Camco 11593 Magnesium Anode Rod for Atwood 10-Gallon RV Water Heaters 9.5 Inch

Stop Corrosion Before It Stops Your Hot Water

Galvanic corrosion occurs when dissimilar metals interact through a conductive liquid. Inside your Atwood water heater, that liquid is your fresh water supply -- loaded with minerals, salts, and dissolved oxygen that attack the steel tank from the inside out. The magnesium anode rod (also called a sacrificial anode) is engineered to corrode first, drawing those corrosive elements away from the tank walls and heating element.

Camco part 11593 (SKU 09-0149) is sized specifically for Atwood 10-gallon water heater tanks. At 9.5 inches long and 0.6 inches in diameter with a standard 1/2-inch thread, it threads directly into the drain plug port -- no adapters required for compatible Atwood units.

Why Anode Rod Maintenance Matters

An anode rod that has been depleted past 50% of its original mass provides dramatically reduced protection. Once the magnesium core is gone, the tank itself becomes the sacrificial element -- leading to rust, sediment buildup, leaks, and ultimately a failed water heater. Atwood water heater tanks are steel-lined, making anode rod maintenance especially important compared to glass-lined alternatives.

Camco recommends inspecting your anode rod at least monthly and replacing it when less than half of the rod remains. In areas with particularly hard or aggressive water, the rod may deplete faster -- plan for more frequent checks if you notice rusty water, a sulfur odor, or sediment in your hot water supply.

Installation Tips

• Turn off the water heater and allow the water to cool before draining and removing the rod.
• Shut off the water supply and open a hot water faucet to relieve pressure before loosening the anode rod.
• Use a 1-1/16" socket (or 1-1/16" hex) with a torque wrench to remove and reinstall. Do not overtighten.
• Apply a small amount of Teflon tape to the threads before installing the new rod to prevent seizing.
• Inspect the drain plug opening for mineral scale buildup -- heavy deposits can make future removal difficult.
• After reinstallation, restore water supply and check for leaks before relighting the water heater.

What Is NOT Included

• No drain pan or catch basin included -- use a bucket or drain hose when flushing the tank.
• No Teflon tape or pipe sealant included -- available separately.
• Does not fit Suburban water heaters (different thread and port configuration).

Physical Specifications

Compatibility

Warranty and Service

In the Box