anode rod threads

Yes, you could chase the threads with a tap. You might try to clean the threads with an acid based cleaner like CLR, humidifier cleaner, or water softener cleaner. All of these will dissolve water-borne mineral deposits.

I've used a steel wire brush with a small head.

The threads are tapered in, they are pipe threads. It is expected to get tight as you install it. If the threads are clean and sharp, there is no need to chase them. Just snug up the anode, pressure test for leaks, if no leaks let it be, if it leaks, tighten until the leak stops.

I use a round wire brush to clean mine every year when I check the anode and drain the tank for winter. I think the brush was designed for use when soldering copper pipe.

3/4 pipe tap to chase the threads

There are two devices that are nearly identical.

One is called a "Thread chaser"

The other is a Tap

The Tap is designed to cut new threads in smooth metal it is thus somewhat more expensive.

What size: 1/2 inch Iron Pipe Thread.

There are wire brushes made just for cleaning out the threads, you should beable to get one at any hardware store. As said before the threads are tappered so do not plan on the threads going all the way in, use tefflon tape also

My threads are about as rusty as you can imagine. But when I put the rod in (with a bit of teflon tape), I snug it up finger tight and then give a little snug "umph" with a socket. Never leaks. The rod will never go all the way in. As said above, the hole is tapered.

Also, if you do wire-brush it down, it will just rust up again. And then you've got rust particles inside your water heater. You'll want to follow up by flushing out tank so those rust particles will not come on through your system. Granted, they will probably get trapped at your faucet filters.

Edit: I'd NEVER use any kind of chemicals to clean the rust off. You run the risk of deteriorating the metal threads, and getting chemicals inside your tank.

Thanks all, for the replies!

With the new rod, I am only getting it to turn in a couple of threads, before it is tight. It leaks a little, even with the teflon tape. I don't want to over tighten it, with only a few threads catching.

I used a dental pick, that helped some, but I think I'll try the round wire brush idea.

The only pipe thread chaser I could locate was just over $70. I don't feel like getting robbed!! Lol

Thanks again,
Jerry

MFL wrote:
Thanks all, for the replies!

With the new rod, I am only getting it to turn in a couple of threads, before it is tight. It leaks a little, even with the teflon tape. I don't want to over tighten it, with only a few threads catching.

I used a dental pick, that helped some, but I think I'll try the round wire brush idea.

The only pipe thread chaser I could locate was just over $70. I don't feel like getting robbed!! Lol

Thanks again,
Jerry

Go to a hardware store and get a 3/4" pipe nipple
Thread the nipple in/out a little more each time to chase the threads.