Do I need to replace this Anode Rod?

[marudnick]

I don’t want to be penny and pound foolish. Does the anode rod in the attached picture need to be replaced? I’ve used it for two seasons and am surprised that most of it is still intact. There is some degradation at the screw end.

Thanks.

[tim myers]

Might be ok for another season, but not sure I would risk it.

I do have a question for you and others that might want to chime in. My Atwood WH manual mentions nothing about the use of an Anode rod, and only shows a plug. I think this is because my tank is supposed to be aluminum and not subject to the same corrosion as a steel tank.

I also know that some people have installed an anode rod in their aluminum tank Atwoods.

What have others done?

[deckape]

Why not ? You already have it out . Flush the tank out also .

[l1v3fr33ord1]

Originally Posted by tim myers

I do have a question for you and others that might want to chime in. My Atwood WH manual mentions nothing about the use of an Anode rod, and only shows a plug. I think this is because my tank is supposed to be aluminum and not subject to the same corrosion as a steel tank.

I also know that some people have installed an anode rod in their aluminum tank Atwoods.

What have others done?

Anodes are required in Suburban water heaters made with porcelain-lined steel tanks.

Anodes are not necessary, and are discouraged, for Atwood water heaters made with aluminum tanks.

Nylon drain plugs are required for Atwood water heaters made with aluminum tanks.

[wyocamper]

I've never used one in mine, and I replaced the plug with a 1/2" npt to 1/4" npt reducer and screwed a compressor drain plug into that. No tools needed, just a quick turn of the plug to drain the tank.

[Eagle5]

Hi Marudnick,
I replaced mine because I believe they come with Aluminum Anodes from the factory, and I do not want Aluminum in my water stream. I now use a Magnesium Anode:
RV Water Heater Anode Rod
Remember that your body needs Magnesium.
Thanks, Eagle5

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by marudnick

I don’t want to be penny and pound foolish. Does the anode rod in the attached picture need to be replaced? I’ve used it for two seasons and am surprised that most of it is still intact. There is some degradation at the screw end.

Thanks.

No, that rod is perfectly fine. I have same coach as you and I check mine once a year when / if I need to winterize. Sure you can replace, but the answer to your question is that you don't need to and replacing it is not going to do anything more than your current one.

75% of the metal being sacrificed is a safe general rule to go by. If you just wish to be ultra conservative change at 50%. If you do wish to change it now; PM me, I will send you an address to ship it to

[tim myers]

Looks like @dkoldman, knows what he is talking about. Great illustration!!