It really works. Last summer, after 6 mths use, I flushed out my water heater. I was surprised a the mineral sediments that had already built up. I bought an anode bar that fits right on the drain plug. This time all the sediment was bound to that bar. It brushed right off with a wire brush. Should be good for another year.
Tom
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2007 28' Int CCD.
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Wilson wired repeater with YAG.
It really works. Last summer, after 6 mths use, I flushed out my water heater. I was surprised a the mineral sediments that had already built up. I bought an anode bar that fits right on the drain plug. This time all the sediment was bound to that bar. It brushed right off with a wire brush. Should be good for another year.
Tom
Tom,
The anode may be a bad idea since you have an aluminum tank. That residue maybe partly your tank.
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Even though the tank may be aluminum. The galvanic index of a zink or better yet a magnesuim anode is higher. In theory since it is higher it should sacrifice before the aluminum.
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"No good dent goes unpunished."
After a little searching, I've found that you can buy either zinc or magnesium anodes.
Those of us with a Suburban water heaters can even choose an aluminum anode, so we can be at least partially true to our aluminum roots. Our tanks may not be aluminum, but our anodes are!
If I'm not incorrect (Don, that's a setup... ) I've read somewhere about the OEM Atwood WH -- that using a sacrificial zinc voids the warranty and can damage the WH.
This couldn't be the mini black hole people are worried about?
_____________________________________________ Question 4
Are all water heaters equipped with an Anode Rod? What is its function? When should it be changed?
Answer:
Only Suburban water heaters feature an anode rod.
The anode equalizes aggressive water action, providing cathodic protection for the tank.
It is a very important factor in tank life and should only be removed for inspection, draining or replacement.
It is removeable using a 1-1/16" socket.
All Suburban water heaters are protected by a magnesium or aluminum anode to prolong the life of the tank.
Under normal use, the anode rod will deteriorate.
Because of this, we recommend it be replaced annually or when consumption or weight loss of the rod is greater than 75%.
Note: Water with high levels of iron and/or sulfate will increase the rate of deterioration.
To extend anode life, drain water from tank whenever the RV is not being used.
Avoid any extended time of non-use with water in the tank.
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from the home office is warmnwater, washingfeelsgood, usa...
ATWOOD CLAD TANK
The Atwood water heater tank is constructed of a core of high strength aluminum. The interior of the tank consists of a 15% thickness of type 7072 aluminum (pure aluminum and zinc)
that is fused to the core during the rolling process.
This material protects the tank from the affects of heavy metals and salts found in waters throughout the country.
It is anodic to these heavy metals and acts much like an anode in a steel glass lined tank except it will last much longer.
There is also no need to replace an anode on a yearly basis.
Flushing the tank on a regular basis has been found to be helpful in insuring the best performance of your water hater and adding to the useful life of the tank.
For flushing instructions see your owners manual or contact Atwood for a copy of our recommended procedures.
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I have a Suburban water heater, so I can use any anode that is anodic to the steel jacket.
As far as the Atwood aluminum/zinc clad tank, I suppose the cladding provides some anodic protection, which is probably long enough to make it through the warranty period.
After that, I would use a magnesium anode. It's easy to check if it is effective, just check it for pitting after 6 months. If it's pitted, its protecting the tank. If it's not, throw it away.
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Last edited by markdoane; 04-19-2008 at 09:17 PM..
Don't know how old your Atwood water heaters are, but it IS TRUE that the addition of ANY device like an anode, or auxiliary electric heating element (Hott Rodd) WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
This is not just a CYA exercise, as the tanks of the Atwoods do not like anodes, or the factory would put them there in the first place....like Suburban does!
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) I've read somewhere about the OEM Atwood WH -- that using a sacrificial zinc voids the warranty and can damage the WH.
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