New Suburban Hot Water Tank Looks Used

[KyDan]

My procedure and timing was the same as 5picker. I've never has an aluminum tank but I suspect they have the same corrosion issue but you just don't see it inside the tank.

No they don't.

 

[JZ2608BS]

You can if you like, it's your money.

Here's the chart referred to and the 75% loss of anode replacement recommendation...

View attachment 1111495

Wow, I would have never guessed they could be that far eroded before needing to be replaced. Thanks.

 

[reidfo]

Wow, I would have never guessed they could be that far eroded before needing to be replaced. Thanks.

That is their purpose. They are sacrificial, so they degrade rather than your tank walls.

 

[Mr. Dan]

Wow, I would have never guessed they could be that far eroded before needing to be replaced. Thanks.

They are consumables like a roll of toilet paper. You can use each down to the center.

 

[Larry-NC]

I think it all depends on your location. As I travel to the south and east the last three winters my ice cubes get clearer.
My summer area is Red by this map and I need to use my water softener.
Map of water hardness in the United States

Edit: By the way, my anode will maybe last about two summers. I just clean, flush and replace about mid summer now.

Hmm. Our trailer is sited in southeast Virginia, the darkest blue on the map. We're on the original 2008 anode rod and it still has 75% remaining, per the picture. We drain and flush once a year, as a part of winterization. Not much stuff comes out. And we have no calcium buildup around the faucets either.

 

[Willhound]

Hmm. Our trailer is sited in southeast Virginia, the darkest blue on the map. We're on the original 2008 anode rod and it still has 75% remaining, per the picture. We drain and flush once a year, as a part of winterization. Not much stuff comes out. And we have no calcium buildup around the faucets either.

You're lucky. From what I understand of that map, darkest blue has the least hard water. We flush our hot water tank 2 to 3 times a year as we are cursed with both hard water and some sediment. Like a dark grey sludge in there after awhile. Our glass shower doors are a constant battle as is our porcelain bowl Dometic 310. I already have the components purchased to put together both a filter and softener system when we get into our park for the season next week.