Forum Discussion

Rmack1's avatar
Rmack1
Explorer
Mar 25, 2014

Questions about plumbing systems, minerals vrs chlorine

After my recent nightmare with huge chunks of whitish material being washed out of my hot water tank, and the anode rod being worn down to a pencil, I'm in the market for a water softening system. Ca...
Old-Biscuit's avatar
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Mar 26, 2014
wa8yxm wrote:
One thing you might find.... As I recall "Soft" water is de-mineralized.. The Anode rod.. Well that is a mineral (Zinc most likely) and thus soft water will eat it fairly fast. So if you go soft, check the anode often.


'Soft water removes calcium & magnesium.
RV Anode rods are either Aluminum (MFG) or Magnesium (aftermarket--option)

Magnesium dissolves at a faster rate than Aluminum regardless of water source.

If WH (Suburban) has an anode rod it should be checked routinely whether Aluminum or Magnesium.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,369 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 12, 2026