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Old 08-01-2015, 11:56 AM   #1
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anode rod on hot water heater?

2000 Winnebago Itasca Water heater anode rod? And if there is one how do I get to it? Is there a diagram?
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Old 08-01-2015, 12:15 PM   #2
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The anode rod is part of the water heater drain plug, on the lower outside of the unit. Atwood water heaters, with aluminum tank, do NOT need an anode rod. Suburban heaters DO need the sacrificial anode rod. Twice a year, unscrew the drain plug, flush the tank, replace anode if half the anode has been consumed. Using the search window at the top of the page, will reveal lots of previous discussion on this topic.
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Old 08-01-2015, 12:25 PM   #3
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homeless, no and here is the reason.
"ATWOOD CLAD TANK The Atwood water heater tank is constructed of a core of high strength aluminum. The interior of the tank consists of a 15% thickness of type 7072 aluminum (pure aluminum and zinc) that is fused to the core during the rolling process. This material protects the tank from the affects of heavy metals and salts found in waters throughout the country. It is anodic to these heavy metals and acts much like an anode in a steel glass lined tank except it will last much longer.
There is also no need to replace an anode on a yearly basis. Flushing the tank on a regular basis has been found to be helpful in insuring the best performance of your water hater and adding to the useful life of the tank. For flushing instructions see your owners manual or contact Atwood for a copy of our recommended procedures."
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Old 08-01-2015, 01:14 PM   #4
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To get the anode rod out, you will need along handled, 1/2" drive socket wrench. a 1-1/16" socket, and about a 6" extension. They can be stubborn. If it doesn't want to turn, a few sharp raps on the wrench with a small hammer might help. If all else fails, buy or rent an impact wrench.

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Old 08-01-2015, 01:36 PM   #5
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Winnebago has used Atwood water heaters for many years and as stated above they do not require anode rods. In fact the manual says not to use one.
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Old 08-02-2015, 06:59 AM   #6
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Winnebago has used Atwood water heaters for many years and as stated above they do not require anode rods. In fact the manual says not to use one.
This was also stated by the Atwood representative at the Winnebago Grand National Rally a couple of weeks ago. Do not install an anode rod in these units. They should only be flushed occasionally, "based on how much you use your water heater". I'm full-timing and flush mine every 6 months, and I see very little gunk come out when I do it so it's often enough for me.

The rep also encouraged folks to install an adjustable thermostat in their units, which I had been considering and will do soon. The price seems reasonable, it's apparently very easy to install. I'm thinking I should be able to save some $$$ on propane if I can crank the temp down a ways.
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Old 08-02-2015, 01:14 PM   #7
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Look at the water heater drain plug (outside in the WH compartment)

IF it is plastic, NO ANODE NEEDED

If it is metal.. That is the anode.
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Old 08-02-2015, 01:19 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by homeless View Post
2000 Winnebago Itasca Water heater anode rod? And if there is one how do I get to it? Is there a diagram?
homeless
Do you have an owner's manual for your water heater?
If so the answer will be in that manual.
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Old 08-02-2015, 01:25 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wa8yxm View Post
Look at the water heater drain plug (outside in the WH compartment)

IF it is plastic, NO ANODE NEEDED

If it is metal.. That is the anode.
That works UNLESS someone has already changed it and shouldn't have. Trust but verify!
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Old 08-02-2015, 01:59 PM   #10
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That works UNLESS someone has already changed it and shouldn't have. Trust but verify!
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Old 08-02-2015, 06:19 PM   #11
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An Atwood drain usually takes a 7/8" socket whereas the Suburban anode rod requires the 1-1/16" size.
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