Pulled my WH plug, is this calcium?
I winterized my camper and pulled the water heater plug last night to drain it. When I pulled it out, this rod came with it and it was covered in this white ****. I can only assume it's calcium? As...
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SoundGuy wrote:Johno02 wrote:
That one needs to be replaced! It is normal usage, but is about to break off at the narrow point next to the plug. If it does, it is a really nasty job getting the remains out of the tank. Replace it ASAP! Normal use for one is several years, depending on a lot of things. Yes, it is Normal, but used up!
From Airxcel, manufacturer of Suburban water heaters, 4th question down in this link.
"All Suburban water heaters are protected by a magnesium or aluminum anode to prolong the life of the tank. Under normal use, the anode rod will deteriorate. Because of this, we recommend it be replaced annually or when consumption or weight loss of the rod is greater than 75%."
The OP's anode rod isn't anywhere near 75% depleted nor is the greater depletion near the head unusual at all but rather normal and to be expected.
I ordered a new one anyways, along with a sprayer to clean it out.
For $15 delivered, I consider it cheap maintenance. I also change my brake pad slide pins on my truck yearly. They are $10 and it saves having to spend a day beating them off on the next brake change.
