1 Answer. Show activity on this post. It should work still. Just make sure not to overtighten when replacing if it is a glass lined tank.Jan 25, 2020
Can you use a shorter anode rod?
Yes, you can cut your sacrificial anode rod, whether it is magnesium or aluminum, to replace it. To do this, use a pair of gloves and a saw and cut as you remove the old anode.
May 28, 2019
Does length of anode rod matter?
The length of the anode rod is important in the case of a sacrificial anode. Indeed, as its name suggests, it sacrifices itself to protect your tank from corrosion. As a result, the more magnesium or aluminum there is on the anode, the longer the protection time of your water heater will be.
May 27, 2019
How do I know how long of an anode rod to buy?
As a rule you want the anode to be “tip to toe” running the full height or length of the tank. If you cant see your brand on the chart then just measure the length of the tank and pick the closest length of anode. If the anode is too long they can be simply cut to length with a hack saw.
Do anode rods come in different sizes?
Some anode rods are 33 inches in length, while others are 44 inches in length. You may need to cut it down to fit your water heater if you have a smaller unit (often referred to as a ‘low boy’ or ‘stubby’) that is only 30 or 40 gallons.
Jan 4, 2020
How long is an anode rod in a 50 gallon water heater?
about 4 feet long
An anode rod is a steel wire surrounded by either zinc, aluminum, or magnesium. It is usually about 4 feet long. It is screwed into the top of a water heater and protects the water tank from the formation of rust.
Are all RV anode rods the same size?
RV anode rods are typically a standard size. They’re most commonly 9.25” long and use ¾” threads that require a 1-1/16” socket. However, it’s best to confirm any specifics regarding your water heater with the manufacturer.
Jan 20, 2022
What is better zinc or magnesium anode rod?
Zinc anode rods contain ten parts aluminum to one part zinc, making them extremely similar to aluminum anode rods. Magnesium anode rods will protect your water heater tank better than zinc anode rods, but zinc anode rods work well against rotten egg smell coming from your water heater.
How do I know which anode rod to buy?
Magnesium anode rods are expected to work better in a home with soft water. Aluminum anodes are appropriate for homes with hard water and a high PH. Zinc anodes work best if a home is starting to smell like rotten eggs and is best for replacing water heaters that already dissolved.
Dec 13, 2019
Is a longer anode rod better?
This means that larger water heaters are taller and require a longer anode rod to ensure that there are no areas of the tank that will corrode as a result of being too far away from the anode rod. On the other hand, smaller water heaters tend to be shorter, so the anode rod won’t need to be as long.
How long will water heater last without anode rod?
Diminished Water Heater Lifespan: Without a sacrificial anode rod replacement, the average tank water heater will last a maximum of 8-12 years. However, your water heater may start failing as early as 5 years old without this essential care.
Feb 11, 2021
How tight should anode rod be?
Once you get the anode rod inside, tighten it by hand until you cannot anymore. Then, use the socket wrench to tighten it a bit more, about 1/2 turn, 180 degrees. Do not tighten so hard that the water heater begins to move or twist.
Jun 5, 2018
How long is a Rheem anode rod?
Rheem AP12938 Anode Rod, 0.625-Inch Diameter by 42-Inch long, Aluminum.
Does Rheem use aluminum anode rods?
Rheem water heaters have an anode rod to protect the metal storage tank unless they are plastic or tankless models. Aluminum and magnesium rods are popular, suitable choices for Rheem heaters, but some better fit specific water conditions.
Are powered anode rods worth it?
Overall, there are quite a few advantages to using powered anode rods. They don’t degrade, prevent smelly water (by killing anaerobic bacteria that leads to that rotten egg smell), and protect your hot water heater from corrosive elements in the water. Probably the best powered anode rod today is made by Corro-Protec.
Jul 28, 2018
How often should you replace the anode rod in a water heater?
By replacing your anode rod every 3-5 years, your water heater can last well over 20 years without any risk of leaks and resulting water damage. Unfortunately, if you ignore this important water heater maintenance task, you may need to replace the entire water heater after only 10 years of use.
Sep 17, 2019
Should you use Teflon tape on anode rod?
Teflon tape is safe to use on anode rods to establish a watertight seal, some manufacturers even recommend it. It should not interfere significantly with the electrical contact between rod and tank.
Can anode rod causing rotten egg smell?
The most common cause of smelly water is anaerobic bacteria that exist in some water and react with the magnesium and aluminum sacrificial anodes that come with most water heaters to produce hydrogen sulfide gas, making the classic rotten egg odor.
