Anode rod

[swanny]

I removed my anode rod from the HWH today. The rod looks in very good shape, some minor pitting. There is an area I'm concerned about though. Next to the threaded plug the rod is very small, a lot of the rod is gone. I think I see a small stainless rod in the center of the anode, will this rod keep it from breaking off? Can I continue to use this rod since it's really is in good shape, except for the small bad area by the nut?

Thanks, kevin

[8.1al]

If it were mine I would put it back in but a new one is cheap insurance

[PapaBeav]

I replaced ours after four years and it was almost gone. So now I think a replacement every two years is in order. Since you have it out I would just replace it. And don't forget to flush the tank out real good with a hose because it will be full of the deteriorated rod.

[blarkman]

If it is showing the rod it needs replacing. I started checking it yearly,Also be sure to flush the tank good. As we spend the winters in Yuma the salt deposits really buid up. The first time I checked it the white stuff just slid out and after a good flush yhere were lots of chunks of white stuff. Imagine putting that in your favourate drink!!

[HamRad]

I would do what Charlie does. Of course if I had it out already I might put in a new one. Guess it would depend on how my day was going.
Good luck.
HamRad

[Drifty1]

Kevin I would replace your anode. This link shows what mine looked like in my used rig. I don't know if it was ever replaced before I looked at it. http://picasaweb.google.com/Drifty1/...09471416293762

[swanny]

took it to our rv tech. he said it was in really good shape. there is a 1/2" section that is bad, but, the other 9" are looking almost new. He said replace it when the rest of it looks like the bad section. He also said there is a stainless rod in the center that holds it together. As it wears out the water will start smelling like rotten eggs.

thanks for the replies,

kevin

[sreigle]

Your tech is correct. The rod is the basic structure and the rest is the sacrificial part. I was always told when 80% of the sacrificial part is gone it's time to replace the rod. Since I tend to forget to check that rod and check it only about once every 12 months, if it's showing bare rod I just go ahead and replace it. Then I put on my "list" to buy a spare rod next opportunity. If a guy could come up with a gauge to show remaining percentage of that rod without draining the tank, he could probably sell a ton of them.