Product Overview

The single most important factor in water heater tank life is the condition of its sacrificial anode. The anode rod is one of those little, inexpensive RV accessories that will save a huge expense in the prevention of the deterioration of the hot water tank, as it will attract water heater tank corrosion which in turn will protect the tank.

The Problem

The corrosive elements in the water will attack steel hot water tanks. This corrosion will eventually eat the steel tank liner necessitating the replacement of the tank. This can be very costly.

The Solution

The magnesium Camco Anode Rod, for use in an RV water heater will protect it from corrosion. The anode rod attracts the corrosive elements in the water which eats or sacrifices the rod itself rather than the steel liner of the tank.

Only Suburban water heaters feature an anode rod. The anode equalizes aggressive water action, providing cathodic protection for the tank. It is a very important factor in tank life and should only be removed for inspection, draining or replacement.

All Suburban water heaters are protected by a magnesium or aluminum anode to prolong the life of the tank. Under normal use, the anode rod will deteriorate. Because of this,the manufacturer recommends it be replaced annually or when consumption or weight loss of the rod is greater than 75%.

Note: Water with high levels of iron and/or sulfate will increase the rate of deterioration. To extend anode life, drain water from tank whenever the RV is not being used. Avoid any extended time of non-use with water in the tank.

Installation and Operation - (Suburban Only)

Simply replace the MPT drain plug in your RV hot water tank with a Camco Anode Rod. It is removeable using a 1-1/16" socket. You must use teflon tape to wrap the new drain plug containing the anode rod. This is important to prevent contact of dissimilar metals with each other since the threads on the plug may be made of steel and the treads on tank may be made of aluminum.

Once installed the anode rod will attract corrosion that is present in the tank. The anode rod should inspected monthly and be replaced annually. I always carry a spare anode rod with me in my spare RV parts box in the coach.

Purchase Camco Anode Rods at Amazon.com:

Camco Aluminum Anode Rod For Suburban - 3/4" Diameter 9-1/2" Long

Note - Atwood Water Heater Owners: There is a Camco Anode Rod for Atwood Water Heaters available on Amazon.com as well as from several other vendors. This item should not be used in newer Atwood water heaters. After speaking with the Technical Assistance department at Atwood Moblie Products, I was told that: "anode rods should not be used in their newer tanks and their usage will void their (Atwood's) 2 year warranty". The reason for this is because Atwood tank liners have a protective cladding which in itself protects the tank from the accumulation of corrosive materials. The use of an anode rod inside these Atwood water heaters changes the configuration of the tank and will cause additional corrosive materials to accumulate and build up on the bottom of the tank making it difficult to clean and will create more corrosive material inside the tank. Furthermore, if an anode rod is used, it's deterioration inside the tank may well cause this protective cladding to be compromised thus allowing the accumulation of hydrogen sulfide inside the tank producing a rotten egg odor.

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