Camco produces the most widely available aftermarket anode rods for residential and RV storage water heaters. An anode rod (sometimes called a sacrificial rod) is a metal rod suspended in the tank that corrodes preferentially, protecting the steel tank wall from rust. Without an active anode rod, tank corrosion accelerates and the tank will eventually leak from the inside out. Most water heaters ship with a magnesium rod; Camco offers a choice of magnesium, aluminum-zinc, and flexible link-segment designs.
Rod type selection
- Magnesium hex-head ($20-30): Standard choice for soft or moderately hard water. More active than aluminum -- better protection but depletes faster in high-mineral water. Fits most residential 3/4" NPT hex-head ports.
- Aluminum-zinc ($25-40): Best for hard water. Aluminum-zinc depletes more slowly than magnesium and controls sulfur odor in water softener-treated supplies. Recommended for homes with a water softener.
- Flexible link-segment ($35-55): Same metal as standard rods but assembled in linked sections that bend during insertion. Required when the space above the water heater is insufficient to extract a full-length rod straight up.
Inspection and replacement interval
- Inspect every 1-3 years depending on water hardness and heater age
- Replace when the rod core wire is visible along more than half the rod length
- Replace when the rod diameter is less than 1/2" (down from the original 7/8" to 1")
- Replace immediately if the rod has a white calcium coating more than 1/4" thick -- this indicates it has been coating the tank wall instead of sacrificing
Compatibility
Camco rods fit Rheem, AO Smith, Bradford White, State, Reliance, Richmond, Ruud, Suburban, and most other residential and RV brands using a 3/4" NPT hex-head anode port. Verify the thread diameter and port clearance before ordering the flexible vs. standard length.
Cost
- Magnesium hex-head: $20-30
- Aluminum-zinc: $25-40
- Flexible link-segment: $35-55