Oct 24th 2026
Which Anode Rod Fits My Suburban Water Heater? (SW6DE, SW6DEL, SW10DE, SW12DEL)
PARTS GUIDE · ANODE RODS
Which Anode Rod Fits My Suburban Water Heater? (SW6DE, SW6DEL, SW10DE, SW12DEL)
Short answer: the same anode fits every Suburban SW tank. Here’s how to pick magnesium or aluminum, when to replace it, and why Atwood/Dometic heaters don’t use one.
The short version
- Suburban’s current parts manual lists one anode for the whole SW line: 233514 magnesium (standard) or 233516 aluminum (optional). Neither lists a different size by tank, so SW6DE, SW6DEL, SW10DE, SW12DE and SW12DEL all take the same one.
- Replace it every year, or when about 75% of it is gone (sooner with high iron or sulfur water).
- It doubles as the drain plug and comes out with a 1-1/16 in. socket.
- Atwood and Dometic heaters have aluminum tanks and don’t use an anode rod. Don’t install one.
Covers these models
Suburban tank water heaters with a porcelain-lined (glass-fused-to-steel) tank. Not for Suburban tankless units.
Why Suburban tanks need an anode
Suburban tanks are steel lined with porcelain (Suburban calls it glass-fused-to-steel). The anode is a sacrificial rod: it corrodes so the tank doesn’t. Suburban says running without an anode voids the tank warranty, and it warns not to put an add-on electric element in the anode port.
Magnesium or aluminum?
| 233514 Magnesium | 233516 Aluminum | |
|---|---|---|
| Suburban listing | Standard | Optional |
| Best for | Most water | Water that gives a rotten-egg smell |
| Why | Most protective | University extension and health departments note magnesium anodes can react with sulfate to make hydrogen sulfide; they suggest aluminum or zinc |
Suburban sells both and doesn’t say which to use for odor. The odor guidance comes from UGA Extension and the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
How to check and replace it
STEP 1
Shut it down and relieve pressure
Turn off the gas and electric, turn off the water pump and open a hot faucet. Let the water cool first.
STEP 2
Remove the anode
Use a 1-1/16 in. socket on the hex at the bottom of the tank. Water will drain out, so stand to the side.
STEP 3
Look at what’s left
If more than about 75% is eaten away, or the steel core wire is showing, replace it. Suburban says to replace it yearly regardless.
Replacing it?
Install the new rod
Wrap the threads with potable-water thread sealant (Teflon tape), thread it in by hand, snug it with the socket, refill the tank and check for leaks.
Store the anode
Suburban says antifreeze is corrosive to the anode. Leave it out and install a 3/4 in. drain plug for the winter. See how to winterize.
Step-by-step photos: How to replace an RV water heater anode rod.
Atwood and Dometic: no anode
Atwood/Dometic tanks are aluminum with a zinc-aluminum cladding inside. Atwood’s service manual says the aluminum tank itself acts as the anode. Dometic’s current manual says not to use anode rods, and warns that putting an anode in place of the drain plug damages the coupling. Those heaters use a plastic drain plug instead.
Atwood/Dometic drain plug
Parts for this repair
Suburban 233514 Magnesium Anode Rod (SW series)View part →
Suburban 233516 Aluminum Anode Rod (SW series)View part →
Dometic/Atwood 91857 Drain Plug, 1/2 in. NPT (2 pack)View part →Shop by category: Suburban parts, Suburban part finder.
FAQ
Do all Suburban water heaters use the same anode rod?
The current Suburban parts manual lists one anode family (233514 magnesium, 233516 aluminum) for SW tank models with no size split by gallon.
How often should I replace a Suburban anode rod?
Suburban says every year, or when about 75% is consumed. Check it every 6–12 months.
What size socket removes a Suburban anode?
A 1-1/16 in. socket.
Does an Atwood water heater have an anode rod?
No. Atwood/Dometic tanks are aluminum and don’t use one. Dometic says not to install one.
Not sure which part fits? Contact us with your model and serial number from the data plate and we’ll confirm it before you order.
From Suburban (Airxcel) service and training, installation and operating manuals and the current Suburban RV parts manual. Odor guidance from UGA Extension and CT DPH.