothing left to it. I have a feeling it was the initial one. Now, I do better - flush the tank a couple times a year - fulltimers need to do it that often. Parttimers probably could check it once a year when they do fall/winter maintenance - or whenever they do maintenance

[bikerchic777]

OK...UPDATE! Was talking with workampers Ken and Joe this morning. They said some water heaters don't even have an anode rod Ken said we should go look at my water heater to be sure. Sure enough! No anode rod We are planning to drain and rinse out the water heater tomorrow. I hope all goes well because I will need a shower! Maybe I should take one tonight, just in case

[Bethers]

Suburban hot water heaters use the anode rods - as posted early in this thread. The Atwood water heaters don't use them - making it even more important to keep the water heater cleaned out. I thought you said earlier yours was a Suburban?

[bikerchic777]

Sorry, Beth! No, I don't think I said which brand it is. I called Atwood today and talked to a tech. He said the water heater is aluminum so no point to even put an anode rod in. He also said they don't sell electric conversion kits. He said I would need to replace the whole water heater. No thanks! A couple of my workamper buddies and I have been commiserating about it. Workamper Ken brought over an RV accessories catalog. There are some in there, but not sure if they have a switch on them or not. We are thinking of going to Camping World or somewhere where they have one in stock and look at it. I can always still order it online to save money. There are some small shops here that would probably price match to get the business. I'm going to look again at the ones posted here on the thread. May end up putting it off and just flushing out the tank...on a nicer day