Anode Rods

[B3Dcampers]

How often should we change out the anode rod in our hot water heater. We bought a new rv last fall and take one weekend a month to go rving.

[chuckster57]

Depends on the quality of the water. I would at least check it once a year, either at the end of camping season or the start, your choice. If it is less than 50% change it.

[jfk69]

I check it annually. As Chuckster mentioned, a LOT will depend on water quality and amount of use. Honestly, for $10-15, it’s a cheap annual replacement item really.

[B3Dcampers]

Thanks, read about them in the camping world highways magazine. It put this on our checklist!

[flybouy]

OI keep a new one in a bag with a small roll of Teflon tape. I drain the tank if we're not using it for more than about 3 weeks. When I pull the anode if it's substantially deteriorated then it's time to flush the tank anmd replace the anode. Then I order a new anode and put that one away for the next time. Good thing is the cost, weight and size are minimal.

[ChuckS]

Since you’ve indicated you take the RV out for 1 weekend a mknt( and it sits the rest of the time I would take five minutes when at home and pull anode rod and drain and rinse water heater tank, inspect the anode, apply some Teflon tape and reinstall anode rod

Leaving the tank sitting full of water when not being used can cause other issues you don’t want.. such as foul smelling water..

If you remove the anode and drain and wash out tank after those one weekend a month trips that anode should easily last a full year and your water heater will be much happier...

A good video by Airxcel regarding the anode rod...

https://youtu.be/CO3XnDkJ1wU

[Poppy]

My 5er is a 2019 and I replaced it today. It was about 50% gone. I think it’s recommended to change them once a year.

[dutchmensport]

You change them when they wear down and you can see the wire metal rod in the middle. Then you change them for a new one. If you empty your water heater after every trip, or when in storage, you'll be pulling the rod to empty the water heater. Over time, yoiu'll see it erode down to the metal core. As stated, change it when you see the metal core, as ugly as they are, they are OK and doing their job. Once down to the wire core, they are done.

[JRTJH]

Suburban recommends replacing when 25% of the original anode size remains.

Here is a drawing of what to expect over the time the anode is in use. The two "worn anode rods" are at about 25% remaining and should be replaced. If your anode rod has more material than this, it's OK to continue to use it, but keep an eye on it as it won't last for a full season in "bad water conditions".

There is no reason to be concerned that the anode will "break and fall into the water heater". The way it's constructed that is extremely unlikely to happen.