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Sanford · 11-17-2016, 07:49 AM

Just finished winterizing the Challenger KT37. When draining the water heater, I found that it had a nylon plug, and did not have the cathode rod. Is this normal, or should I replace the nylon plug with a metal plug and cathode? Previous RV had the rod.

Sanford
2016 Challenger KT 37

Savagenatn · 11-17-2016, 08:13 AM

Sanford,
There are much smarter folks than me that will give you a more detailed answer. But for a short answer, some models use the anode rod and some don't. The way I understand it Atwood water heaters do not use anode rods, while Suburban models do. The difference is due to the materials each are made from

**Petro** · 11-17-2016, 08:21 AM

Sanford;

You did not say what brand water heater you have. I have an Atwood water heater. I asked the same question a few years ago. I was told that Atwood does not use a cathode rod as they have an aluminum tank and don't need the rod. I was told they use a plastic plug to eliminate possible electrolysis between a brass plug and the aluminum. Using a brass plug could damage the aluminum threads. If by chance you have a suburban water heater these statements don't apply to that brand.

Don

eprman1 · 11-17-2016, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petro

Sanford;

You did not say what brand water heater you have. I have an Atwood water heater. I asked the same question a few years ago. I was told that Atwood does not use a cathode rod as they have an aluminum tank and don't need the rod. I was told they use a plastic plug to eliminate possible electrolysis between a brass plug and the aluminum. Using a brass plug could damage the aluminum threads. If by chance you have a suburban water heater these statements don't apply to that brand.

Don

X2!

wildtoad · 11-17-2016, 10:55 AM

All previous responses are accurate!

marjoa · 11-17-2016, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sanford

Just finished winterizing the Challenger KT37. When draining the water heater, I found that it had a nylon plug, and did not have the cathode rod. Is this normal, or should I replace the nylon plug with a metal plug and cathode? Previous RV had the rod.

Sanford
2016 Challenger KT 37

Your manual should explain this. Check and see what brand you have.

Atwood HWH does not use a cathode, Suburban HWH does.

Sounds like you have an Atwood so you're supposed to have a nylon plug.

If so here's a great link for the proper flushing procedure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKg0R9oiMP0

450Donn · 11-17-2016, 11:02 AM

Atwood water heaters do not use anode rod.
Suburban water heaters do use an anode rod

Old-Biscuit · 11-17-2016, 11:09 AM

One brand does because of 'steel tank' that is glass-lined and needs the cathodic protection of the anode rod
*Suburban--3/4" steel drain plug with attached anode rod

One brand does NOT because of an 'aluminum tank' that is aluminum/zinc clad and has builtin cathodic protection w/o use of an anode rod.
*Atwood--1/2" Nylon drain plug due to aluminum threads AND temperature rating of the nylon (CPVC/PVC fit but no NOT have high enough temp rating to be safe to use)

Hurk · 11-17-2016, 03:44 PM

I have the Atwood HWH. I removed the plastic plug to drain the tank and broke the head off the plastic plug. Had a heck of a time removing the rest of the plug. Thought plastic was not a good idea so I purchased a brass plug with a valve on end to drain tank never thought there would be a problem with the reaction with brass and aluminum! It has been in HWH for year tried to remove brass plug but doesn't want to move. Just had a crescent wrench handy so I'll try to removed with socket wrench and replace with plastic plug. I won't over tighten

Jim
Chilliwack BC
2007 Cayman