My water heater has only been used for one season. The anode rod was pretty bad so I ordered the replacement. I noticed the threads in the tank were nasty looking. And when I put the new rod in , it didn't want to go that far. I hope I didn't damage the threads. I can't test it for leaks for another month because it's winterized right now and the suspense is killing me. So in the meantime I've seen 2 separate articles saying I should buy a 3/4inch npt thread chaser ( different from a thread tap ) . This will clean the threads out ( as long as I didn't damage them ) . The thing is I'm pretty sure this size chaser Dosent exist. I searched amazon, checked Home Depot and even a plumbing supply store. Can anyone give me any advice on this . It would be greatly appreciated. The reason I may have damaged threads is because the weight of the anode rod made it really awkward pitting the plug in correctly. I'm hopeing threads weren't damaged and it got tight from the build up on the threads not from crossing.

Yes, those anode rods can be tough to line up. It does help to clean up the threads. I use a wire brush in my drill to clean threads, before reinstalling anode. Using pipe thread sealing tape helps to seal, and keep the threads cleaner, easier to remove the next time. The anode does not turn in very far, and does not need to be super tight.Jerry

I'd just go with a tap. Just be aware that pipe threads are tapered so you have to stop when the tap reaches the end of the threads or you will start damaging the outer threads.But I wouldn't do anything until you can test to see if it works as is. NPT is designed to seal well.

It's a tapered pipe thread which makes it easy to connect. You do need to use Teflon tape on the threads too when installing the new part. Tighten until snug, it will not bottom out since the threads are tapered.

I have read here at times that you should not use tape because the anode needs to be touching the metal. I don't know if that is true.On mine, when I used tape before, the metal threads cut the tape so there was some contact. I don't know if that was what kept it working.Anybody know the truth about that? Thanks.

Maybe my ignorance is bliss, but when I saw the anode rod being eaten up I made the assumption that the teflon tape was not hindering the process,

Suburban hot water heater threads | Good Sam Community

ScottG
Nomad
Mar 01, 2018
BFL13 wrote:
I have read here at times that you should not use tape because the anode needs to be touching the metal. I don't know if that is true.

On mine, when I used tape before, the metal threads cut the tape so there was some contact. I don't know if that was what kept it working.

Anybody know the truth about that? Thanks.

Completely false and everytime someone posts that here it gets shot down. Any one can use an ohm meter to see there's plenty of contact.
TakingThe5th
Explorer
Mar 01, 2018
Lynnmor wrote:
... To start the anode, get a socket with an extension. Place a parer towel over the socket and jam the anode hex into the socket using the paper to give a snug fit....

X2 - except I use a deep well 6 point socket with no extension (better feel) and run some excess teflon tape onto the head of the rod for snugness (instead of paper towel or newspaper). I use paper behind the rod to bring the rod forward. Just another way.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Mar 01, 2018
Get the tap, but be very careful starting it as the threads will be very loose at first and easy to cross thread. That may be what you have already done with the anode. Run the tap in till it just begins to cut and back out.

Teflon tape will be cut thru where the fit is tight and will not prevent grounding.

To start the anode, get a socket with an extension. Place a parer towel over the socket and jam the anode hex into the socket using the paper to give a snug fit. If one layer of tape isn't enough add more. Tear off excess paper so you can see what you are doing. With this long "handle" starting an anode is easy. You can do something similar with the tap if you don't have a long tap handle.
Lemonhead78
Explorer
Mar 01, 2018
Yes taps can be found anywhere. A thread chase/chaser is different. It's less aggressive than a tap and it's just meant for cleaning/restoring a thread.
BFL13
Explorer II
Mar 01, 2018
Ok I found this in a Suburban user's manual:

"To prevent a water leak when replacing the anode rod, a pipe thread sealant approved for potable water (such as Teflon Tape) must be applied to the threads of the anode rod.

Proper application of a thread sealant will not interfere with the anode’s tank protection."
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Mar 01, 2018
My way - I ordered the cheap tap off ebay and been using it when necessary for years. It works great. how far you tap in is at your digression. i just go in to kinda clean up what I have and remove the rust. Works a heck of a lot better than the wire brush on a drill.

I also use plumbers grease on the threads in the hole when it sits with the plug out. Better than all the rust.

When inserting the rod, I have the best luck by using an extension on a shallow well socket and I have always used teflon tape.

Why not take it back out and get her done right instead of having a crisis down the road?
sch911
Explorer
Mar 01, 2018
The anode still makes metal to metal contact even with Teflon tape installed. The tape takes up the gaps and keeps it from leaking.
donn0128
Explorer II
Mar 01, 2018
Harbor freight, sears, or almost any good hardware store will sell you a 3/4 inch pipe tap. There not cheap. As a last resort,,go buy a 3/4 black pipe nipple, and using a saw or dremmel tool cut a couple of slots diagonal to the threads. This will clean out the threads easily.
Lemonhead78
Explorer
Mar 01, 2018
Thanks for the replies. This site is awesome. I will definitely not do anything until next month to see how it's gonna work. I did use tape on threads . I wasn't aware about the contact issue for the anode
To work. Wire brush sounds good because I can't find 3/4 chaser anywhere. If amazon Dosent have it. I'm thinking there's no such existence lol
TakingThe5th
Explorer
Mar 01, 2018
Maybe my ignorance is bliss, but when I saw the anode rod being eaten up I made the assumption that the teflon tape was not hindering the process,

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