Anode rod

I was in the process of changing my anode rod in my water heater and noticed that there are two types. One is aluminum and the other is like a ceramic materal, I think it is magnesium from what I can find. Can either be used??

Yes, either one will work

From Suburban's website.


Are all water heaters equipped with an Anode Rod? What is its function? When should it be changed?

Only Suburban water heaters feature an anode rod. The anode equalizes aggressive water action, providing cathodic protection for the tank. It is a very important factor in tank life and should only be removed for inspection, draining or replacement. It is removeable using a 1-1/16" thin wall socket.

All Suburban water heaters are protected by a magnesium or aluminum anode to prolong the life of the tank. Under normal use, the anode rod will deteriorate. Because of this, we recommend it be replaced annually or when consumption or weight loss of the rod is greater than 75%. Note: Water with high levels of iron and/or sulfate will increase the rate of deterioration. To extend anode life, drain water from tank whenever the RV is not being used. Avoid any extended time of non-use with water in the tank.

I check ours every season, much better than replacing the water heater.

Thanks for the feedback guys! My replacemebt anode rod says to use on Water heaters with S/N between 95340118 and 974400950. My heater is sn 82005883. I bought this at a camper dealer and they said it would be good on any suburban water heater. Any thoughts? It fits ok and the length is the same as the old anode rod.

I pull mine out, and leave it out, every fall prior to winterizing the
unit. Great way to flush the debris from the tank also, just hook
up to city water and stand waaaaayyyy back.

Duke wrote:Thanks for the feedback guys! My replacemebt anode rod says to use on Water heaters with S/N between 95340118 and 974400950. My heater is sn 82005883. I bought this at a camper dealer and they said it would be good on any suburban water heater. Any thoughts? It fits ok and the length is the same as the old anode rod.

Just me, but to be safe, I'd follow the manufacturers instructions. Anode rods are cheap, new water heaters are not.

If I'm not going to be using the camper for a few weeks, I will drain the hot water heater and remove the anode rod and clean the goo off of it. Then I just let it sit inside the door with new tape on it waiting for the next trip.

I'm still working on the original rod.

Rumor has it that you don't want to use plumbers tape. You want the metal to metal contact.

Cardinal_Bill wrote:Rumor has it that you don't want to use plumbers tape. You want the metal to metal contact.

Hi Bill,

You know, I did read that too, but I just put maybe 2 raps of 1/2" tape on, so far so good.

When U'all remove that Anode rod and leave it out you need to make sure that no pest can get into the open tank.
I take screen material and place it over the opening of the hot water tank compartment, then install the door to hold the screen in place.
U sure do not want a mouse to make a home in the tank

If I remember when we got our 06 cat it had teflon tape on the anode rod threads. I have always used tape on any water tank fittings and have never had any problems. Also you don't have to tighten it as tight with teflon tape on the threads, making it easier to remove the next time. also I always put the rod back in loosely to keep out insects and pest.I let the tank dry out first.

If the anode rod is corroding you know it is working, but if you are using the tape and the rod doesn't corode you might not be getting the protection you want.

I took some wire screen material and hot glued it over the vents. This way, nothing can get into the opening.

I do not use teflon tape on mine.

Good thought about not using the teflon tape. I would guess any tape would reduce the metal to metal surface and thus reduce the effectiveness of the anod rod.. I might take my tape off, I didn't really think of that one.

Teflon tape does not insulate the threads and can make removal much easier. I've verified continuity with an ohm meter.

I have always used teflon tape and by the end of each camping season the anode rod is about shot. I always put a new one in at the beginning of each season. It's cheap insurance.

Thanks, Good to know. Guess I'll continue with the teflon tape.

Great discussion! Bought our 06 WC last summer, never got around to checking the Anode rod until winterizing (plenty other things to learn about). As with most of you I take mine out every fall during winterizing. After doing this I think it's safe to say that it had NEVER been changed. . . :( Explained a lot about some of the water quality issues I was noticing.

Anyway, I bought a new one and flushed the tank and lines THOROUGHLY!!!!! So, what are the risks to the water heater? How do I know the water heater is "bad"? Does anyone have signs to look for?

Simply put, the anode rots instead of your tank. So once the anode is gone your tank could start deteriorating and leak. The damage would be pretty hard to see as the tank wants to corrode from the inside-out.
I think suburban says to replace it when only 25% remain? not sure ~ maybe someone has better info. I replace mine every other year and at that point, it's only about 30% gone.
I once bought a used trailer and the only thing left of the anode was the pipe fitting! After that, I used that TT for 10 years w/o any problem with the water heater so the tank doesnt go bad very quickly.

dragynj wrote: How do I know the water heater is "bad"? Does anyone have signs to look for?

It would leak. If yours is not leaking, it is ok.