"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?

thanks in advance.

bob



http://www.waterheaterrescue.com/pag...er-anodes.html

here's everything that you will want to know about your anode rod
I'd suggest that the crap you scraped off is a result of the anode rod doing
its job.
considering a new rod cost 20~30 bucks, I'd replace it.

Dave

btw, for what its worth, I replaced the anode rod on my hot water heater to
kill the rotten egg stink, and flushed with hydrogen peroxide and it worked
fantastic!