Water Heater Anode question

BLTOH · 10-24-2011, 08:13 AM

i have the surburban water heater that has the 1 1/16 inch size anode.. i would like to put a plug in for the winter instead of putting the anode back in. What size do i need to get for that? is it the 1/2 inch size? Also do i have to have a certain metal type for the plug? i only want it for the winter and will put the anode back in in the spring. i know i could just leave it out all winter but because of where i am stroing it at i prefer not to.

MtnGuy · 10-24-2011, 08:18 AM

If the water heater is empty, there is no harm to just putting the anode rod back in for winter. That is what I do with mine, and then it is ready to use in spring.

BigRed · 10-24-2011, 08:24 AM

Just put it back in......X2 All ready for spring !

Labzy · 10-24-2011, 08:29 AM

I am not sure if my WH has a small amount of antifreeze in it or not... (it is a long story) and am worried that one side of the anode might be in contact with it if I put it back in. ( I read that this makes the anode corrode)
So, I am also looking for a screw/plug with the same size threads to insert for the winter, until I can actually flush my WH out with fresh water in the spring.

TURBS · 10-24-2011, 08:33 AM

Anode is supposed to corrode that's the reason for its existence.
Antifreeze touching it or not its fine to leave it in.

Labzy · 10-24-2011, 08:37 AM

Hmmm, there is a thread on here about a guy who left the anode in with antifreeze and now his whole tank is full of crusty white flakes, as his anode was completely eaten up.
It is because of reading this, that made me wary of it touching the antifreeze.
So, you can understand my confusion......

MtnGuy · 10-24-2011, 08:54 AM

Flush the tank out with fresh water. Make sure the camper is level, or better yet tilted towards the water heater outlet. Twist a couple of sheets of paper towels diagonally, and place 1 end in the tank on the bottom. Extend the other end of the paper towels over water heater cover, making sure the end is lower than the water heater....the lower the better. Wait a couple of hours until the paper towel stops dripping, and take the paper towel out, making sure you get it all. This wicking effect will completely empty the water heater of any water.

cfsoistman · 10-24-2011, 11:46 AM

If you decide to leave the anode rod out just buy a 3/4 PVC Threaded Plug at HD or Lowes. Same pipe thread as the anode rod. Uses the same size socket to put it in if you decide to use one.

hockeytownmom · 10-24-2011, 11:52 AM

I'm just going to put mine back in since we'll be camping in December.

BLTOH · 10-24-2011, 12:11 PM

I dont thing mine is completely empty as i don't have an air compressor to blow the lines out. i just ordered the stuff to do the anti-freeze mod thru the pump as it doesn't look like mine has that type of set-up. so i think i will do the paper towel thing with mine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtnguy

If the water heater is empty, there is no harm to just putting the anode rod back in for winter. That is what I do with mine, and then it is ready to use in spring.

Nigels · 10-24-2011, 03:29 PM

Whats wrong with leaving a little bit of water in there and the plug out?

MtnGuy · 10-24-2011, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigels

Whats wrong with leaving a little bit of water in there and the plug out?

Bugs and mice.

Nigels · 10-24-2011, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtnguy

Bugs and mice.

Not sure mice will get through the grill but yes bugs might if the grill is not covered with something suitable.

Arn · 10-24-2011, 06:24 PM

I install a PVC 3/4"NPT plug for the winter. Don't forget to replace the anode rod in the spring if it's worn 3/4 through.

capucine · 10-24-2011, 07:42 PM

I just finished my winterizing this week with my compressor. I removed the anode for the winter and put a small amount of plumber grease on the treads of the water heater . The water heater dont have any antifreeze for the winter because the whole system was air blown with the compressor. One thing that I found when I removed my anode is that I will have to replace it next coming season. The anode is just finished and my trailer is only one year old. Checking with the dealer and some magazines it is recommended to replace the anode every year because their lifespan is about this time.

TURBS · 10-24-2011, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capucine

I just finished my winterizing this week with my compressor. I removed the anode for the winter and put a small amount of plumber grease on the treads of the water heater . The water heater dont have any antifreeze for the winter because the whole system was air blown with the compressor. One thing that I found when I removed my anode is that I will have to replace it next coming season. The anode is just finished and my trailer is only one year old. Checking with the dealer and some magazines it is recommended to replace the anode every year because their lifespan is about this time.

weird why that is >? my anode rod in my flagstaff tt was 6 years old when I traded it in and the anode rod didn't look new by any means but was probably 80 % good yet .
I believe thats its because I drain my hw heater after every use .
I drain it before I leave the camp ground.

cfsoistman · 10-25-2011, 06:02 AM

The ones recommending replacing the anode rod every year most likely sell anode rods. They can last for years. It all depends on the quality of the water they come in contact and the duration of exposure to that water. Hard water can make the rod deteriorate faster than soft water. f1100turbo probably will have the same anode rod for years by draining his water heater regularly. The exposure to water is lessen each time he drains the tank. I've taken mine out at the end of a season and left it on the shelf in my shed. It looked the same 4 months later when I reinserted it into the water heater. I just rinse off the rod to remove any debris on it. It's time to replace it when it is only about 25% of it's original size. Some say when the inner rod is exposed. As the old saying states "Don't fix it if it ain't broke".

mTn_biKer65 · 10-25-2011, 08:15 AM

I just winterized this past weekend and once I drained the tank I loosely (1-2 threads) reinserted the anode for the winter. Someone suggested leaving it loose for drainage and slight air circulation.

Works for us.

jimh · 10-25-2011, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigels

Whats wrong with leaving a little bit of water in there and the plug out?

the water won't hurt anything even if it freezes.
mice, i wouldn't put it past them to get into anything.

BLTOH · 10-25-2011, 02:31 PM

the place i have my TT is with a pest control company. its an inside storage so i shouldn't have to worry about that issue as they say it is treated for pests. but i did order the screens and some other oddball minor things that i figured wouldnt hurt to go ahead and do now over the winter months. i guess nice thing about having inside storage i can work on little things over the winter.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimh

the water won't hurt anything even if it freezes.
mice, i wouldn't put it past them to get into anything.

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