Water heater anode

[Pushrod]

I purchased an anode unit for my water heater that replaces the drain plug, it also has a radiator type petcock to allow easier draining of the tank. Has anyone done this? I was led to believe there is no sacrificial anode in the Atwood water heaters.

[Pushrod]

I purchased an anode unit for my water heater that replaces the drain plug, it also has a radiator type petcock to allow easier draining of the tank. Has anyone done this? I was led to believe there is no sacrificial anode in the Atwood water heaters.

[ISLAPP]

You are correct, there is no sacricial rod on the Atwoods. That is because the lining in Aluminum. If you use an anode rod, it could void your warranty. Atwood says DON'T use.
Mike

[Zimectrin]

I contacted Atwood for clarification on this very matter in 2006 and was told exactly what Mike said above.

Don't know why the dealers that sell the anode rods say we still should have one.

[Frankie]

You might actually void your warranty if you use anode in an Atwood. They are sold for the same reason all useless aftermarket accessories are sold.The drain part of that is an okay idea,but the plastic plugs that come on them have a purpose also,if a dry heating situation happens it is supposed to melt and relieve pressure.

[Zimectrin]

Frankie,

Did not know that about the plastic plug melting. Interesting??

One thing about the plastic plug that I do like is it will not 'weld' itself to the threads of the heater. Have destroyed a plastic plug in removing it, but they are easy to get out with a sprinkler riser extractor that every RV park manager will have on hand and we always have a spare in our tool kit.