Anode Rod & Cleaning The HW Tank

Traveler

Today I cleaned our hot water tank and replaced the anode rod. Look at the new rod compared to the old one, and see all the crude the yellow wand got out of the tank. We’re on the road six months a year and I do this maintenance after each trip. I’m always amazed how much junk comes out of the tank and how well the anode rod works.

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Posted: 1:19 PM – Jun 11, 2015

rwb_wl

Jim:

I use a flushing tool like you have and flush our hot water tank annually, usually in April after we leave southern California and Arizona. There are two types of anodes, magnesium and aluminum; not sure what type others use for the Suburban tanks.

Rick

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Posted: 1:23 PM – Jun 11, 2015

nhcowan

Jim: Thanks for the reminder that I need to clean ours. My problem is that we are living in the RV so I will have to be without hot water for a while. Not a great problem, just part of the process. Always try to remember at least once a year.
Ray

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Posted: 2:49 PM – Jun 11, 2015

Traveler

rwb_wl wrote:Jim:

I use a flushing tool like you have and flush our hot water tank annually, usually in April after we leave southern California and Arizona. There are two types of anodes, magnesium and aluminum; not sure what type others use for the Suburban tanks.

Rick

Hi Rick–here’s a You Tube on the type of anodes to use with our Suburban hot water heater. Changing the rod every six months I’ve not had the problem of removing the old one like they show on the video. Looks like it’s best to use the magnesium type.

Jim

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Posted: 4:51 PM – Jun 13, 2015

JohnD222

I recall that if you have a water softener, or very soft water without one, use an aluminum anod rod. The magnesium ones will disappear too fast??

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Posted: 7:22 PM – Jun 14, 2015

rwb_wl

Thanks Jim and John:

We use the magnesium Suburban anode and we have a water softener. We mostly use the water softener in winter months while in AZ and CA.

Maybe next year I will try aluminum, but don’t want my hot water tank sacrificed rather than the anode.

B.W.Gentry
Owner/Admin
2007 Carri-Lite XTRM5
Breckenridge, TX

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