[fulltiming]

My coach uses a 120 volt, 20 gallon Raritan marine water heater with engine heat exchanger. Three years ago, shortly after I purchased the Newell, I had to replace the water heater due to a leaking tank. Although there are a number of potential causes, if is likely that the tank began leaking due to electrolysis. To minimize the potential of a recurrence of this problem, I replaced the anode rod this weekend.

Here is a photo of a new anode rod and the anode rod I removed. While the anode rod I removed was still usable, it is obvious that it had been doing its job of becoming the sacrificial. I have not spent too much time in areas with extremely hard water or the anode rod would have exhibited significantly more deterioration. After the anode rod is depleted, further electrolysis will occur taking away metal from the tank itself resulting in thin spots and future leaks. Part of the deterioration of the anode rod is hidden by the calcium deposits. While I could have probably gotten another year or two out of my existing anode rod, the expense and hassle of replacing a water heater is not worth the risk.

Although Raritan uses a substantial anode rod in their water heaters compared to those in most propane water heaters if will eventually because useless. If you haven't replaced the anode rod in your water heater lately, this might be a good time to consider it.