Anod rid

It should be fine, stick something in the hole though. You dont want anything crawing in there.

 

Agreed. Really won't hurt anything, except it's a small hole stuff can get into.

 

I agree you should be fine. I just put it in so I won't lose it. Gosh knows things know how to walk in my house. Or I put it somewhere safe and immediately forgot where said safe place is. I didn't tighten it though so I better remember that when I next put water in it.

 

We tend to put just barely back in, just to reduce the chances of invaders. We don't bother with Teflon tape for the off-season, and we do a good rinsing job on the HWT when we flush and sanitize the system.

 

My WH doesn't have an anode. However, I put the plug back in loose. I dont like the idea of a mouse going in the hole for a possible drink and then deciding the tank would make him a good man cave.

 

Yikes! I had this mantra HAMMERED into my head growing up in the auto repair business: "There are two conditions for a drain plug: OUT and IN AND TIGHT!"

That has stuck with me for over 40 years. So, sure, I pull the anode rod end of season, but once the tank drains, I put new tape on it, and put it back in tight ready for the new season.

 

Some like to let the tank dry out so it dosen't get mold or mildew. I do not know the corect way, and never had problems. I do the same though, leave it in and loose. Figure i will rinse it before the first trip, but i dont think i ever did. Lol.