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Old 11-20-2015, 02:28 PM   #21
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I see that you have several threads of teflon tape showing(probably most of what was wrapped on?). When first removing the anode, the nut head was flush against the tank. Due to deposits on the tank's threads it doesn't want to go back in all the way. The gunk on the threads is pretty tough; anyone have success using anything to safely remove? Does it matter the rod doesn't snug down as originally as long as it doesn't leak?

In one search it shows someone putting six gallons of vinegar in the tank and letting it sit overnight. Something tells me that is probably overkill, yet that is not unlike the instructions for my annual maintenance for an on-demand water heater I have in a room over my garage.
Hi: Rossue... I use a wooden handle wire brush. A few strokes with the threads and deposits are gone. Alf
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Old 11-20-2015, 02:34 PM   #22
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Hey Alf- yeah, couldn't find mine and tried a never-used battery terminal brush. Didn't seem to have much effect so will go down to Ace & get the wood handled brass wire brush. Thanks.

Suburban recommends leaving the anode rod out during storage.
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Old 11-20-2015, 03:57 PM   #23
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I don't think my anode ever went in further than this.
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Anode and teflon.jpg  
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Old 11-20-2015, 04:11 PM   #24
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I don't think my anode ever went in further than this.
Just a thought besides the Teflon tape what about using a little white lithium grease on threads ? Pat
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Old 11-20-2015, 04:34 PM   #25
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Found the wood handled brass wire brush and it worked very well with some vinegar. Snugged it up and isn't leaking so will check that anode again in about six months to see how it's doing.
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Old 11-20-2015, 04:37 PM   #26
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Found the wood handled brass wire brush and it worked very well with some vinegar. Snugged it up and isn't leaking so will check that anode again in about six months to see how it's doing.
Hi: Rossue... Better not be leaking... You'd get a visit from the water "Police"!!! Alf
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Old 11-20-2015, 08:17 PM   #27
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I don't think my anode ever went in further than this.
Ours does not either and it is new.
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Old 11-20-2015, 09:17 PM   #28
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You might have 25% wear, so it is good for another couple years anyway, but still good to check annually regardless of winterizing. Sure it is only $15, but if you changed it every year, instead of every 4 years, these kind of costs add up. This one will work just as good as a new one.
WHAT? A $15 anode replacement (in your maintenance kit ) if it fails... your're willing to be without hot water? NOT me, YMMV
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Old 11-20-2015, 09:29 PM   #29
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If your anode "fails" you still have hot water. It is only there to be eaten away, instead of the tank being eaten away. You won't notice.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A galvanic anode is the main component of a galvanic cathodic protection (CP) system used to protect buried or submerged metal structures from corrosion.
They are made from a metal alloy with a more "active" voltage (more negative reduction potential / more positive electrochemical potential) than the metal of the structure. The difference in potential between the two metals means that the galvanic anode corrodes, so that the anode material is consumed in preference to the structure.
The loss (or sacrifice) of the anode material gives rise to the alternative name of sacrificial anode.
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Old 11-20-2015, 11:08 PM   #30
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WHAT? A $15 anode replacement (in your maintenance kit ) if it fails... your're willing to be without hot water? NOT me, YMMV
It really can't fail, it can only wear out, and my annual winterizing gives me the chance to see how much wear it has. In my 19, I changed it after 5 years, though pretty sure I could have got at least another year.

Frankly, I would be shocked to see more than a few that carry one, plus the socket required to change it out. Who actually checks it while on the road, that is the only way to tell if it is worn out at all. As baglo pointed out, the water heater will work fine without it, and will suffer very little for short term use without one plus you would not be without hot water.

Who here ever checked the ones in their water tanks at home? That, and not flushing annually cause most of the fails of a storage tank type water heater.

Besides, isn't something like this the reason to carry a zero balance credit card?
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Old 11-21-2015, 12:35 AM   #31
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Who here ever checked the ones in their water tanks at home? That, and not flushing annually cause most of the fails of a storage tank type water heater.

Actually I've heard that for years and never changed an anode in the home hot water tank. But I was curious to see what the anode in the last tank that failed looked like. It took so much force to get it out that it seemed like it could cause other problems removing it. Maybe heat would have helped, who knows. So, I'll continue to go for the 9 year warranty ones and hope for the best.

Rant: can't believe they have the nerve to sell tanks, an important item that can cause major damage when it fails, with only a 6 year warranty

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Old 11-21-2015, 12:41 AM   #32
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Actually I've heard that for years and never changed an anode in the home hot water tank. But I was curious to see what the anode in the last tank that failed looked like. It took so much force to get it out that it seemed like it could cause other problems removing it. Maybe heat would have helped, who knows. So, I'll continue to go for the 9 year warranty ones and hope for the best.

Rant: can't believe they have the nerve to sell tanks, an important item that can cause major damage when it fails, with only a 6 year warranty

Ron
Never changed anode or flushed . Our water heater is still going .We have very hard water and it is almost 22 years old now . It just won't die . Pat
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Old 11-21-2015, 01:07 AM   #33
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Dissected my old house water heater after 20 yrs in service. No anode element left.
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Old 11-21-2015, 01:14 AM   #34
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Dissected my old house water heater after 20 yrs in service. No anode element left.
We have a brand new water heater sitting in garage waiting for the current one to die . Pat
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Old 11-21-2015, 05:37 AM   #35
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I've always been afraid to flush the HW tank, I just know the valve will need replacing or repair if I were to do so. I was told my 20 year old tank was fiberglass, would it still have an anode?
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Old 11-21-2015, 06:39 AM   #36
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Besides, isn't something like this the reason to carry a zero balance credit card?
Touche!
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Old 11-21-2015, 10:34 AM   #37
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I've always been afraid to flush the HW tank, I just know the valve will need replacing or repair if I were to do so. I was told my 20 year old tank was fiberglass, would it still have an anode?
My thought's exactually. Just leave well enough alone . It's working . Pat
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Old 11-21-2015, 02:28 PM   #38
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I've always been afraid to flush the HW tank, I just know the valve will need replacing or repair if I were to do so. I was told my 20 year old tank was fiberglass, would it still have an anode?
Most of the fiberglass ones have an inner tank made of polybutene and a wound fiberglass outer shell. They don't need an anode, but there are a few that do have them - mainly as a means of odor control. And - they LAST. My Dad has one that's over 20 years old and still working perfectly.
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