Starting to winterize and I found this...

[Starbreaker]

So I decided to just get a start on winterizing since We're doe for the year here in Colorado. I went out and drained the hot water tank. Forgot to depressurize it..HAHA. I'm we now. However, the anode rod after one season looked like this (see pic). Also, tons of this white chalky sediment came pouring out and coated everything, including 'cause I R dumb. That is a brand new tank with the trailer. Should the rod look like that and those chunks of crap come rolling out of the tank?

[RKamperRV]

The anode rod should be replaced each year. The other stuff is mineral deposits. Flush out what you can while it is still wet.

[Starbreaker]

Originally Posted by RKamperRV

The anode rod should be replaced each year. The other stuff is mineral deposits. Flush out what you can while it is still wet.

I did just that. I have one of them water jet rods so I just stuck it in there and rinsed. Seemed to work well. I'll get a new rod for next season.

[Old-Biscuit]

YEP........normal

Anode Rod looks like that because it did its job....deteriorated instead of tank
Your Suburban Tank is STEEL and although glass-lined it still can rust (hairline cracks, flaws in lining, void where last component is welded to tank etc.)

Sometimes depending on water source quality you might have to replace more frequent.
75% deterioration is good. No need to replace until then.

The white crud is from minerals, some scaling from heating of water, some from the anode rod.......all normal stuff.
(Drain your home water heater and see how much crud comes out....yikes)

There is a flush wand you attached to hose and stick inside to rinse with. OK for washing sides/bottom down but it obstructs drain hole by being stuck in thru it.
Personally I turn water supply back ON and let it blast out thru drain hole..really blows the crud out

[aguablanco]

Are you drinking that water? That is one corroded anode!
RichH

[wildtoad]

Hah! I did the same thing when I first checked the rod. I and the car behind me were hit with little white specs. Lesson learned.