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RobWNY's avatar
RobWNY
Explorer
Jun 16, 2019

Hot Water Tanks with Anode Rods

I don't know why this just came to mind during camping season but when winterizing, I've always drained the hot water tank, flushed it out and put it on bypass before putting anti-freeze in my system. So the tank remains empty while in storage. So what prevents the inside of the tank from rusting when there's no water in the tank? There has to be periods of time where humidity and condensation form in the winter months meaning there's droplets of water that form on the tank walls. I always put the Anode rod back in rather than leaving an open hole but does the Anode rod still attract ions when surrounded by air rather than water?

16 Replies

  • RobWNY wrote:
    I guess I'm confused then. Porcelain doesn't rust so what's the point of an anode rod if the tank is lined with porcelain? Is it in case the Porcelain breaks or the tank is somehow otherwise compromised?
    I always figured it was for the points where the water line fittings are attached to the tank.
  • I guess I'm confused then. Porcelain doesn't rust so what's the point of an anode rod if the tank is lined with porcelain? Is it in case the Porcelain breaks or the tank is somehow otherwise compromised?
  • Suburban water heaters use a porcelain-lined, steel tank.

    Richard
  • I don't know what the proper way to do things is as far as whether to leave the anode rod in or out during the winter but I've always put it back in after flushing so I don't forget where I put it.
  • Is leaving the rod out for long periods a mistake? Maybe an outwears material on the hole to allow air circulation but no critters?
  • Good question but I believe the tank is coated or plated internally. I do power rinse mine every spring. The anode rod flakes off and falls to the bottom.

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