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Old 11-14-2017, 01:02 PM   #1
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HELP installing new anode in water heater

Looking for some help in getting the new anode screwed into the water heater. The front weight pulls the screw mount out of alignment and my husband is having difficulty to get it to thread properly.
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Old 11-14-2017, 01:11 PM   #2
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Be patient. Try to apply some pressure along the bottom of the nut with your thumb in order to "level out" the anode and make the threads mesh up. You'll get it. I also try to push it against the threads squarely as I begin to turn it so the rod doesn't have a chance to dip.
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Old 11-14-2017, 01:11 PM   #3
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If you partially fill the socket with coins, you will be able to control the anode and will be able to apply enough pressure to get it started with fingers. Then connect the socket wrench, with extension, to tighten.
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Old 11-14-2017, 01:13 PM   #4
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Coin trick eh? Mine's a shallow socket so it's unnecessary. I have better luck just starting it by hand.
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Old 11-14-2017, 01:22 PM   #5
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Coin trick eh? Mine's a shallow socket so it's unnecessary. I have better luck just starting it by hand.
I think even with a shallow socket you need a few spacers for that to work so the threads are not inside the socket. I too just start it by hand, but could see if someone lost a lot of finger strength it might be a bit more troublesome.
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Old 11-14-2017, 01:42 PM   #6
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I'm surprise someone in Minnesota is installing a new element so soon as in time of year and so soon as in ownership??
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Old 11-14-2017, 02:09 PM   #7
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I'm surprise someone in Minnesota is installing a new element so soon as in time of year and so soon as in ownership??
Hi: cpaharley2008... Maybe as well as a hard winter they have hard water. Alf
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Old 11-14-2017, 10:54 PM   #8
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where's best place to get a new anode?
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Old 11-14-2017, 10:58 PM   #9
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where's best place to get a new anode?
Any RV place. They are cheap.
But, do you need to replace the anode? You may have a long ways to go.
The bottom one does need to be replaced.
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Old 11-14-2017, 11:03 PM   #10
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Any RV place. They are cheap.
But, do you need to replace the anode? You may have a long ways to go.
The bottom one does need to be replaced.
no, not yet.. it just seemed like certain section was getting thin from holes. i was afraid it'll break off. but from your photo, it seems there's a stick inside the sacrificial material. I've been in extremely hard well water areas, so eating it fast.
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Old 11-14-2017, 11:09 PM   #11
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HELP installing new anode in water heater

Here is a screen shot of a “Donna Dee” post. I think it might help.



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Old 11-15-2017, 08:34 AM   #12
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no, not yet.. it just seemed like certain section was getting thin from holes. i was afraid it'll break off. but from your photo, it seems there's a stick inside the sacrificial material. I've been in extremely hard well water areas, so eating it fast.
Something I recently learned is that there are two anodes available. The magnesium is standard for normal water conditions and is the part number listed in the manual, but there is also an aluminum one available for areas with very hard water.

Magnesium is part # 232767
www.amazon.com/Suburban-232767-Water-Heater-Anode/dp/B003VAYRNM

Aluminum is part # 232768
https://www.amazon.com/Suburban-2327.../dp/B003DGL24G
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Old 11-15-2017, 11:23 AM   #13
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Something I recently learned is that there are two anodes available. The magnesium is standard for normal water conditions and is the part number listed in the manual, but there is also an aluminum one available for areas with very hard water.

Magnesium is part # 232767
www.amazon.com/Suburban-232767-Water-Heater-Anode/dp/B003VAYRNM

Aluminum is part # 232768
https://www.amazon.com/Suburban-2327.../dp/B003DGL24G
I prefer the magnesium rod for a few reasons, even though we have hard water here in my area.

The magnesium rod will disintegrate much faster, but that also means it's "sacrificing" itself better than the aluminum does, which in theory, protects the tank better. Also, when the aluminum rod corrodes, it can do so in a "weird" way, like expanding as it becomes more porous. Sometimes it can expand to the point where it won't come out of the hole. Some experts suggest it doesn't dissolve as effectively, which leaves small pieces in the tank.

The magnesium rod also seems to do a better job with the "sulphur" smell issues that sometimes occur with hot water. Lastly, some have stated concerns about the aluminum residue in the water being some sort of health hazard, although I think the evidence for that is sketchy at best.
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Old 11-15-2017, 12:51 PM   #14
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I'm surprise someone in Minnesota is installing a new element so soon as in time of year and so soon as in ownership??
I always replace the anodes in the fall -- because that is when I drain the hot water heater, and if it needs replacing I will have a fresh one when we head out in January/February. But it has been a while since I replaced the anode because it is only about 50% gone after 3 years.
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Old 11-15-2017, 01:21 PM   #15
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I remove mine in the fall and leave it out until next use or springtime. It should last, like you said at least 3 seasons. This leads me to my original question, why so soon for a 2017 model or maybe I'm assuming the op's unit is 2017 new?
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Old 11-15-2017, 01:43 PM   #16
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I prefer the magnesium rod for a few reasons, even though we have hard water here in my area.

The magnesium rod will disintegrate much faster, but that also means it's "sacrificing" itself better than the aluminum does, which in theory, protects the tank better. Also, when the aluminum rod corrodes, it can do so in a "weird" way, like expanding as it becomes more porous. Sometimes it can expand to the point where it won't come out of the hole. Some experts suggest it doesn't dissolve as effectively, which leaves small pieces in the tank.

The magnesium rod also seems to do a better job with the "sulphur" smell issues that sometimes occur with hot water. Lastly, some have stated concerns about the aluminum residue in the water being some sort of health hazard, although I think the evidence for that is sketchy at best.
Thanks for pointing this out. I have done some research and have confirmed all that you have stated. With all the drawbacks it is surprising that Suburban even makes an aluminum anode.
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Old 11-15-2017, 03:03 PM   #17
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Thanks for pointing this out. I have done some research and have confirmed all that you have stated. With all the drawbacks it is surprising that Suburban even makes an aluminum anode.
They are suitable for certain areas with certain types of water, and they do work. I'm just not convinced they work as well as the magnesium ones, that's all.
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Old 11-15-2017, 03:18 PM   #18
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They are suitable for certain areas with certain types of water, and they do work. I'm just not convinced they work as well as the magnesium ones, that's all.
I don't know. I've read lot a lot of the stuff on "sulfur smell in hot water tank" and there are conflicting beliefs.

"Additionally, people have been told to replace a magnesium anode with an aluminum one. Don't. Aluminum causes just as many rotten eggs as magnesium."

That kind of advice, to me, sounds like there's no particular advantage either way.

I haven't smelled any hydrogen sulfide in my trailer. But I certainly know what it's like because in boats, using a salt water tap at the sink and salt water to flush the toilet, the smell, when the water's been sitting in the lines, can almost make you gag.

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Old 11-16-2017, 01:02 PM   #19
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so i removed my anoide to drain the tank. Do i put it back in now? or keep it out all winter? why not just wrap it with the Teflon tape and reinstall it so its ready to go next spring?
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Old 11-16-2017, 01:03 PM   #20
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some leave it out some put it back in, no right or wrong, I put a cork in the hole until I reinstall.
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