Found why water heater was squealing - element corroded

[Ohioken7]

Wintered in south Texas since November with sometimes hard water. Water heater started squealing on electric, fine on propane. Picture shows why...

A little under 2 years full timing. I Change anode rods as needed. Last checked dec and it was fine. Not complaining, $16 for a new one, showing for others that have that system. I know softener would help, we don't want to do that.

[Our3231CK]

Always good to carry a spare water heater element, we have had that same build up twice, both winter over parks had well water and we have a 2 stage house water filter system before any water get into the RV. Every 6 months check the anode and replace if it gets near half eaten away.

[WeBeFulltime]

I always used a softener and would do it again. If hard water did that to your heading element what is it doing to your other components? In ten years of full timing I never had to replace an element or anything else water related.