Anode rod removed between uses?

[Kleek62]

New travel trailer owners here. Bought a new Coachmen Catalina at the end of last season. Haven't used it yet but getting ready. During the walk through with the tech he told us to remove the water heater anode rod when the trailer isn't being used so it has been out all winter. I have since read that this may not be a good idea. He also said to use teflon tape when reinstalling the rod. I have read conflicting ideas that this may not be a good idea either because the rod needs metal to metal contact to operate properly and do its job by corroding before the tank does. Thoughts?

[itat]

If I won't be using my TT for a couple weeks or more I will take out the anode to drain the hot water tank, wrap the threads with teflon tape and put the anode back in. I'm more concerned about the stale water in the system than the anode.

[donniedu]

To answer your first question. Put it in and leave it in all season. At the end of the season remove and leave out.
Second question. I have always used teflon tape and my anode rods wear out as there suppose to. If you have access to a 3/4 NPT pipe tap and know how to safely use one, you can use it to gently clean rust off the threads prior to installing a anode rod.

[Kimber45]

I have never pulled mine between trips but camp often (every 2-3 weeks from spring to fall) Have never worried about stale water or had it be an issue. I have often wondered if constant in and out would strip rod or heater? All I have seen have had tape on it. I do not reapply if some remains.

Clearly pull after last trip for winterization and reinstall in spring.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by Kleek62

He also said to use teflon tape when reinstalling the rod. I have read conflicting ideas that this may not be a good idea either because the rod needs metal to metal contact to operate properly and do its job by corroding before the tank does. Thoughts?

Suburban says right on the anode rod packaging to use teflon tape:

[WFD]

Never remove ours between trips but I usually will remove it about mid season and give the tank a good rinsing(they sell an very inexpensive attachment you can put onto your hose to rinse it out, got mine at Walmart). This helps in reducing the white build up you see in the tank. Then I re-insert the anode rod with teflon tape. There was a lengthy thread about anode rods and teflon tape just last week

[Oaklevel]

I have been using Teflon tape with the anode rod and leaving it in the water heater all year for 35 years with no ill affects.

The rod comes out in the fall to drain the tank and is put back it afterwards or replaced if needed. I do not drain my house water heater tank if I am away for a month so I see no need to drain the RV either.

[325BH]

I remove ours after each outing due to stale water/tank, etc. No other reason.

[Glindz233s]

I replace it every season and use Teflon tape. Leave it out all winter. Plug the hole with a plastic plug just barely threaded in. If i'm camping with water hookups and grey water connections I will run the hot water to flush it out a bit.

[D W]

Originally Posted by Glindz233s

I replace it every season and use Teflon tape. Leave it out all winter. Plug the hole with a plastic plug just barely threaded in. If i'm camping with water hookups and grey water connections I will run the hot water to flush it out a bit.

X2.

[BamaBob]

When we were seasonal campers we never removed the anode - except to replace it every year or so

Now we don't have to worry at all we have a Tankless HWH

And yes, use teflon tape on ALL threads - metal, PVC, whatever -- not just the anode rod.

[windowman]

Don't forget to do this at home too. Replace that Anode rod every 5 years to keep your hot water heater running for many years. Available for all hot water heaters at plumbing stores and on-line

[325BH]

Originally Posted by windowman

Don't forget to do this at home too. Replace that Anode rod every 5 years to keep your hot water heater running for many years. Available for all hot water heaters at plumbing stores and on-line

Yup. Unless you full time in your camper, your home anode rod is more at risk (used up faster). Your water heater will last decades if you keep changing your anode rod(s).

[aceinspp]

If i'm not going to camp for 4 weeks or longer I remove the rod to drain the water so as not to get the smelly stale water smell. Yes lot of folks use the Teflon tape but for mine so far never had to re do mine. Just luck I guess as it never leaks. Later RJD

[camaraderie]

Not much point in taking the anode out if you drained the water already ... I just put mine in loosely after draining then flush again in the spring and replace it tightly with the teflon tape...but not too tight since it is a tapered thread.

[W5CI]

Do use Teflon tape and only remove the anode rod to winterize, replace as necessary

[Wolverine 1945]

Originally Posted by itat

If I won't be using my TT for a couple weeks or more I will take out the anode to drain the hot water tank, wrap the threads with teflon tape and put the anode back in. I'm more concerned about the stale water in the system than the anode.

X2 !!!

[cpd1343]

Originally Posted by donniedu

To answer your first question. Put it in and leave it in all season. At the end of the season remove and leave out.
Second question. I have always used teflon tape and my anode rods wear out as there suppose to. If you have access to a 3/4 NPT pipe tap and know how to safely use one, you can use it to gently clean rust off the threads prior to installing a anode rod.

X2

[Kleek62]

Thank you for the replies, everyone!