Anode Rod
I have used the same anode rod in my Suburban water heater for four years and it is in the same condition as the day I put it in. Why is it not being depleted.
Forum Discussion
Old-Biscuit wrote:
Atwood WHs do NOT use an anode rod.........the tank is aluminum
Suburban WHs DO use an anode rod...........the tank is Steel Glass lined and needs the anode rod for corrosion protection. The anode rod sacrifices itself instead of the tank
YES....aftermarkets sell anode rods that fit Atwood drain holes (1/2") BUT they are just a marketing ploy to sell you something that is not needed (or recommended by mfg.----if anode rod was necessary for Atwood, they would supply them OEM).
They won't hurt anything.......just $$ spent on a product that is not needed.
Anode rods deteriorate due to minerals and electrolysis of dissimilar metals.
IF water source is NOT loaded with high mineral content then rod will deteriorate as a very slow rate.
And wrapping anode rod threads with teflon tape will NOT stop the metal to metal contact. As rod is screwed into drain hole the threads will cut the tape making contact.....tape just fills voids between threads thereby sealing.
Anode rods only need to be changed when 75% of material has dissolved.
Thank you for the response, my Attwood had one installed in the drain by the previous owner. I removed it to install the Hott Rod heater and was concerned about the consequences of that.
