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Old 01-16-2018, 05:03 PM   #1
dwall
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Anode question

I have not checked yet but I may have bought the wrong anode for my water heater. After picking one up I started to second guess my memory. I got the long one for my 6 gallon heater. If it turns out I need the short one, can I cut it off rather than driving an hour to exchange it or would that affect the anode rod.
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Old 01-16-2018, 05:16 PM   #2
kksfish
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I’m not sure about cutting the anode.....however if memory serves me right the two different types here different size threads where they screw into the tank!
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Old 01-16-2018, 07:21 PM   #3
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Only Suburban WHs need it. Guess I didn’t know there were two sizes?
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Old 01-16-2018, 08:37 PM   #4
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The Suburban 232767 anode rod fits all their RV water heaters.
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Old 01-17-2018, 05:58 AM   #5
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I think an anode is an anode. If the NPT size is right, I'd have no problem cutting it to length. There are two materials - one is aluminum - other magnesium or zinc.

I was shocked at how quickly we blew through the original anode (12 months).
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Old 01-17-2018, 07:40 AM   #6
dwall
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I couldn't stand it. I went out in the cold last night with a flashlight and pulled my anode. Turns out I had the right one after all. That's why I should never second guess first thoughts. Thanks for the reply anyway.


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Old 01-17-2018, 09:43 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dcg9381 View Post
I think an anode is an anode. If the NPT size is right, I'd have no problem cutting it to length. There are two materials - one is aluminum - other magnesium or zinc.

I was shocked at how quickly we blew through the original anode (12 months).
12 months is just about right, if the anode is doing its job. That's why the anode installed by Suburban is the magnesium rod, so it is that active to keep the tank from rusting away. If you were to put an aluminum rod in there, it will not work as well, although it will last much longer, and you will risk losing your tank much sooner, and also, using a non-Suburban part, according to the manual, will void the warranty which is 2 years for every thing except the tank, which is 3 years.
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Old 01-17-2018, 10:47 AM   #8
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Out of curiosity, ,, and might be a dumb question but, is that 12 months of constant use? Or continuously keeping water in the tank for 12 months?
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Old 01-17-2018, 10:58 AM   #9
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It's not a dumb question at all. Any time there is moisture/water in the water heater tank, there is an electrical potential between the molecules in the water and the metals in the tank. That electrical potential is what causes the metal to degrade (attempting to reach a neutral state). So, it doesn't matter whether the water heater is in use (hot water) or in storage (cold water) if there is water in the tank, there is electrolysis taking place. Granted, with most water types, the chemicals work faster (increase corrosion) with heating, but the process occurs regardless of whether the water heater is "on" or "off". And, to a lesser extent, it occurs when the water heater is drained and there is water remaining in the tank, although corrosion when the tank is in storage and empty (or a small amount of water in the bottom of the tank) is minimal.
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Old 01-17-2018, 11:19 AM   #10
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Holy cats, I must be living on borrowed time!! On our current rig (97 Sunny Brook) I have never touched the anode. For fact, the PO removed the anode and installed a petcock drain which I believe also has an anode with it. I drain the water heater after each use unless we know we'll be back to the camper in a week, two at the most.

Well, that problem will be fixed in the near future when we pick up our new Premier 29RKPR.

I'm applying all the knowledge I've gained here to our new rig.
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Old 01-17-2018, 11:30 AM   #11
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Out of curiosity, ,, and might be a dumb question but, is that 12 months of constant use? Or continuously keeping water in the tank for 12 months?
It wasn't in use that much last year, but I did tend to keep water in the tank..
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Old 01-17-2018, 03:14 PM   #12
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The Suburban has an anode, the Atwood does not. The Atwood comes with a plastic drain plug which is usually only good til you remove it the first time, then most add the petcock or brass plug.
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Old 01-18-2018, 06:59 AM   #13
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Just for reference, here is the page from the Service Manual


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Old 01-20-2018, 02:44 PM   #14
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The Suburban anode is aluminum and you can cut if you like. It is just a hunk of metal. The magnesium is aftermarket and from what I read, it can mix with water and form bad stuff... can't remember the chemistry but I would avoid the magnesium version. Most country folk such as myself are familiar with quick-rust steel water tanks in their home water heaters and what happens if you don't change out the rods in those once in awhile. Once those things get eaten good, they also become a bear to remove.
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Old 01-21-2018, 07:18 AM   #15
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Hi,

Having owned my TT since new (2013) I have found, due to my usage, I have to change the anode every-other-year.

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Old 01-21-2018, 01:26 PM   #16
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My first anode lasted 1 year. Every time drain the tank the anode gets a work over with sand paper I'm going on 2 years on the one anode with just a few pit marks aluminum with steel rod through it.
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Old 01-21-2018, 01:37 PM   #17
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I end up changing mine every year, even though, according to the chart, they’re better than 50%. I guess I think it’s cheap insurance and it’s out already, anyway.
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Old 01-21-2018, 05:35 PM   #18
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A lot depends on water quality. We have a rv portable water softener so my anode usually last a couple years.
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