Do I Need to Replace an Anode Rod in My Atwood GC6A-9E Water Heater, How do I get Rid of this Odor?

Updated 03/07/2025 | Published 03/03/2025

Question:

I have a 2001 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 37K that has an Atwood GC6A-9E water heater, S/N 96230000445 with a 1998 date tag. I want to replace the anode rod and am not sure of the correct replacement unit. Can you please help me with ing the proper part? Thank you very much.

asked by: Fred R

Expert Reply:

Hello Fred,

Great question. Your Atwood GC6A-9E water heater does not require an anode rod because it has an aluminum tank, which naturally resists corrosion. Instead, regular maintenance involves flushing the tank periodically and replacing the ½-inch NPT nylon drain plug. Anode rods are only necessary for water heaters with steel tanks. I attached instructions on how to flush out the water heater.

I am curious on why you were looking to replace it, was it due to an odor?

expert reply by: Kate F

How to flush out your GC6A-9E water heater.
(click to enlarge)

Fred R.

3/6/2025

I have a plumbing background and know that anode rods need replacement periodically. I was not aware that our water heater had a tank that would not require one. Thank you.