Our service and parts departments field many questions regarding Water Heater Anode Rods.  In order to lessen the confusion caused by this important part let’s go through was its use is.  

An Anode Rod is what’s known as a sacrificial element.  The rod will corrode away as a byproduct of electrolysis.  The rod corrodes instead of the water heater tank.  That’s why it’s so important to check this part every couple of months.  When you can see the core of the rod it’s time to replace it.

Suburban water heaters have a steel tank and use the large size rod (9.5 Inch).  Atwood water heaters have an aluminum tank and usually don’t need one, but one can be used for extra protection, this is where the smaller one would be required (4.5 Inch).

When replacing the rod it’s important to flush out the tank at the same time.  Using a fill wand attached your garden hose be sure to flush out any loose settlement out of your tank before replacing the Rod. 

If you have questions or are uncomfortable servicing your Anode Rod we encourage you to contact our service department at (701) 277-1165.