Where to get heater anode?

[muddflapp]

I need to get a new anode for the water heater. Can I get that at Lowes or Home Depot or do I have to go to a RV store like CW? What length should I buy for best results?

[OntMont]

I think you will need to go to an RV parts place, I don't recall seeing them anywhere else. I think you will find that they are a standard size that is about 8" long. From what I have read, for best results get a magnesium one. (Zinc ones are also available).

[Jolu]

muddflap,
As I write I have a new anode rod from Camping World in my hand and the following are the measurements. It is 9 1/2" long and the socket size is 1 1/16". Camping World also carries a smaller rod. This new rod is probably 1/4" longer than the original one in my heater now. I have put it in to test the size and it fits with no problem.

I'm not sure if one of the box stores has one that short. I think I would check now that you have the measurements to go by. JB

[stiles watson]

I bought one at McCoy's Hardware. I had to cut it to the right length.

[Jolu]

John is correct, the rod itself is about 8" excluding the screw in part. The total length is 9 1/2". JB

[nailbender]

Our local Ace Hardware store has a RV section and I get mine there. Take the old one out and and see if a hardware store or home center in your area has one like it. It is not necessary to buy one from a RV dealer unless you have one nearby. I try to stay away from RV dealers if I can, I find too many other things to buy.

[ols1932]

quote:Originally posted by Jolu

John is correct, the rod itself is about 8" excluding the screw in part. The total length is 9 1/2". JB

I believe they call it a "10-inch" rod, even though it doesn't actually physically measure that long.

Orv

[bsmeaton]

I had heard on a prior thread, but do not know firsthand, that the Camco anode from Camping World is not as durable as the Atwood from your Dealer. The thread indicated it eats away nearly twice as fast as the OEM.

[ols1932]

quote:Originally posted by bsmeaton

I had heard on a prior thread, but do not know firsthand, that the Camco anode from Camping World is not as durable as the Atwood from your Dealer. The thread indicated it eats away nearly twice as fast as the OEM.

Brad, as usual, you are correct again.

[Jolu]

That's interesting. All the other RVs I've had didn't even have an anode rod in the water heater. Never had a problem. Guess they were better water heaters than these new and improved ones.

[mtheo]

I think Anode rods are used in steel tanks, to protect it from electrolisis. One brand of tanks uses a procenlian lined tanks to prevent this.