Hot Water Heater Anode

Sorry. We had no trouble with ours, and in fact we were
stuck with a blockage and had to use 2 shifters to get it out.



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Gary Harding

TriSys Engineering/III

Left Hand (Reverse) Thread? Griff

BTi changed ours for us, and they had to put a lot of pressure on it to get it undone. It might pay to contact BTi and ask them about it. Brian

Sounds like the factory inserted anode is a little tight and/or corroded on the threads. If the threads are exposed a little on the anode squirt some RP7 type spray it may just help the first thread or two ..... place a socket on not a spanner or shifter. Use a long 1/2 inch drive handle and turn anti-clockwise to undo. Hold one hand over socket and other at end of handle and slowly apply more and more pressure until it undoes. A few things to keep in mind with the anode ... 1. The threaded plug on the end of the anode is "TAPERED". So the further you turn it the tighter it gets, even to a point where it can stretch the thread in the tank. So the rule here is not to overtighten. 2.A tapered thread into water (with pressure especially) requires some form of removable mechanical seal on the thread. Thread tape is the preferred type for water. This will allow the anode to be removed easier as well, as the tape provides a certain protection from corrosion in the threads if undone every six months. 3.The thread is "conventional" in its tapping i.e. Undo By Turning Anti-Clockwise. To do up ..place three wraps of thread tape over threaded area on anode. Each thread should have three wraps over it ..... NOT 10. Too much thread tape covers too much of the thread depth. Do up by hand and place socket over and tension to firm ...dont lean on it !! It is surprising how little thread engagement is needed with a tapered thread with tape on. I remove my anode and flush deposits (from anode and water minerals) every six months and have found it needs replacing every 10-12 months. If in a cold part of Aust (any chance of freezing) I'd be emptying tank for winter or any time heater is off in cold climate area. In Qld I dont empty mine for winter just a flush and refill. Regards Anthony Explore this Great Land ...Do it Easy ...Tow a Bushtracker

Anthony, Thanks for a comprehensive reply. I will attache the socket and estension and give it some assistance with a large stillson wrench, that should release it. I guess that the manufacturer (installer) may have overtightened the anode. Terry

Terry Did mine on Sunday. Used the 27 mm socket with about a 120mm long 1/2" drive extension post. Had trouble at first but good spray of WD40 and left for about 10 minutes. Came back and just eased it slightly out at first. Didn't want to apply too much pressure. (Was thinking of water pipe over the end of the ratchet but glad it did come loose before that last resort) As Anthony said, give it a good flush out, the amount of junk inside surprised me. Good luck Regards Jeff