"Robert Rifkin" wrote in message
...
Hi,
This past weekend I checked the anode rod for a GE electric water heater.
I noticed that it was encased in a varnish-like material that I was able
to scrape off.
I replaced the rod after scraping/filing, to reveal bright metal.
Nevertheless, I wonder about this material, which presumably acts like an
insulator.

Is this covering normal? Should I be periodically scraping this material
off?

No since of scraping it any longer since you just ****ed it up BY SCRAPING
THE COATING OFF!!!

Better buy a new one.....