Water Heater anode rod question

[xBa380]

Pulled my anode rod on my tank a few weeks back. Its been in since the tank was new, probably 8-10 years now?

Rod still looked great, a lot of meat left on it. Decided to not replace it just yet.

Used a Milwaukee 1/2" impact to get it out. No problem for that!

 

[Wolf359]

You used a Milwhake 2767 on an anode? My god you’re brave...I thought About doing that but figured I’d strip the thing out and the water heater would be junk.

Yeah, they're tougher than you think. I wasn't worried about it, they were old enough to the point that I figured if I screwed one up, it didn't owe me anything anyway but they all held up. Used to be a big production when I first did them years ago without it. Now it's nothing, a few seconds and it pops right out.

 

[vweosdriver]

I used a three piece rod in my old house and the job went fine.

Use a cordless impact to get the old rod out, and use a pair of vice grips and cut it as you go to get it out.

Mine was toast, down to almost nothing.

I got a magnesium rod on amazon for a song, and don't forget to use some sealant or teflon tape on the threads..

New house has a tankless water heater, so I traded the anode rod game for an annual flush with vinegar.

In 39 years of owning houses, I never needed to change a water heater much less a rod.

 

[Driz]

In 39 years of owning houses, I never needed to change a water heater much less a rod.

You must have some very clean balanced water . Most folks seldom get much past the tank guarantee. Of course most never once drained them until the goop build up started burning out their lower element.

 

[FordMan59]

In 39 years of owning houses, I never needed to change a water heater much less a rod.

Your time is coming friend. I did the same thing for about 25 years but when I did have a leak it did about $25K worth of damage. I'll check/replace the anode every few years from now on. I also put a drain pan with a drain going underneath the house under the new water heater and the washing machine.