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Old 03-28-2015, 09:53 AM   #1
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Atwood Water Heaters. Anode or not?

We have an Atwood 6 gallon WH in our new RV. It came with only a drain plug and NO anode. I've seen several sites that say anodes are not needed in Atwoods. I'm leery of firing this thing up with a plastic drain plug in it. Just doesn't make sense to me. Our Rockwood had a Dometic WH and anode.

Is it necessary to use an anode? Will it cause issues just having the drain plug in? Ideas and suggestions needed!
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Old 03-28-2015, 09:59 AM   #2
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Had Atwood WH in last unit for 10 years when traded in with no issues not using anode rod (not required for Atwood). I did get a brass drain plug and saved the nylon supplied one for back up.
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Old 03-28-2015, 10:01 AM   #3
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In very simple terms:

Atwoods have an aluminum tank. Aluminum doesn't rust.

You can verify this at the bottom right of this Atwood sales brochure pdf:

http://www.atwoodmobile.com/images/W...tage-Sheet.pdf

Suburbans have a porcelain lined steel tank. The anode rod helps keep the steel tank from rusting.

Page 4 of this pdf:

http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/subsw.pdf
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Old 03-28-2015, 10:05 AM   #4
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Thank you, guys! I LOVE THIS FORUM! ��
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Old 03-28-2015, 10:24 AM   #5
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Thank you, guys! I LOVE THIS FORUM! ��
You are welcome. First and foremost: Make sure you have water in the heater (and the bypass valves aren't still in the winter mode), and fire that puppy up.

Happy camping
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Old 03-28-2015, 12:08 PM   #6
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Also, be sure when de-winterizing that you don't get any RV antifreeze in the hot water tank!!!! You won't like the smell.
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Old 03-28-2015, 12:53 PM   #7
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Biggest problem with plastic plug is rounding off the corners trying to get it out. Make sure your socket is the exact size. Otherwise seems to work fine.
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Old 03-28-2015, 12:58 PM   #8
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I like the idea of having a non steel WH. Aluminum or stainless steel is the way to go. Should last a life time.

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Old 03-28-2015, 01:01 PM   #9
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Biggest problem with plastic plug is rounding off the corners trying to get it out. Make sure your socket is the exact size. Otherwise seems to work fine.
Only use a 6 point socket.
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Old 03-28-2015, 03:33 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Toad Haul View Post
We have an Atwood 6 gallon WH in our new RV. It came with only a drain plug and NO anode. I've seen several sites that say anodes are not needed in Atwoods. I'm leery of firing this thing up with a plastic drain plug in it. Just doesn't make sense to me. Our Rockwood had a Dometic WH and anode.

Is it necessary to use an anode? Will it cause issues just having the drain plug in? Ideas and suggestions needed!
Yo are lucky to have Atwood this unit is lot better then any other in my opinion. it will serve you well mine was 13 years old still worked like new. It never need to replace anode. Doesn't need one.
Enjoy.
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Old 03-28-2015, 04:55 PM   #11
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I got rid of the plastic nut on my water heater and added a brass drain valve. No worries about stripping the nut and so simple to drain. Also did the same with fresh water tank.


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Old 03-28-2015, 07:23 PM   #12
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I see the desirability of having a metal drain valve, but I have read that you can run into problems if you ever need to remove it (after a period of time) due to galvanic corrosion between the two dissimilar metals.
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Old 03-28-2015, 07:31 PM   #13
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I see the desirability of having a metal drain valve, but I have read that you can run into problems if you ever need to remove it (after a period of time) due to galvanic corrosion between the two dissimilar metals.
I have read the same thing, I just use the plug that it came with it has done just fine holding the water and pressure.
Just be sure you have is good and snug.
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Old 03-28-2015, 07:45 PM   #14
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I see the desirability of having a metal drain valve, but I have read that you can run into problems if you ever need to remove it (after a period of time) due to galvanic corrosion between the two dissimilar metals.
I think you will find that a brass plug wrapped with Teflon will not experience any galvanic action in the time it is in the tank. You no doubt remove it to drain the tank when camping season is over.
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Old 03-28-2015, 08:14 PM   #15
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I think you will find that a brass plug wrapped with Teflon will not experience any galvanic action in the time it is in the tank. You no doubt remove it to drain the tank when camping season is over.
Ditto. Brass plug and 10 years with no issues. Did use Teflon tape.
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Old 03-28-2015, 08:48 PM   #16
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I never thought it would be an issue, bought it from RV supplier and have used it in two trailers. But is something to think about and to watch.


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