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Old 03-31-2013, 05:21 PM   #1
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Atwood Anode Rod

When I swapped out trailers, the old one had a Dometic water heater where everyone seems to believe an Anode rod is a good investment. The new trailer has an Atwood water heater and the consensus seems to be that it is not required, and to just use the plastic plug. However, before I learned that wisdom, I had installed one.

After about 1.5 years in the tank, I pulled it today:
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Here is what a new one looks like:
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There was no corrosion or other difficulty in removing the rod, all I had on the thread was teflon tape.

This really makes me wonder if it is not wise to have an anode in the tank? What do you guys think?
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Old 03-31-2013, 06:34 PM   #2
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My understanding is that the lining of the Atwood water heater does not degrade, so no anode rod is needed.
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Old 03-31-2013, 08:29 PM   #3
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Tracy is correct. The lining of the Atwood water heater is aluminum, so it doesn't degrade. An anode is basically "a sacrificial aluminum rod," not sure how the two would interact, but I was told not to do it.
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Old 03-31-2013, 09:28 PM   #4
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I understand. But I have to assume "something" is being saved as the metal in the rod is being consumed. Any ideas?

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Old 04-01-2013, 05:51 AM   #5
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My understanding is that there is electrolytic action in the water that eats the anode. I had Atwoods on 2 rigs for 9 years and never had any problem with not having an anode.

The Suburban I now have recommends and is equipped with one when new, whereas Atwood states do not use or need one.

Of course they are for sale so do what you want.
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Old 04-01-2013, 05:57 AM   #6
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Atwood does not require them. The rod manufacturers recommend them even for Atwoods. (I wonder why?:hihi
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Old 04-01-2013, 06:09 AM   #7
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If I was manufacturing rods I would recommend them for every heater as well.
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Old 04-01-2013, 06:16 AM   #8
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Maybe the minerals in your water are good for you?
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