6 gal electric hot water heater upgrade

ScottG wrote:
You can probably add an electric heater to your existing WH via the drain plug.
If the propane part is the only problem, it could be a cheap fix for you.

"Hot Rod" is what you are looking for here. It's a simple install. Saves you time and money over a conversion.

Bad idea.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Hot-Water-Hybrid-Heat/dp/B0024ECCJW/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=camco+electric+water+heater+add+on+element&qid=1579187005&sr=8-5

This will solve your issue. Just make sure you shower FAST and leave a little time between showers...

I know it's propane but we love our Girrard instantaneous water heater. Tiny in size but big in performance. Its pricey,but never running out is priceless.

I know it's propane but we love our Girrard instantaneous water heater. Tiny in size but big in performance. Its pricey,but never running out is priceless.

BarneyS wrote:
How do you guys get it out of the heater in your home? My water heater is in the basement and there is not enough overhead clearance to get the anode rod out without destroying it. To get a new one in, I had to disconnect the entire heater and tip it on its' side so the anode would slip in the hole.

What am I missing or doing wrong? Does anybody make an anode rod with a hinge in the middle? I can see two joined together with some kind of eye bolt like a Numchuck. Is that kind available anywhere?

You should have pulled up the old anode and cut it, repeat as many times as necessary to get it out, of course prevent dropping the remainder with something like vise grip pliers.

It is hard to find anodes at local stores because folks just don't do the service. Dedicated plumbing shops should have them, and Amazon or eBay has tons of them.

How do you guys get it out of the heater in your home? My water heater is in the basement and there is not enough overhead clearance to get the anode rod out without destroying it. To get a new one in, I had to disconnect the entire heater and tip it on its' side so the anode would slip in the hole.

What am I missing or doing wrong? Does anybody make an anode rod with a hinge in the middle? I can see two joined together with some kind of eye bolt like a Numchuck. Is that kind available anywhere?
Barney

Edit:
Found one here !

rhagfo wrote:

Lynnmor wrote:
I’ve not seen a residential water heater without an anode. The 6 gallon in my shop needs the top removed to access it. Before installing a new water heater, remove the often over tightened anode and reinstall with Teflon tape and do not over tighten, this is so future service will be easy. Water conditions will determine how often an anode needs replaced.

I replaced the one in my DD house, after a few tries with a 24' breaker bar, I just got out my impact wrench!

I bought a GE hybrid water heater and didn't "just" get out an impact wrench, I got out the 1/2" electric impact wrench, followed by the 1/2" air powered impact wrench and finally a borrowed 3/4" impact wrench. I shouldn't have waited to remove that one.

Lynnmor wrote:
I’ve not seen a residential water heater without an anode. The 6 gallon in my shop needs the top removed to access it. Before installing a new water heater, remove the often over tightened anode and reinstall with Teflon tape and do not over tighten, this is so future service will be easy. Water conditions will determine how often an anode needs replaced.

I replaced the one in my DD house, after a few tries with a 24' breaker bar, I just got out my impact wrench!

I’ve not seen a residential water heater without an anode. The 6 gallon in my shop needs the top removed to access it. Before installing a new water heater, remove the often over tightened anode and reinstall with Teflon tape and do not over tighten, this is so future service will be easy. Water conditions will determine how often an anode needs replaced.