Hot water heater anode

[Hilton]

How ofton should I remove and clean the anode?

[Herk7769]

The anode does not need to be cleaned.
When you remove it to drain the heater in the Fall; inspect it.
Here is what you need to know:
The photo of the corroded looking rod is in VERY good shape and should be reinstalled.

The sacrificial anode should be replaced when you see more than 25% of the center wire.

[kenandterry]

I don't think you can really clean an anode. Inspections are all you can do.

How long they last is based on the conditions of the water you put through the RV system........could be your own if you fill the onboard water tank, or certainly the campsites you visit. Some members say they empty the hot water tank after every camping adventure. Some like myself, drain and inspect the anode after every few camping adventures when they are only a few weeks between.
Your results may vary.

[gbpacker]

The anode rod does not and can not be cleaned. As pointed out in earlier post, it should be inspected each time it is removed. Depending upon the condition of the water, anode life will vary. Mine is four years old and still has more than 50% life left.

[OldCoot]

When I took my out Mon, I just gently glass bead blasted it and removed all the deposits on it and left a very smooth surface. There was only minor pitting on it. Would never try to wire brush or wire wheel one, but holding it away from the glass bead nozzle, it does a fantastic job on it. I do think sand blasting would destroy one tho'. Painted the very end of it, teflon taped it and reinstalled. Should be good for at least 2 yrs or maybe 3. Will pick up another one and carry along as a spare.