Community Forums

Gocoffeer · 12-20-2012, 01:23 PM

Dear IVR2 techs: Has any one installed an anode in there hot water heater in attempt to extend its service life. I saw a You tube video on the topic and it is a simple task I am wondering if the benefits are there?

Libero · 12-20-2012, 01:26 PM

Indeed the benefits are there in keeping buildup in your tank.

I change mine often. Very easy to do and don't cost much.

hometool · 12-20-2012, 01:34 PM

it depends on what materal the tank is made of if it is a steel tank yes it needs an anode rod and probably came with one that may need changing if the tank is aluminim it does not need one

"007" · 12-20-2012, 04:48 PM

Depends on what water heater you have one needs it and the other the rod will do harm.

wa8yxm · 12-20-2012, 05:20 PM

Most RV water heaters are either Attwood or Surburan,, USUALLY Attwood units do not benefit from an anode, these will have a PLASTIC drain plug

Most Surburans come with an Anode. It is also the drain plug.(Metal)

HOWEVR, from what I have read in each case there is at least one model that is the other way around.

IF your heater does not require an anode then adding one won't help.

Why do some need it and some not? Different materials used in the construction of the tank.

Downsizer · 12-20-2012, 05:34 PM

If it has one change it. Too cheap & easy to do.
Plus, you can flush all the crud out of it.

Gocoffeer · 12-21-2012, 06:46 AM

I had watched this video on You Tube by RV Geeks

HOW TO: Flush an Atwood RV Water Heater - YouTube

Ray,IN · 12-21-2012, 08:45 PM

The decision on whether or not a anode rod is required/needed is based on the Galvanic Table of Compatibility for dissimilar metals. The further apart the metals are in the table the more they react with each other.
Really the above is not relevant to your question, but I thought it might help better understand why an anode rod is not needed in some WH tanks. If your tank has an anode rod, the tank should be flushed out every year because the metal that flakes off the anode rod settles in the tank bottom.
If your tank doesn't have an anode rod, it is for one of two reasons. One, isn't supposed to have one. Two someone (previous owner) threw it away and just used an iron pipe plug.