Hot water tank drain hole is stripped

Yes, use a pipe tap.

To hold the anode, when installing, place a paper towel over the socket and shove it in. If it isn't tight, use more paper. With an extension, you now have a nice long handle to help guide it in.

Go to the local tool rental place and rent a 3/4" pipe tap and chase the threads with the tap. All you are looking to do is just clean things up without cutting new threads. A pipe nipple threaded into the old threads will help but in the event there is cross threading starting the tap will overcome that easier and help restore the original threads. Instead of Teflon tape get a small tube of Felpro Never Seize and apply that to the threads on the new anode and put a little on the tank threads to. The Never Seize will stay in the threads for several removals and installations. If the rental place does not have the tap you need buy a cheap one, then you'll have it to loan to all your friends.

DrewE wrote:

downtheroad wrote:
Are you sure that the treads are stripped?
Suburban tanks and anode rods have tapered threads...thus it might seem like it is failing and won't screw in all the way. That's the way they work..

Wrap a couple of turns of Teflon tape around it and if it doesn't leak you are good to go.

Wouldn't teflon tape act as an electrical insulator and thereby render the anode rod ineffective?

Nope....

Threads of drain hole and threads on anode rod cut thru the Teflon Tape and make metal to metal contact.
Teflon Tape just fills the voids between threads and that is how it provides sealing

downtheroad wrote:
Are you sure that the treads are stripped?
Suburban tanks and anode rods have tapered threads...thus it might seem like it is failing and won't screw in all the way. That's the way they work..

Wrap a couple of turns of Teflon tape around it and if it doesn't leak you are good to go.

Wouldn't teflon tape act as an electrical insulator and thereby render the anode rod ineffective?

Go to a hardware stove and buy a 3/4" NPT pipe nipple.....6" in length.

Hand thread it into drain hole and then using a pair of channel locks tighten/untighten it a little at a time until threads are cleaned up.

Cheap, easy pipe tap and works just as well on old dirty threads.

Moved from Forum Technical Support

Wow, thanks for some good advice guys/gals. I will try some of these suggestions. It takes several attempts just to try and get the anode rod started in the hole.

Big box stores have a plumbing wire brush with very stiff bristles. Check the plumbing dept (plumbing tools).
The brush diameter is about 5/8" dia and about 1" long.
Works great for cleaning out the threads.
Pat

if the threads are fouled with rust, you could try some naval jelly, it's a lot stronger than vinegar so wear gloves and read the instructions.

Are you sure that the treads are stripped?
Suburban tanks and anode rods have tapered threads...thus it might seem like it is failing and won't screw in all the way. That's the way they work..

Wrap a couple of turns of Teflon tape around it and if it doesn't leak you are good to go.