Time for a new anode rod?

[RhythmScience]

We got a N2U 2013 Palomino popup last July and I could swear I remember the dealer removing the anode rod from the water heater and seeing that there was some material left. Well, either he pulled the ol' switcheroo or we blew through this thing in the one trip we've taken so far. Here's what it looked like when I pulled it today:

Old anode

• RhythmScience
• Sep 6, 2020
• 1

Maybe time to replace that, eh?

Before I put the new anode rod in, I used one of those water heater tank cleaners on the end of a hose to rinse the tank out. I think about 2 cups of white crud came pouring out. Looks like neither the dealer nor the PO did any maintenance on this thing at all. Moral of the story to my fellow new camper owners, check everything.

 

[WrkrBee]

Yep, time to replace. All the anode material is gone (well, was on the tank bottom), you have the shaft.

 

[RhythmScience]

Yep, time to replace. All the anode material is gone (well, was on the tank bottom), you have the shaft.

I was wondering where that white crud came from.

It's a good thing I got a spare anode when I bought the camper. Does anyone have a sense of how often these need to be replaced? I'm guessing it'll depend on things like how often the water heater is used and whether water is left in the tank, but just in general... Is this something most people replace every season? Every few seasons? Every ten years?

 

[Steveo4090]

I replace mine every spring when I dewinterize the camper. They're less than $10 for a 2 pack usually.

 

[WrkrBee]

Depends on the water quality. I just got a trailer with a water heater, so I'll find out more in the fall when I pull ours for the first time.

 

[jeepster04]

Should all water heaters have one of these? I cannot locate it on our 2008 Jayco.

 

[Steveo4090]

Should be in the tank on the outside at the bottom. You'll just see the octagonal bolt head of the rod. Looks like a plug from the outside.

 

[Snow]

I replace mine every spring when I dewinterize the camper. They're less than $10 for a 2 pack usually.

I use to do the same thing, they are cheap enough to replace each year..

Should all water heaters have one of these? I cannot locate it on our 2008 Jayco.

Depends on the make of your water heater, Suburban heaters use an anode rod, Atwood heaters do not need them.

 

[kcsa75]

Does anyone have a sense of how often these need to be replaced? I'm guessing it'll depend on things like how often the water heater is used and whether water is left in the tank, but just in general... Is this something most people replace every season? Every few seasons? Every ten years?

It all depends on the water supply. Fortunately, we're on the third year with the same anode rod. When I checked it earlier this year, it was showing some signs of deterioration for the first time.

 

[RhythmScience]

I wonder if it makes a difference to the longevity what the material is. I'm using magnesium, but I know they're also available in aluminum and zinc.

 

[jeepster04]

I find it odd that you can buy different types of anodes. I know in the boating world, magnesium is for fresh water, zinc is for salt, and aluminum is for brackish water. Idk why you would want anything besides magnesium for a water heater.