My dumb question for the day. Anode rod location

[Hawgman-THOR]

Still working through maintenance on a (new to me) 2017 Thor Windsport 34F.
Hot water smells for the first few seconds every time you open a faucet. I assume the anode rod is trashed. And even if that is not the cause, it is something I want to do since the previous owners and the place that sold it to me apparently did zero maintenance.

My question is, where in the heck is the anode rod on this puppy? It is not on the outside of the unit. Only thing there is a 1/2" drain plug. I have access to the back side of the water heater from inside the coach. Looked around in there, did not see one on that side either. Obviously it is possible I over looked it. But anyone that can tell me where to look, I would appreciate it.

 

[Skip500]

Not sure what water heater you have but it probably does not have an anode rod. Relieve the pressure from the water heater when it is cold and remove drain plug. Flush throughly and then replace plug. Smell should go away.

 

[16ACE27]

I assume the anode rod is trashed.

Check your water heater owners manual. If it is an Atwood there is no anode rod.

 

[Hawgman-THOR]

Check your water heater owners manual. If it is an Atwood there is no anode rod.

Yeah, one of those documents that was NOT in the package, LOL.

And you guys are right. No anode. I finally found a document for it online.
Thanks everyone

 

[ghnl]

As mentioned, many RV Water Heaters no longer use an anode rod. I believe the tanks are glass lined.

Our Atwood does not have an anode rod, just the drain plug. When I had it out for service I was somewhat dismayed at the amount of crud (sorry for the technical term) I flushed out of it. I had drained & flushed it in situ but then when I had it out of the RV and tilted up on some saw horses, lots of crud came out.

I now use a water heater flushing tool yearly to ensure no crud is left inside when I drain it for winter storage.

Camco Water Heater Tank Rinser

Shop the Water Heater Tank Rinser for efficient cleaning and maintenance of your water heater. Ensure optimal performance and longevity. Buy now.

www.campingworld.com

 

[16ACE27]

Yeah, one of those documents that was NOT in the package, LOL.

And you guys are right. No anode. I finally found a document for it online.
Thanks everyone

Get your VIN and go to the Thor Owners Resource Website where you can create an account and have access to videos, Quick Start Guides, and documentation specifically for your RV and all its components.

 

[Hawgman-THOR]

Get your VIN and go to the Thor Owners Resource Website where you can create an account and have access to videos, Quick Start Guides, and documentation specifically for your RV and all its components.

I actually did that before posting. There was very limited information on the water heater.
I finally found the information in an Atwood mobile service training manual.

 

[ducksface]

Loading…

www.amazon.com

A rod can be added in place of your drain plug if anyone feels an anode is needed.

 

[Hawgman-THOR]

As mentioned, many RV Water Heaters no longer use an anode rod. I believe the tanks are glass lined.

According to my model and serial number, Atwood says my tank has an aluminum & zinc clad lining

 

[Hawgman-THOR]

Loading…

www.amazon.com

A rod can be added in place of your drain plug if anyone feels an anode is needed.

Except all of those are 3/4" NTP, and the drain plug is 1/2"NTP

 

[ducksface]

Except all of those are 3/4" NTP, and the drain plug is 1/2"NTP

https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Water-Heater-Anode-Rod/dp/B0BFBQD6JV?th=1

https://www.amazon.com/SDTC-Tech-Fitting-Reducer-Adapter/dp/B08L3XBPQ8?th=1

Please put forth even a slight amount of effort when seeds of knowledge are planted on your behalf.
I supplied an idea, not a specific.

 

[Hawgman-THOR]

Please put forth even a slight amount of effort when seeds of knowledge are planted on your behalf.
I supplied an idea, not a specific.

And I truly appreciate you taking the time and effort to bestow your knowledge, wisdom, and expertise upon a simple minion such as myself. Given that I mentioned earlier that Atwood says my tank has an aluminum & zinc clad lining and an anode rod is not needed, I feel adding one would probably not serve a purpose.

But again, I appreciate you sending me the link

 

[PS89]

Atwood water heaters do not need nor will benefit from an anode rod.

 

[ducksface]

... Atwood says my tank has an aluminum & zinc clad lining and an anode rod is not needed...

Yet npt size was your concern.

1,000 people may read this thread.
I do not care if an anode is needed or not.
Someone will want one(as the op did)and they now have a path to an anode no matter their brand of heater or plug size or necessity.

Google Search

www.google.com

Google Search

 

[Gus52]

Hot water smells for the first few seconds every time you open a faucet.

Perhaps your new to the rig needs sanitizing. This would be a way to get all your plumbing freshened up. You would add something like a 1/4 cup of household chlorine for every 16 gallons of water.
How To Sanitize an RV Fresh Water Tank