🧲 Camco 11533 4.5” Anode Rod: Drain & Protect Atwood Aluminum Water Heater Review

Before installing it I tried opening the faucet or "drain valve" and it turned into none direction moved. I even used some WD40 and two pliers. I know how to open this type of valve so it's not a problem. I called Camco and they didn't help. so much for the 1 year warranty, it was bad out of the box.

This is what I really wanted, but I read some bad reviews and tried the other two first. I sent both back. Then finally went ahead and ordered this one. That works great. I can drain the tank without removing the rod when storing in freezing temperatures. The drain valve works perfectly. The threading was correct, it screwed in properly unlike others I've tried. I will definitely reorder when it wears out.

This is the second one I've installed. The first was on an RV I had for ten years and it served its purpose of protecting the water heater throughout that time. When I bought a new motorhome this year, it was of course one of my first purchases. Its additional advantages are ease of installation and the ability to simply drain water from the water heater if necessary. It's packed with wins and is a must for any RV owner.

It was easy to install except it leaked and had to be removed several times to try and reseal the fittings. The brass fitting was not factory welded to the main fitting, there were traces of Teflon tape but it did not work, there were shavings on the brass threads. After everything was disassembled, cleaned and glued. You have to tighten the two fittings so much that you start damaging the brass nut. It was eventually sealed but it wasn't worth the headache, look for another brand.

I've found out the hard way that just opening the drains of the bottom isn't enough. The water heater has a drain plug. The water heater replacement cost about $1,200. I figured I could save some work and do it myself. Luckily, my injuries were repaired. The drain plug is located behind the water heater gas line, making it difficult to remove. I know I was about to replace it with a tail plug when I saw this. Higher quality RVs come with a factory anode bar. not mine. So this article does both.

Don't get me wrong, the anode portion of this device is essential and effective. The one I replaced was heavily encrusted with corrosion that was otherwise destined for my RV's water heater. The faucet part is the problem. I bought a double pack and the t-shirt fell off on the first one. The second stayed connected but cannot be opened to drain the water heater. I see several other customers had the same issue. My question to Camco is why don't you redesign this device to work as advertised.

It's so necessary, don't overlook this small but important detail. Very good product which is why many RV water heaters only have a nylon or plastic plug. With a faucet, draining water from the water heater is much easier. The water heater on my bus is two meters off the floor, the valve allows you to connect a hose to it instead of letting the water run down the sides of the bus without exposing the gelcoat to hard water stains and debris. The anode rod also significantly reduces electrolysis…

This anode bar comes complete with plugs and drain cock installed. I removed the water heater outlet flange to give some clearance for removal as it is only held in place by 3 small sheet metal screws. I used a 7/8" open-end wrench to remove the old anode and valve, flush out the seasonal service tank with a garden hose and an RV flushing tool also sold by Camco. I used a few turns of teflon tape or you can use a paste to seal the stem bushing. Be careful not to over tighten. Reinstalled the…