Water Heater de-ionizer rod

[Michael George Taylor]

Hello,

Is it necessary to install a de-ionizer rod in the water heater of my 2007 Couger 5th wheel when using treated water?? I never had to use one in my 2004 Prowler Lynx 5th wheel. Are there different types of water heater liners that do not require a rod and some that do?

Thanks.

Mick Taylor

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by Michael George Taylor

Hello,

Is it necessary to install a de-ionizer rod in the water heater of my 2007 Couger 5th wheel when using treated water?? I never had to use one in my 2004 Prowler Lynx 5th wheel. Are there different types of water heater liners that do not require a rod and some that do?

Thanks.

Mick Taylor

I think you are are referring to what is called a sacrificial anode rod.

If you have the Suburban brand water heater with it's steel tank, then yes you need to use an "anode" rod if you want it to last.

If you have an Atwood brand water heater with it's aluminum tank, then no, you don't use an anode rod.

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by Michael George Taylor

Hello,

Is it necessary to install a de-ionizer rod in the water heater of my 2007 Couger 5th wheel when using treated water??

If it is a Suburban then yes, because treated water or not the Anode rod will keep the tank from corroding.

I never had to use one in my 2004 Prowler Lynx 5th wheel. Are there different types of water heater liners that do not require a rod and some that do?

Thanks.

Mick Taylor

Yes, my Lite has an Atwood water heater that is made from aluminum so it will not corrode like steel.

I will guess you other unit had an Atwood.

[wmtire]

Here is a youtube video that explains it all better, with the differences between a Suburban and Atwood.:

Ask the Professor: Water Heaters - YouTube

[HarrynSally]

Make sure you use Magnesium rod not a aluminum rod!
If the rod does not breakdown the tank will.

[OldCoot]

Just removed the anode on mine again as I did in Mar when we got home from FL. I had cleaned the inside of the tank with my bead blasting hose to suck all the gunk out, re-installed the bead blasted anode and refilled the tank and turned the gas & electric back on. After removing the anode today, I used the adapter I'd made years ago to fit the garden hose. Just a long pc of 1/4" copper tubing with a 90degree brass fitting on the end and shoved it in the anode rod hole and turned the water on. Unbelievable amount of sludge broke loose from just 3 months of use. Had to be at least a shot glass of junk. Sucked all the water out with the bead blaster hose, re-installed the anode, filled it up and turned on the electric and gas and let it cycle. Turned everything off, drained it and sucked it dry again, re-installed the anode and will leave it empty and shut off until we get ready to go again.