Anode rod mineral build up on thread

[Montana Diane]

The thread on the water heater for the anode rod has a mineral build up. Any ideas on how to get rid of this. Rid will screw in part way.

 

[GinoandLinda]

I basic, small wire brush should make quick work of it. I prefer a brass brush. They are readily available at Harbor Freight. Flush your tank, apply teflon tape to your new anode rod, install, and you are good to go.

 

[Centex]

Yep to the above.

Also please note that the anode threads are tapered - the anode will not screw-in 'fully home', it only needs to go in far enough / tight enough to effect the seal, and that depth may vary a small bit with each installation.

 

[Centex]

One other 'tip' - when you wrap the anode rod threads with teflon tape, leave a tread or two exposed / not-taped on the inboard-end. If the tape is applied to the very end there's the potential for a shard of the tape to be cut-off by the threads while installing the rod and make its way into hot water faucet valves or the aerator screen on your shower or sink outlets. An easily avoided nuisance.

 

[occer]

When using teflon tape , maximum of three wraps.

 

[HABBERDABBER]

For your mineral buildup on the threads, clean it with vinegar. It's likely calcium carbonate (lime) and vinegar will react and safely dissolve it.

 

[Montana Diane]

Thank you!!! I’m heading out for a brass brush and will try a little vinegar as well. What a great site.

 

[Ron in BC]

Depends on whether it's mineral build up or rust. Mine are often rusty. The disadvantage of a brass brush is that its' bristles are comparatively soft and weak. I use steel bristles.

The internal threads also could probably use a bit of a cleanup. They do make round wire bristle brushes that are perfect for that. Second best is cleaning the anode and running it in and out before using the teflon tape.

Ron

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

mineral build up on the rod threads? new rod, they are cheap.

Amazon.com

reminds me, I should check mine.

 

[Montana Diane]

Thank you. I noticed that there are aluminum and magnesium rods. The magnesium says it’s for Atwood but I can’t find any info on my water heate.

 

[Escapeesinmo]

CLR works great to dissolve the buildup.

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

Aluminum rods don't work. you use them if you have really hard water and magnesium rods get eaten too fast, but they don't really protect the heater liner.

 

[iamunique127]

Aluminum rods don't work. you use them if you have really hard water and magnesium rods get eaten too fast, but they don't really protect the heater liner.

So what is the make up of the recommended rods?

 

[GinoandLinda]

This is what I found on the Googles
Materials:
Magnesium: Effective in soft water conditions, but may not be suitable for hard water.
Aluminum: A good choice for hard water, as it's more durable and lasts longer than magnesium.
Zinc-Aluminum Alloy: Used in areas with sulfurous water to prevent the "rotten egg" smell, containing 10% zinc.