Pesky Anode reinstall!!

[sackettd]

I've done numerous DIY upgrades and repairs to my 2024 E19, including $5000 worth of electronics, but the anode reinstall is driving me crazy, it really torques my beak! I read a bunch of forums and they noted that it can be tricky to reinstall the anode, but I didn't find any magic advice.

I beg you: does anyone have a tip or trick to get that darn anode started back in? I have a long wrench and the correct socket--I just can't get the anode started in the threads. Maybe I need a different kind of socket or wrench, as the long wrench I have doesn't allow much room to turn the socket. As I start turning, the wrench handle quickly bumps into a hot water heater part and the anode falls out of the thread.

Thank You!

 

[HABBERDABBER]

I start the anode with fingers only. You have to hold it & skew it slightly upwards to match the female pipe fitting upward position. It often takes a couple of tries, with slipping out of your finger, but it gets done finally. The anode does not go in straight (parallel with the ground) but at a slight upward angle.

YOU CAN DO IT!

Only use your tools AFTER you have it started and it's finger tight. And of course, use some Teflon tape or pipe dope.

 

[CE Vogel]

Wrap some tape around the hex head of the anode rod, such that it fits tightly into your socket. Then put an extension on your socket, and guide the rod into the threaded hole. As HABBERDABBER said, tilt the rod slightly upwards. Gently turn the socket/extension with your hand until the thread engages, then screw in hand tight. Now you can use your wrench to tighten the rod.

 

[GinoandLinda]

I start the anode with fingers only. You have to hold it & skew it slightly upwards to match the female pipe fitting upward position. It often takes a couple of tries, with slipping out of your finger, but it gets done finally. The anode does not go in straight (parallel with the ground) but at a slight upward angle.

YOU CAN DO IT!

Only use your tools AFTER you have it started and it's finger tight. And of course, use some Teflon tape or pipe dope.

What HABBERDABBER said. Patience and practice. Once you can install the anode rod, you can leave, grasshopper.

 

[Ron in BC]

What everyone else has said. This is a manual dexterity situation. Even when you've done it for years there's still times when it just doesn't co-operate for a few tries.

Ron

 

[Jim Bennett]

Another vote for manually installing it holding the anode tipped enough the threads are lined up square. Once you give it a go you will find it is actually quite easy.

 

[MrLynn]

I think it my father who taught me to start a screw counter-clockwise, until the thread clicks in. Then turn clockwise. But you probably knew that.

 

[BravoDeltaRomeo]

I think it my father who taught me to start a screw counter-clockwise, until the thread clicks in. Then turn clockwise. But you probably knew that.

Came here to add that tip.

Same as locking down the crown on a watch.

I also find it's best to bend down and get eye level with the anode rod. You'll get a better sense of which way you need to angle it. It's all about the angle.

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

yeah, I use a 6 pt socket the right size, on a 3-4" extension so the ratchet is outside the hatch, I start it without the ratchet, just the socket, turning it backwards til I feel the click, then it goes right in.

 

[alanmalk]

A pleasantly warm day and something to sit on do help me. And the tape thread wrap, also.

 

[Shadious]

I recently had to replace my water heater with a new Suburban. The hardest part for me was removing the anode rod that came from the factory. It took a LOT of force on a breaker bar to loosen it up. Once removed, it was a bear to get started again. I ended up using the rod from my old water heater, as it slid in much easier. My point- not all rods are the same, if you have a spare rod, I’d give it a try using all the other tricks mentioned here.

 

[MrLynn]

A pleasantly warm day and something to sit on do help me. And the tape thread wrap, also.

A canoe cushion helps.

 

[iamunique127]

yeah, I use a 6 pt socket the right size, on a 3-4" extension so the ratchet is outside the hatch, I start it without the ratchet, just the socket, turning it backwards til I feel the click, then it goes right in.

Exactly the way I do it, keeping in mind the proper angle.

If the threads are rusty use a small round wire brush to clean them on both on the water heater inlet and the anode.

 

[vermilye]

Toss enough quarters in the socket to almost fill it. That gives you "tipping" control over starting the anode.

 

[GinoandLinda]

A canoe cushion helps.

… and a beer

 

[Mike G]

… and a beer

A shot of bourbon would work more quickly on the nerves. Chase with the beer.

 

[Mike G]

Hopefully the OP is finished winterizing by now, and that pesky anode rod is back in where it belongs. Y'all be careful out there in this weather...

 

[SkipperClyde]

If your putting a new anode in, make sure it is not too long. Also, on my old trailer I couldn't tighten the anode more than one turn. I had to get a pipe tap and chase the threads. While doing this make sure you don't cross thread the tap and use plenty of cutting fluid.

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

not sure I'd want cutting fluid to get into my hot water tank.

 

[Telescopist]

… and a beer

I've tried all manner of sockets, beer, canoe cushions, shots of whisky. This socket wrench solved the problem.