HELP installing new anode in water heater

[gbaglo]

I've just rewrapped with Teflon tape and reinstalled for past eight years. No complaints from water heater. Left it out this year because I plan to flush when I get a wand.

[Fox hunt]

ok i will reinstall- new trailer no need to flush

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I've just rewrapped with Teflon tape and reinstalled for past eight years. No complaints from water heater. Left it out this year because I plan to flush when I get a wand.

Hi: gbaglo... Will that be a "Magic" wand? Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[gbaglo]

Searching Canadian Tire and they appear to be invisible.

[War Eagle]

FWIW, I flushed our tank with a wand, cleaned the threads with a small wire wheel, then went ahead and wrapped the anode with new teflon tape and reinstalled. Right or wrong, I figured the threads would be less likely to oxidize/rust over the winter with the anode reinstalled.

[Iowa Dave]

I’m sure that will work fine. The Teflon tape will keep it from seizing. The metal to metal with a little moisture will get you in trouble. For lifespan I’ve seen them completely eaten away in four years and mine up in the upper Midwest goes two years and still looks ok and by three years it’s about gone. We have some pretty hard water up here.
Iowa dave

[GregandTeresa]

Originally Posted by War Eagle

FWIW, I flushed our tank with a wand, cleaned the threads with a small wire wheel, then went ahead and wrapped the anode with new teflon tape and reinstalled. Right or wrong, I figured the threads would be less likely to oxidize/rust over the winter with the anode reinstalled.

That is what I did last winter, and had no issues at all. It is also what I've done this year, and expect no problems.

[wetzk]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

I’m sure that will work fine. The Teflon tape will keep it from seizing. The metal to metal with a little moisture will get you in trouble. For lifespan I’ve seen them completely eaten away in four years and mine up in the upper Midwest goes two years and still looks ok and by three years it’s about gone. We have some pretty hard water up here.
Iowa dave

Mine was to the wire for about 1" and had massive pits from use since April of this year. We decided to replace it; they are not that expensive so another magnesium anode was installed.
If FL well water was any harder it would be limestone.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by wetzk

Mine was to the wire for about 1" and had massive pits from use since April of this year. We decided to replace it; they are not that expensive so another magnesium anode was installed.
If FL well water was any harder it would be limestone.

Hi: wetzk...Here on the north shore of Lake Erie, on the Culligan mans 1-10 scale our well water rates 22 grains hard. Also loaded with iron we must filter and soften it or constantly replace fixtures. Soft water presents a whole new set of conditions for your water heater anode rod. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[MyronL]

Winterizing today, so pulled my anode out. Decided it was finally time to replace the installed original. Magnesium, $15.00.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by MyronL

Winterizing today, so pulled my anode out. Decided it was finally time to replace the installed original. Magnesium, $15.00.

She had another good year in her Myron. [emoji1]

[steve dunham]

I leave my anode out over winter. I clean the tank threads and apply a coat of vasoline on the female threads . So far rust has not been an issue

[MyronL]

Yeah, I kinda thought so too, Jim. But what the hey, just feeling the love I guess.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by MyronL

Yeah, I kinda thought so too, Jim. But what the hey, just feeling the love I guess.

I would have to say you still got your monies worth.

[Double D]

I've had my Escape 19 since 2014 (2nd owner) and never knew about changing the hot water heater anode. So today I pulled it out and it is about 95% gone so ordered a new one. In watching several youtube videos I see where people flush their tank with vinegar but did not see any mention of that in this thread. Is the vinegar helpful or necessary? Thanks.

[Pupfish]

I was frustrated with this early on, but found that if i pressed down a bit, all worked out. The anode is not heavy, but has enough weight that, if ignored; will cause trouble in threading it in.

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by Pupfish

I was frustrated with this early on, but found that if i pressed down a bit, all worked out. The anode is not heavy, but has enough weight that, if ignored; will cause trouble in threading it in.

If you look through the earlier parts of this thread, there are some suggestions on making it easier to start the threads on the anode. Basically, you want to shorten the depth of the socket so it puts pressure on the threads.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Double D

I see where people flush their tank with vinegar

Add oil and you have a dressing.

Not sure what this fascination with vinegar is. Leaves it's own aftertaste. Is only a mild sterilizer when diluted.
I just flush my water heater tank with ordinary water, to get rid of mineral debris and replace the anode when necessary ( which is once at eight years with the water we have here ).

[Iowa Dave]

I just use a hose nozzle with a cone shaped spray into the tank.
If there are calcium deposits in the tank they will flush out. A few minutes of this will
be adequate.
Iowa Dave

[padlin]

I've never used vinegar for the hot water tank, I do use a home made one of these a couple times a year when I sanitize the system, removing the rod is how I drain the tank.
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Rinser-.../dp/B002XL2IBS