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02-08-2016, 06:15 PM
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#1
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Rivet Master 
2015 28' Flying Cloud
2018 33' Classic
Cumming
, Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 518
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To Anode rod or not
Have 2015 FC 28 with Attwood water heater. Local mobile RV mechanic recommended using an anode rod, even though Attwood and Airstream suggested it was not needed. Any problems using anode rod?
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02-08-2016, 06:20 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master 
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,721
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I would use a magnesium anode rod. An aluminum rod would be somewhat useless.
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02-08-2016, 07:16 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2005 30' Classic
Burlington
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,743
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DeltaRon
Have 2015 FC 28 with Attwood water heater. Local mobile RV mechanic recommended using an anode rod, even though Attwood and Airstream suggested it was not needed. Any problems using anode rod?
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
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Well, I think I'd be more inclined to go with Aistream/Atwood!
Brian.
__________________
Brian & Connie Mitchell
2005 Classic 30'
Hensley Arrow / Centramatics
2008 GMC Sierra SLT 2500HD,4x4,Crew Cab, Diesel, Leer cap.
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02-08-2016, 07:21 PM
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#4
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Figment of My Imagination
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over
, More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DeltaRon
Have 2015 FC 28 with Attwood water heater. Local mobile RV mechanic recommended using an anode rod, even though Attwood and Airstream suggested it was not needed. Any problems using anode rod?
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Your RV mechanic knows not of what he speaks. Attwood water heaters are aluminum-lined and do not need anode rods. Some RV water heaters do, but Attwoods are not among them.
But if you choose to ignore both Airstream and Attwood's recommendations and pay for an anode rod that you do not need, then you would need a magnesium anode rod in order to protect the aluminum tank lining.
But you should be aware that the EPA's Primary Safe Drinking Water Standards call for a maximum level of 0 parts per million of magnesium in drinking water, meaning that if you use a magnesium anode rod in your water heater, you should never use that water for drinking, cooking, dishwashing, or bathing— any sanitary purpose.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
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02-08-2016, 08:27 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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No anode rods are required or suggested for Atwood (that's one 'T') water heaters. In fact, use of an anode rod in any Atwood heater will void your warranty!
The 'other' RV water heater made by Suburban REQUIRES a magnesium anode, as it has a different tank composition.
Your 'tech' needs a bit of RV re-education. 
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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02-08-2016, 08:39 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
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Two word answer, "not needed". I came from blue water sailing boats where I had to change 4 anodes and 2 hull plates at least once a year. Nice to not have to mess with them in my Airstream.
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
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02-09-2016, 12:06 PM
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#7
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Wise Elder
2010 30' Classic
Vintage Kin Owner
South of the river
, Minnesota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,169
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DeltaRon
Have 2015 FC 28 with Attwood water heater. Local mobile RV mechanic recommended using an anode rod, even though Attwood and Airstream suggested it was not needed. Any problems using anode rod?
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Hello Ron
I used to live in Cumming, and I know from experience that well water in that area is extremely corrosive. I lived in a little residential development called "Dogwood Lane" that had a shared well. At the time I was there the houses were around 20 years old and had been built with copper supply plumbing, and it all had pinhole leaks leading to expensive repairs. The pH of the water was between 4.0 and 5.0.
It is true that Atwood doesn't recommend using an anode, because the tank is aluminum lined. There is a chance that your local RV guy knows from local experience what works best for the water there, but I'm skeptical.
I would recommend leaving the water heater without an anode. If you fill up with water at home, I would suggest you talk to a water treatment company and get the pH tested and install equipment to neutralize it if necessary. Your home plumbing and Airstream plumbing will both last longer.
__________________
To learn to see below the surface, you must adjust your altitude
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02-09-2016, 12:12 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2014 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Chelsea
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,792
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I agree, no anode. Insofar as the impact of corrosive water is concerned, remember that one "feature" of RV travel is that you will be getting your water supply from many different sources so the odds that they are all chemically similar is pretty small. Obviously this would not apply if you are stationary or always camp or fill your tanks at the same place. 
__________________
Bob Martel
WBCCI# 5766
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02-09-2016, 01:03 PM
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#9
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Figment of My Imagination
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over
, More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lewster
No anode rods are required or suggested for Atwood (that's one 'T') water heaters.
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Can'tt help it. My "TT" key stticks! 
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
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02-09-2016, 04:25 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Protagonist
Can'tt help it. My "TT" key stticks! |
Sorry for your troubles. Have you seen a specialist about it??? 
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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02-09-2016, 05:31 PM
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#11
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Protagonist
Can'tt help it. My "TT" key stticks! |
Quote:
Originally Posted by lewster
Sorry for your troubles. Have you seen a specialist about it??? |
There are pills you can take for that... 
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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