pasusan
Northernmost PA
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Joined: 05/13/2009
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I'm still new to this anode rod business as we've always had an Atwood water heater...
So tell me - is this normal and should it be replaced now?
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/GN8fV1yl.jpg)
We're afraid that it will keep getting thinner at that one spot and then fall off in the water heater. Is that possible?
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wildtoad
Blythewood, SC
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Never had one break. Yours looks quite normal and has plenty of life left in it. Your manual states to drain the tank when not in use (for a while). This will extend the life of the anode rod.
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Roger10378
Goodrich, MI.
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There is not much chance of it breaking off,there is a steel rod running thru the middle. This one is just starting to show some usage.
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way2roll
Wilmington NC
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When your hot water starts to smell like rotten eggs, it's time to change it. I keep spares in my RV. I find they last about a year but it really depends on the water.
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2112
Texas
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As Roger said, there is a wire coat hanger size rod in the center holding it to the cap. I replace mine when the only thing left is the rod.
You have a long way to go to get there
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StirCrazy
Kamloops, BC, Canada
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when I pull mine for winter prep, if they are worn to about 1/2 the diamiter I change them. when I lived on the island that was about every year or two up here we have better city water, so its every 3 to 4 years.
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joelc
Cedar Point, NC
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By you picture. Not yet. It is working. The water attacks your anode rod instead of the hot water tank. I check mine every 6 months as a full timer. In some areas the water is more corrosive than in others, so if you travel check it often. You don't want holes in your tank. Be sure to have a spare one, so you can change it if needed. Be sure to get the right one. There are 2 different metals the rod is made of. I have a Suburban so mine might be different than yours. If you know which one you need....great. If not look it up on the internet using your brand name and model on the internet.
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pasusan
Northernmost PA
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Thanks to everyone for the replies.
We do drain it when not using and we use a magnesium rod. I learned those things here - we used to have an aluminum rod and it never wore out.
So - we won't worry that it will break off in the water heater - very good to know!
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dodge guy
Bartlett IL
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Depending on use you can get 3-4 years out of one. Only once did I ever get a year out of one! That still has at least one probably 2 years left I it. Once you get near the metal rod (1/8” rod) then it’s time to replace it.
You want to be really shocked? Flush it out with a water hose with an attachment that has a stream. I just flushed mine and got a ton of crud out of it!
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Cummins12V98
on the road
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Your anode is perfectly fine!!! Re install it and check once a year. Mine is at least 6 years and and looks basically like yours.
Get a small tube to flush out the tank every time. Don't forget to turn off the power before draining your tank.
Anode deterioration is all about the quality of water. I am mostly west Coast and the water is awesome!!!
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