Annode rod question...

[Gone-Camping]

I've seen several people post about removing the annode rod from the HWH when winterizing, and curious why this is done. I'm going to assume it's partially done so one can inspect the piece, but I was told at a winterizing seminar to leave it out so the tank can dry? This doesn't seem like sound advice, as the opening could perhaps allow insects or mice to get inside of there? I'm about finished winterizing, but would like more info on the annode rod so I can make an educated decision on what to do with it.
 
I've asked this on other boards, but always get the best answers here!!  Fact is, I've only got one answer anywhere, and that was on the Yahoo boards where I have no idea who is telling me what, or if I should even trust what they are telling me.

[Tim5055]

Cliff,

To be honest I have seen the same recomendations, leave it out so the tanks can dry.  As a matter of fact, I read to leave the inlet and outlet pipes open when you bypass for the same reason.

I am very uncomfortable with this.  I went out and purchased pipe caps for all three openings.  When I remove the anode and bypass the plumbing I cap all three of the openings (after flusing the HWH out with water to try to get the gunk out of the bottom.

I look at it from the point of view that my home HWH never dries out.

Again, this is my opinion.

HTH

[tlhdoc]

I am guessing that the reason they say to leave it out is to stop mold or mildew from growing.  I put the anode rod back in place, but loosely and leave the hot and cold water connections open.  If a spider or bug would go in the tank they would get washed out in the spring and then bleached when I sanitize the water heater.  

[Tim5055]

Tracy,

I understand what you are saying, but I have seen mice go through spaces smaller than the pipe openings.  I'd rather have a little mold or mildew that teh sanatizing will kill anyway. :rolleyes:

[tlhdoc]

OK Tim,

Now you have me creeped out.  Maybe I should remove the anode rod so the mice can get out.

[Tim5055]

OK Tim,

Now you have me creeped out.  Maybe I should remove the anode rod so the mice can get out.

I'm sure you have dealt with things worse than a mouse locked up :rolleyes:

[tlhdoc]

I'm sure you have dealt with things worse than a mouse locked up :rolleyes:

   Tim I can deal with the other, it's just mice and rats with 4 legs that I have a hard time with. :p

[Gone-Camping]

Hmmm, friend of mine says he's going to pump in a small amount of pink stuff into his HWH before he hit's the bypass valves. He seems to think that no matter how much you drain them, you never get all the water out! And his Class-A MH doesn't seem to have an annode rod, at least he says it doesn't and when I looked at it today, I didn't see one there either. Hmmmm....

I've got everything done except two things, the annode rod, and I forgot to poke open the city water fill's check valve to make sure pink stuff comes out there too.... will have to remember to do that next Saturday (or maybe even Thursday)...

[AustinBoston]

Hmmm, friend of mine says he's going to pump in a small amount of pink stuff into his HWH before he hit's the bypass valves. He seems to think that no matter how much you drain them, you never get all the water out! And his Class-A MH doesn't seem to have an annode rod, at least he says it doesn't and when I looked at it today, I didn't see one there either. Hmmmm....

Not all have an anode rod.  Some are glass lined (or some other nearly totally inert material) and don't need an anode rod.  This is similar to your HWH at home.  It's just the metalic linings (i.e. copper) that need the anode rod.

Austin

[wynot]

Hmmm, friend of mine says he's going to pump in a small amount of pink stuff into his HWH before he hit's the bypass valves. He seems to think that no matter how much you drain them, you never get all the water out! And his Class-A MH doesn't seem to have an annode rod, at least he says it doesn't and when I looked at it today, I didn't see one there either. Hmmmm....
 

Ya know, the problem with freezing is the expansion.  If I have a cup or two of water in a 6 gal hot water heater, if it freezes, it ain't gonna hurt anything.

[Campaholics]

The reason you leave the HWH open is to allow it to dry out.  That kills the slime.  The slime grows in a low nutirent enviroment, such as drinking water.   You can kill the slime, but it is well attached to the tank walls, any you get to wash dishes in it all next summer.  

I don't think rodents will find the water tank very attractive.  They can make much better nests in the upolstry and bedding.  Other posts have talked about crawling under the PU and caulking all the holes where the water and propane lines go through the floor.  I think I got all of mine pluged.  We'll see in the spring.  Still four looooong months away.

Bob J

[Gone-Camping]

Well, I appreciate all the replies. Since I don't have an anode rod in my water (I've learned that since asking this question) the only thing I did was drain it via the low point hoses. I did do the by-pass and everything was completed weeks ago. I didn't leave the HWH plugs out, which may or may not be a problem. As long as I sanitize/flush the system out with chlorine solution really well, that shouldn't be a probelm. Guess we'll see!