Winterizing - Anode Rod

[MerlinB]

This is my water heater anode rod after two years. Doesn't look too bad but I think I will replace it anyway. Cheap insurance.

[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by MerlinB

This is my water heater anode rod after two years. Doesn't look too bad but I think I will replace it anyway. Cheap insurance.

I've talked to several service techs about the anodes. They suggest changing it out when there's between 1/4 and 1/3 of the material left. Remember that it is designed to self destruct over time to prevent minerals in the water from damaging the tank material. Yours is barely 15% gone so there is plenty of life left in it.

[chuckster57]

I agree, I would run it another season.

[earlzach]

I would trash it.

[JRTJH]

Send it to me. It looks better than the one I took out last year, cleaned up, used this year, cleaned up again last month, and plan to use again next year. It's not that I'm cheap, but I also don't replace my batteries every time they get "recharged" nor do I replace my tires every time I rotate them.... Heck, come to think of it, I don't throw out the rest of a gallon of milk after I pour a glass or two.... maybe I should start rethinking how "thrifty I am" and become more wasteful.....

[jerseyphil]

When I winterize my RV, and drain the water from my water heater, and turn the diverter off, I remove my still good anode rod and replace it with the threaded part of my 1st anode rod that deteriorated. I cut off the deteriorated part.

I dry off the good anode rod, wrap it in paper towel, and store it away until I de-winterize. My RV is 7 yrs old and my 2nd anode rod is still in excellent condition.

[earlzach]

My trips are usually 3 weeks to a month apart so I remove mine after each trip. This keeps me from ever getting smelly water. Plus my anoid looked brand new for 3 years.

[xrated]

Is no one noticing that the short area about an inch or so long, right the end of the treads is almost completely gone? The main body of the anode seems in pretty good shape, but the first inch or so by the threads is in danger of breaking in two and leaving the rest of the anode to not be connected. I would definitely replace it.

[Javi]

Originally Posted by xrated

Is no one noticing that the short area about an inch or so long, right the end of the treads is almost completely gone? The main body of the anode seems in pretty good shape, but the first inch or so by the threads is in danger of breaking in two and leaving the rest of the anode to not be connected. I would definitely replace it.

There is a steel rod where you are looking... I've never seen an anode rod that didn't start the sacrificial process at the threaded plug..

[xrated]

Originally Posted by Javi

There is a steel rod where you are looking... I've never seen an anode rod that didn't start the sacrificial process at the threaded plug..

And once again Javi, you have got me straighten out on an RV issue! Most of you know that this is my first camping type trailer.....so thanks for being "gentle"!

[cpaulsen]

I would just replace it. I change mine once a year(we full-time) and always a spare with me.

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by cpaulsen

I would just replace it. I change mine once a year(we full-time) and always a spare with me.

I change mine annually also & carry a spare rod, spare heating element & spare 120 volt & 12 volt thermostats. If you got 2 years from that one, which BTW I would not reuse, then it cost you about $6 per year, they're about $12 to replace.

[Desert185]

I’m beginning my fourth year with the original anode. Still looks good.

[bobbecky]

I don't winterize as we full time, but I do replace the anode yearly and flush the tank out. Even with all that, I still had to replace the water heater last year due to a crack at a weld, almost $500 for the unit, plus my labor. I figure the little bit spent each year for a new anode is cheap insurance. Since we travel to all parts of the country, we experience all kinds of water and the anode deteriorates differently every year. Not worth guessing how long it will last year to year.

[Javi]

I generally drain and flush my HWT anytime we will not be using the trailer for more than a couple of weeks.. each time I inspect the anode rod and replace as needed..

Depending on where we've traveled and how long the tank has stayed in service the amount of anode remaining varies greatly.. Some times I've replaced it within a year and sometimes 2 years...

In my case, I would not replace the OP's anode as it sits...

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by Desert185

I’m beginning my fourth year with the original anode. Still looks good.

Just checked mine and after four years still looks almost new, some pitting, but way better than OP's.

[Desert185]

I would think that the change interval would be based on the yearly condition of the anode, rather than a fixed timeframe. Even if one lives in a climate precluding winterizing, an annual HWT flush and anode inspection should be accomplished and should be a frequent enough interval to replace the anode should it’s condition indicate replacement is necessary.

[JRTJH]

It's the same with a S&B water heater. Most people, if asked, don't even know that their home water heater has an anode rod. Of those that do, probably well over half (the vast majority) have never inspected their anode rod, have never flushed their water heater and many might not even know where it's installed in the appliance.

That might account for the number of water heater replacements that occur in the 7th year of tanks with a 6 year warranty ????

[Desert185]

Maybe like smoke detector batteries and central air/heat filters...

Guilty on the last one.

[MerlinB]

Hahaha, I didn't intend to start a debate, just wanted to toss out a reminder for those that might not have thought about checking the anode rod at the end of the season. But, I do agree with those who said replacement should be based on condition and not on a fixed schedule.

After reading everyone's comments maybe I will keep it for another year.

Thanks for all of the feedback. It's what keeps this forum interesting.