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Old 04-20-2014, 05:48 PM   #1
randy69
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Anode question

I always like leaving my fresh water tanks full in case of earth quake emergency my qestion. Does the anode deterate in the hot water heater even thou i'am not making hot water?
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Old 04-20-2014, 06:40 PM   #2
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I always like leaving my fresh water tanks full in case of earth quake emergency my qestion. Does the anode deterate in the hot water heater even thou i'am not making hot water?
With water in the HWH tank,Yes it will.
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Old 04-20-2014, 09:08 PM   #3
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The anode is very easy to replace, so on an annual basis, we just replace ours, and clean out the tank with a plastic hose end nozzle made for getting the crud out. Fairly low cost maintenance to save the expense of a water heater. We just search around for the lowest price on the Suburban anode, and buy that way.
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Old 04-29-2014, 05:19 PM   #4
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Mine didn't come with an anode but I've thought about adding one. Out other TT didn't have one. Are they really worth putting one in there?
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Old 04-29-2014, 05:27 PM   #5
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Mine didn't come with an anode but I've thought about adding one. Out other TT didn't have one. Are they really worth putting one in there?
That depends on what type of tank you have. Suburban HW tanks require an anode and without one the lining of the tank would be "eaten" away by the reaction between the water and the steel tank lining. The anode is referred to as a "sacrificial zinc" and instead of the tank lining being destroyed, the anode is.

The Atwood HWT's lining is aluminium, not steel, and does not require an anode to prevent corrosion. A nylon plug - minus the anode - is all that is needed.

Putting an anode/plug into an Atwood HW tank is not necessary so save yourself a few dollars.
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Old 05-02-2014, 02:55 AM   #6
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Perfect, I have an Atwood HWT and it does have the Nylon plug. I was just curious if it was necessary or if it would help at all. By the sounds of it I'm good to go. If we know there will be a long period between trips I drain it but if it is only a couple weekends I don't.
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Old 05-02-2014, 05:56 AM   #7
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You know, I've been at this for 40 years and until I bought my 2013 Cougar, I always had Atwood tanks with no problem at all. Now I have to replace the rod every time I turn around. Can anyone explain why Suburban uses steel tanks. I hope it isn't just because they want to sell anode rods.
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Old 05-02-2014, 09:05 PM   #8
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Just the same type of difference as a Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge, just because. If your anode doesn't last a year, Suburban suggests going with an aluminum anode, instead of the magnesium that is standard.
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Old 05-04-2014, 01:21 AM   #9
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I have a Suburban WH. Is there a way to check the anode without removing it from the tank? It will be on my checklist to replace at the end of the year, but was wondering how do you know if it needs to be replaced before then.
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Old 05-04-2014, 01:55 AM   #10
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The only way to check the anode is to remove it and look at it. It only takes a few min. If your anode rod is new now it should be good for the season. Depending on how acidic your water is it may not corode much during the year.
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Old 05-04-2014, 06:23 AM   #11
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Just the same type of difference as a Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge, just because. If your anode doesn't last a year, Suburban suggests going with an aluminum anode, instead of the magnesium that is standard.
Shame they just don't use aluminum tanks. Another profit point for them I guess.
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