Changing the water heater anode

08-09-2012, 07:30 PM

It's time to inspect and probably change the anode rod. Are there any special tools to do this? Even a deep 1-1/16 socket doesn't look long enough to get a wrench on it easily.

rvcycleguy · 08-09-2012, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeLG

It's time to inspect and probably change the anode rod. Are there any special tools to do this? Even a deep 1-1/16 socket doesn't look long enough to get a wrench on it easily.

An RV parts store wil have an Anode Rod wrench. You may be able to find it also at a home improvement store. Ask for it by name.

08-10-2012, 06:19 AM

I just use a socket extension.

clan_salmons · 08-10-2012, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skrusins

I just use a socket extension.

Agreed. I replaced ours the other day and a 6" extension worked fine. No special tools needed.

08-10-2012, 07:39 AM

Check out the thread below. I made a simple tool that works well for cleaning the deposits off the bottom of the WH and keeping it off the side of the TM.
Also suggest you purchase two anode rods will save a trip for the next service . They are inexpensive, probably less than the cost of gas to get to the RV store.

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ead.php?t=8390

**Bailey'sMom** · 07-13-2014, 03:22 PM

Hi all
I am preparing for my first trip this year and I am having great difficulty getting the anode rod screwed back into the water heater tank.

I used Teflon tape to wrap the threads but I just can't seem to get it started. I vaguely remember having trouble last year but I don't recall what I did to get it to work.

I am reusing the anode rod from last year since it didn't have much corrosion. I do have a spare and might try that, but any suggestions would be helpful.

Should the Teflon tape completely cover all threads? Or should I leave the starting ones without tape covering?

How many wraps around (layers) should there be?

One more question....which direction do,you turn to install the rod? Clockwise or counter clockwise? I ask because I always use the phrase "righty tighty lefty loosy" to remember, but I just watched a video on you tube that showed them installing the anode rod by turning it counter clockwise.

Thanks

hillbillyhotel · 07-13-2014, 04:05 PM

sara
I myself, one wrap around the threads should do it, is all I would use,
and I think you are correct on righty tighty, just need the tape on the back half, this can help it start better if it is not all the way up on the end of threads

**commodor47** · 07-13-2014, 04:54 PM

Sara,

The anode rod tends to drop down when placed in the water heater opening, causing a misalignment of the threads. I've had good luck using two hands, one to push down on the bottom of large nut while turning counterclockwise to seat the threads, then turning clockwise to thread the rod in place. The trick is to somehow make sure the threads are seated and the rod is level.

Let us know if you are successful. Like hillbillyhotel, I use one layer of teflon tape on the threads.

Dick

**Bailey'sMom** · 07-13-2014, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hillbillyhotel

sara
I myself, one wrap around the threads should do it, is all I would use,
and I think you are correct on righty tighty, just need the tape on the back half, this can help it start better if it is not all the way up on the end of threads

Thanks randy

I did see one tip on the YouTube video that suggested that due to the weight and length of the anode. Rod that the inserted end can actually be kind of tilted downward so you might need to put some downward pressure on the rod as you try to thread it so that the threads actually line up.

I did that and it started, but I am pretty sure it's on cockeyed because I could only screw it in partway. I just left it that way for now and after I have sanitized and rinsed the water tank, then I will fill the hot water heater and see if it leaks, and then try it again at that point.

**Bailey'sMom** · 07-13-2014, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by commodor47

Sara,

The anode rod tends to drop down when placed in the water heater opening, causing a misalignment of the threads. I've had good luck using two hands, one to push down on the bottom of large nut while turning counterclockwise to seat the threads, then turning clockwise to thread the rod in place. The trick is to somehow make sure the threads are seated and the rod is level.

Let us know if you are successful. Like hillbillyhotel, I use one layer of teflon tape on the threads.

Dick

How do you manage to get two hands in there? I keep scraping one knuckle as I try to get it started.