Don’t forget to check your anode rod regularly. Hard water can do this in less than a year. I was out changing mine today and thought this would be a useful tool for the newbies out there.

LivingDeadCade:

I’m sorry, can you please explain what this is and does? I’m…not sure

chejrw:

You’ve got at least a few months left on that rod. As long as there’s some magnesium left, it’s doing it’s job.

wardsac:

Ashamed to say mine was worse. Let it go 2 years, was basically down to the inner skinny metal rod.

decaturbob:

many RV HW heaters do not need an anode rod so you need to check the specifics of the heater

hypnofedX:

I don’t know what an anode rod is and at this point, I’m afraid to ask.

Infuryous:

Great reminder… and here is another:

Your house water heater has one too! It should be checked annualy and replaced as needed. Probably one of the most neglected house maintenance items no one knows about, which is why so many water heaters rust out and leak.

wintercast:

When I changed mine at a campground, I had a bunch of people looking on. Most did not know what it was. Many thanked me for showing them.

Thanks for your post.

I take mine out when I winterize. Luckily I get a few years of used.

Source: Don’t forget to check your anode rod regularly. Hard water can do this in less than a year. I was out changing mine today and thought this would be a useful tool for the newbies out there.