anode rod

biggjb wrote:
I am just curious. The thread for the anode rod in my hot water tank appear to have a build up of something white. The material is very tough and I am not sure how to remove it. It is only on part of threads and does not interfere with the installation of the anode rode. Just curious if anyone else has the problem and if anyone has any suggestion to remove it.

You can run a pipe tap in to cut out the white stuff. If you aren't skilled with a tap, it is easy to cross-thread the hole and do real damage. I've cleaned mine that way. After tapping, flush the hole again.

I am just curious. The thread for the anode rod in my hot water tank appear to have a build up of something white. The material is very tough and I am not sure how to remove it. It is only on part of threads and does not interfere with the installation of the anode rode. Just curious if anyone else has the problem and if anyone has any suggestion to remove it.

I remove the drain plug after each camping trip and there is always some deposits that come out. The anode rod last longer that way and you always start the next trip with fresh water in the tank. I wire brush the anode rod threads and the tank threads and put new Teflon tape on the rod threads before installing before the next trip.

Dick

thanks everyone. I hooked the hose to the city water supply and flushed it several times. Lots of junk came out. I only use it for shower & dishes. So I called it good. Hadn't had any issues so installed the new one and closed the door.

I just use Teflon tape myself. Keeps things sealed, but still able to be cranked open when it comes time to replace the anode rod come fall winterization.

Other people prefer pipe dope, but the key is that the stuff is made for potable water systems. Anti-seize compound almost definitely isn't something you want in your water.

On an old tank I'll stuff in a half gallon of grain white vinegar, seal it up, set the thermostat to H, let the solution remain hot for three days, flush it out, jam in a full pound of baking soda mixed with a gallon a water, refill the tank, let it sit overnight then drain and flush. I cannot believe the amount of scale that this removes off the tank. A bit of work, but as an example the last time I did this going from 30C ambient to 60c ambient cut 23% off the heating time.

2 1/2 wraps of Teflon tape for mine!

64thunderbolt wrote:
gonna use antiseize instead of tape. I never liked that stuff. After chasing the threads.

Are you sure that you want aluminum paste as well as petrolium distillates in your water ?? Not I

Camping World sells a wand (something like a Tank Saver) that fits on the end of your garden hose. Or do a Google search for Tank Saver. Some RVers have made them.

gonna use antiseize instead of tape. I never liked that stuff. After chasing the threads.