RV Water Heater Magnesium Anode Rod for Atwood Heaters

[kscherzi]

I recently saw something about a reminder to check and replace the anode rod in Atwood water heaters. I had no idea it even has a rod, nor where it is. Is this something that is necessary and everyone else does? If so, where is it? My trailer has the long used (by Airstream) six gallon water heater.

[bweybright]

The anode rod would likely be attached to the drain plug. I have an Atwood that specifically states to not use an anode rod in the manual (a 2007 unit) so I don't. I do get material build up over the season that I use a water heater drain cleaner to blow water and the accumulated minerals out onto the ground.
My best suggestion is to go to the FAQ area online for your specific heater and search for anode to see what they say.
Hopefully this helps.
Good luck, we all search and make our best decisions for us. You won't go wrong.
Bob

[CRH]

Atwoods don't have or need an anode.

[Boxite]

Originally Posted by kscherzi

I recently saw something about a reminder to check and replace the anode rod in Atwood water heaters. I had no idea it even has a rod, nor where it is. Is this something that is necessary and everyone else does? If so, where is it? My trailer has the long used (by Airstream) six gallon water heater.

WHERE did you see that “something”..? An unfortunate thing I’ve discovered at this (otherwise excellent) site is the ties to RVLife articles…some of which are without support by authors who know/have factual information.
Be careful taking for “fact” the articles which are actually authors opinions…which sometimes are not based on fact. (Several recent articles are particularly full of errors.)

[GCinSC2]

From the Atwood Water heater Service Manual, September 2003

"Microscopic particles of metals (like iron and copper) suspended in water, set up a reaction inside the water heater that
is not unlike the principle on which an automotive battery operates. The aluminum tank is the anode and the metals in
the water serve as the cathode.

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."

Gary

[JCWDCW]

Originally Posted by bweybright

The anode rod would likely be attached to the drain plug. I have an Atwood that specifically states to not use an anode rod in the manual (a 2007 unit) so I don't. I do get material build up over the season that I use a water heater drain cleaner to blow water and the accumulated minerals out onto the ground.
My best suggestion is to go to the FAQ area online for your specific heater and search for anode to see what they say.
Hopefully this helps.
Good luck, we all search and make our best decisions for us. You won't go wrong.
Bob

Material buildup is not affected by an anode rod. It simply stops corrosion of steel components in the tank if or where they exist and are electrically bonde to the tank, as noted above Atwood’ does not require an anode
Calcium hardness in the water is precipitated by the heat in the water heater. You do have to flush it from time to time snd it does end up in the tap aerators

[pcskier]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

From the Atwood Water heater Service Manual, September 2003
There is also no need to replace an anode on a yearly basis."
Gary

I believe you misinterpreted that last sentence. What it is saying is your tank is designed such that an anode is not required--and therefore an advantage of that is you don't have to change one every year.

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by pcskier

I believe you misinterpreted that last sentence. What it is saying is your tank is designed such that an anode is not required--and therefore an advantage of that is you don't have to change one every year.

No misinterpretation, all text was copied from Atwood service manual I attached.

[pcskier]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

No misinterpretation, all text was copied from Atwood service manual I attached.

Ok. Have fun trying to find your anode rod (that does *not* exist as per the text you quoted from the manual. )