Anode – More specifically Sacrificial Anode Rod. It’s a magnesium metal rod that attracts the nasties that want to corrode your hot water service. You’ve guessed it, it happily lets them eat itself away rather than the important components in the hot water service. You should replace it annually as it will quickly turn from a plain shiny rod to something resembling a hairy toothbrush.
itchingforhitching 
Sounds like you really need to keep your eyes on that anode. Its always the small things that turn out to be the most important isn’t it?
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And the little devil is hidden away.
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We buy our anodes through EBay at a cost of $39 for 5. They cost almost that price each in the caravan shops.
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Now that is a good deal!
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