The anode rod should not touch the bottom of the tank. An anode rod that is too long will most likely touch the bottom of your water heater tank. This is a problem because it will wear down the inner layer of the tank as well as decrease the lifespan of the anode rod.
Can anode touch bottom of water heater?
Powered anode rod must be installed from top of tank. Stabilizing weight is insulated, so if it touches bottom of tank that is OK. Metal anode rods cannot touch steel tank or anode will not work. Power anode rod can be re-installed in new heater, when old heater is replaced.
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.
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 be bent?
Bend the old anode into a curve as you withdraw it. Be careful–corroded anodes are quite brittle. If you cannot bend and remove the anode, you’ll have to drain the tank, disconnect it from its plumbing and electrical or gas connections, and tip it sideways.
Does the anode rod screw all the way in?
The Anode is a pipe fitting and will not (and does not need to) go all the way in. The anode just needs to be tightened just enough to be watertight. Use a wire brush to clean the rust off the threads and using Teflon Tape (or Teflon white pipe dope – its OK), put a couple of wraps of tape over the anodes threads.
How do you tighten an anode rod?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Locate. The anode rod on the water heater if necessary unscrew and lift off the cover of the top of the heater. Use a ratchet wrench.
Which is better aluminum or magnesium anode rod?
However, aluminum rods are the better choice for a water heater that heats up sulfate-tinged water. Sacrificial anodes change sulfates into hydrogen sulfides. When a magnesium anode rod is used, the level of hydrogen sulfide can get too high and cause a rotten-egg stench in your hot water.
How do you test an anode rod?
Pull the rod out of your water heater and remember to use caution because it’s probably very hot. Your anode rod should be around ¾ inch thick. If it’s corroded down to less than ½ inch thick or coated with calcium, it needs to be replaced.
How often should you replace anode rod in hot water heater?
Most water heater manufacturers will recommend inspecting the condition of the sacrificial anode every one (1) to three (3) years and replacing it when it has been consumed more than 50%. This is especially true if you have hard water or use a water softener.
Are all anode rods the same thread size?
All anode rods are made to fit in a ¾” NPT socket. Some replacement rods might only come in one length, but if it’s too long, you can cut some off. You won’t hurt it a bit.
What type of anode rod does Rheem use?
From the Manufacturer
The Rheem SP11526C is a magnesium anode rod.
Do powered anode rods work?
Powered anode rods work well at protecting the water heater tank against corrosion as well as controlling the bacteria inside your water heater tank. Powered anode rods are excellent at removing the sulfur-like “rotten egg” smell coming from your water heater tank.
Does the length of an 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.
How long will water heater last without anode rod?
The longevity of water heaters without anode rods is about: 5-8 years. The actual lifespan depends on water hardness, water heater type and quality, when the anode rod was removed, and how hot the water is. In extreme cases, the water heater may only last 3-5 years without an anode rod.
How long do anode rods last in a water heater?
about three to five years
Anode rods generally can last about three to five years but it really depends mostly on the quality of your water and how much water travels through your water heater.
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.
How do I know if my hot water heater anode is bad?
A bad anode rod can cause discolored water, a rotten egg smell, air in the lines and intermittent hot water. The anode rod protects the tank of electric water heaters & signs it should be replaced are a rotten egg smell, no heat & strange sounds.
