Anode rod life/water filter

[Thekipkers]

Good evening.

After our last trip (4th do far) I removed the anode rod to flush the HW tank out. I noticed the anode rod is almost worn through close to the threaded plug and will need to be replaced soon.

We have primarily camped at state parks so far, if I use an inline water filter will this help in the life of the rod at all? Or is this just the normal life expectancy of them.


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[youroo]

There is (LOTS) of life left in your (A-Rod). Youroo!!

[garbonz]

Water filter has not impact on the anode rod. It is more a question of the PH of the water and the total dissolved mineral content of the water. Just replace it they are cheap.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by Thekipkers

Good evening.

After our last trip (4th do far) I removed the anode rod to flush the HW tank out. I noticed the anode rod is almost worn through close to the threaded plug and will need to be replaced soon.

That's how the anode rods normally wear, starting at the end nearest the threads.

There is a chart taken from Suburbans service manual at the following link that will show you when you need to replace the rod, which is normally around 75% of the rod dissolving.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...aqs-36254.html

As Youroo stated, you are still good to go for awhile.

[Spikedog]

The condition of the water tank is also a major factor. Old tanks use up anode material faster than new tanks, especially if some corrosion has already taken place. It's a function of anode/cathode active surface area. Same thing happens in your house's water heater.

[vinmaker]

As was said. They are cheap and all one needs to do is monitor it each time you drain you drain your tank pre winter.

[rlocicero]

Has anyone ever seen one this bad? Only two years.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by rlocicero

Has anyone ever seen one this bad? Only two years.

Looks like that one was broken or not all there when it was installed. I would definitely be cleaning out the tank to see where the rest of it is. I would guess it's all in the bottom of the tank.

[rlocicero]

It was all there when I installed it. OOPS!

[j2detroit]

I pull mine at the end of each season clean it up and use it next year I change it every 3 seasons

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by rlocicero

Has anyone ever seen one this bad? Only two years.

It looks new, however it also looks like a zinc anode for a shell and tube heat exchanger where the insertion length is limited due the design. IE wrong material and wrong length for a RV hot water tank.

[Bennington Camper]

Mine usually last a single season and it is 75% dissolved.
I would say yours is normal.