Suburban water heater Anode

[concours]

Our Suburban water heater has no drain as it uses the Anode to drain the tank which is a bit of a pain because of needing to carry a 1 1/16 socket to drain it, if we don't drain it the water smells if not used for a few weeks. Camco make an Anode that has a drain tap but it only works on Atwood heaters because of the 1/2 pipe thread instead of the 3/4 that Suburban uses. My question is can I just simply use a brass bushing to reduce the size or is there a different anode material used between the 2 brands of heater?

[Shelbs]

Let me share a couple observations:

If you are needing to drain your water heater every couple of weeks to avoid smell, you may have other issues. Have you sanitized the system lately? You should really only need to drain your tank once or twice a year, and that is mostly to clean the sludge off the bottom of the tank. Actually not flushing out the tank could also create the smell you are talking about. You will get minerals as well as the remnants of the anode on the bottom of the tank.

I am confused by your statement that the anode/drain Camco makes is for Atwood water heaters. Atwood water heaters don't use anode rods so making one that fits Atwood heaters makes no sense.

Just my $.02

[Robby9]

Are filling your tank with well water? Since it's not chlorinated it can get stinky if left sitting too long.

[wva3185]

Originally Posted by Shelbs

I am confused by your statement that the anode/drain Camco makes is for Atwood water heaters. Atwood water heaters don't use anode rods so making one that fits Atwood heaters makes no sense.

Just my $.02

It may not make any sense but I have actually seen these for sale at an RV dealership even though Atwood tells you NOT to use an anode rod in their tanks.

[concours]

My question was not why Camco makes an Anode for Atwood heaters it was specifically is it compatible with a Suburban heater as it would make life easier for draining the tank. On 2 occasions when the hot tank has been left full for 3 to 4 weeks in our hot summer heat it has become very stinky and in need of flushing out. We only ever hook up to city water at campgrounds so sanitising of the fresh water tank is not the issue

[Ken / Claudia]

I put a socket that fits it into the trailer stuff. I found that slowly unscrewing it until water starts leaking and no more unscrewing, just let it drain slowly keeps me from getting wet. No big deal.

[concours]

Thanks for the reply Ken that's what I have been doing, just looking for an easier way but I guess there isn't at this time

[Ken / Claudia]

I do like your idea, is there an inventor around. If it sold for under 20 or so there could be a market. I would want one.

[halfprice]

IDK if I would want one with a valve. It sounds like a good idea but I think you might get into a habit of only draining the water and never looking at the anode.

Its easy and fast to take the anode out. Doing this insures that you check and replace the anode if necessary.

Now your smelly water is another issue. I've never had that problem so I can't give you any suggestions. Good luck with it.

Jerry

[Ayotte]

A suburban water heater requires an aluminum anode rod and the atwood water heaters require an magnesium anode rod because they are made of aluminum. They are not interchangeable.

[Shelbs]

Originally Posted by Ayotte

A suburban water heater requires an aluminum anode rod and the atwood water heaters require an magnesium anode rod because they are made of aluminum. They are not interchangeable.

I realize Camco sells a magnesium anode "for Atwood water heaters". Atwood does not make an anode for their water heaters nor do they recommend their use. New Atwood water heaters have an installed nylon plug which are available from Atwood as replacements.