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where is the anode rod on a rheem electric water heater

by Sadie Emard Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

The anode rod in your Rheem water heater is located on top of your tank. More precisely, your magnesium or aluminum sacrificial anode is visible through a hexagonal head located in the center of your tank under a plastic cover.May 28, 2019

Full Answer

Does Rheem make good water heaters?

Rheem tank-style gas water heaters are considered an excellent value because they offer efficiency up to 84% while remaining affordable. They also have a quick recovery time, so running out of hot water is rare. More than 20 models are produced in good/better/best series in sizes from 29 gallons to 98 gallons.

What does an anode rod do in a water heater?

What Does an Anode Rod Do in a Water Heater?

  • Protecting Your Water Heater. Water heaters are susceptible to rust and corrosion because of the materials used to construct them and how these materials react to water.
  • Evaluating the Anode Rod. ...
  • Helping Keep Your Water Heaters in Great Shape. ...

How often should I change a water heater anode rod?

Top 5 reasons to replace the anode rod:

  • You want to extend the lifespan of your water heater and maintain your manufacturer’s warranty.
  • You want to avoid water heater leaks.
  • Your water heater is making popping and banging noises when heating, potentially signaling tank corrosion.
  • It’s been 3 or more years since you’ve checked or changed the anode rod.

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Does my water heater have an anode rod?

Water heaters don’t need anode rods to function, but they help preserve the quality of the water and can double the lifespan of the heater. Without anode rods, a water tank will corrode and leak or even burst. Anode rods are designed to deteriorate, so they need to be replaced in order to remain functional.

Do all Rheem water heaters have anode rods?

All water heaters have one Anode Rod. This rod starts to attract the corrosion (caused by the water) which minimizes the tank corrosion after the glass liner fails. Rheem Professional Grade has one Anode Rod with an optional port for a second rod. The Anode Rod is made of magnesium which corrodes easier than steel.

How do you remove anode rod from Rheem?

1:434:08How to Replace a Water Heater Anode Rod - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHead using a 1 and 1 16 inch socket remove the anode rod by turning it counterclockwise. Have a ragMoreHead using a 1 and 1 16 inch socket remove the anode rod by turning it counterclockwise. Have a rag handy because there will be some seepage of water around the anode rods location.

How do I remove the anode rod from my electric water heater?

0:231:31How to Replace an Electric Water Heater Anode Rod - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe foam insulation. Then unthread the anode rod and pull it up and out from the tank wrap the pipeMoreThe foam insulation. Then unthread the anode rod and pull it up and out from the tank wrap the pipe thread sealing tape around the threads of the new anode rod thread.

Does Rheem use aluminum anode rods?

Rheem AP12938 Anode Rod, 0.625-Inch Diameter by 42-Inch long, Aluminum.

What type of anode rod does Rheem use?

From the Manufacturer The Rheem SP11526C is a magnesium anode rod.

How long does Rheem anode rod last?

Therefore, the average heater only starts to rust at the 10 to 12 year mark. For this reason, we believe 12 years should be the limit for replacing anodes in standard model heaters. Again, exceptions can be made when the heater looks in good condition and where the anode is still working.

Do electric water heaters have an anode rod?

Most anode rods are sacrificial, meaning they are designed to corrode (instead of your water heater lining). Because they are meant to break down, they wear out every few years and need to be replaced. Tankless water heaters don't have anode rods, but all standard tank-style water heaters do.

Where is the anode rod located?

Locate the anode rod. Most will be located on top of the water heater, though some may have the anode located on the side. On most it will look like a hexagonal plug screwed into the heater.

How do you remove a Rheem dip tube?

2:247:04How to Replace a Dip Tube on a Water Heater - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDepending on your model it may be easier to access the dip tube by first removing the plastic shroudMoreDepending on your model it may be easier to access the dip tube by first removing the plastic shroud. Remove the old dip tube with a pipe wrench or adjustable pliers spinning. In a counterclockwise.

What size is Rheem anode rod?

Diameter x 42 in. Long Aluminum Anode Rod for Water Heaters.Rheem 0.625 in. Diameter x 42 in. Long Aluminum Anode Rod for ...https://www.homedepot.com › Rheem-0-625-in-Diameter...https://www.homedepot.com › Rheem-0-625-in-Diameter...Search for: What size is Rheem anode rod?

What size socket do you need to remove an anode rod?

4 Use a ratchet wrench and 1 1/16-inch deep socket to unscrew the anode rod from the heater.How to Change a Water Heater Anode Rod - This Old Househttps://www.thisoldhouse.com › plumbing › how-to-chan...https://www.thisoldhouse.com › plumbing › how-to-chan...Search for: What size socket do you need to remove an anode rod?

How do you check the anode rod on a water heater?

Open the spigot and drain a little water to relieve some pressure and heat inside the tank before opening the top for the anode rod. Next, go to the top of your water heater and look for a hex head bolt. If you don't see the hex head, it's likely built into your water heater system.Jul 14, 2019Water Heater Maintenance - checking your anode rod - Any Hour ...https://anyhourservices.com › bloghttps://anyhourservices.com › blogSearch for: How do you check the anode rod on a water heater?

Rheem Tank-Type Heaters Have Anode Rods

Water heaters with metal storage tanks require anode rods as protection from the corrosive substances in the water. Anode rods are designed to interact with these substances preferentially and corrode in the place of the water heater storage tank.

Sources

https://plumbonline.net.au/blog-commercial-domestic-plumbing/what-size-type-anode-do-i-need-for-my-hot-water-tank/

What is an anode in a water heater?

The anode is a metal rod that is placed in the water heater’s interior. The rod protects the steel walls of the tank by attracting minerals and sediment. The anode rods are made of either magnesium or aluminum. Magnesium is especially effective because of its ability to give electrons more freely than aluminum anodes.

How do you know if you need to replace an anode rod?

Signs you need to replace the anode rod include a rotten egg smell, no heat or intermittent heat from your water heater & strange sounds coming from the water heater.

Why is magnesium anode rod better than aluminum anode?

Magnesium is especially effective because of its ability to give electrons more freely than aluminum anodes. The rod pulls out sediment from the tank. The anode rod will extend the life of the water heater and maintain the quality of the hot water passing through your plumbing. So the anode rod extends the life of your tank by pulling out sediment ...

What happens if an anode rod is bad?

A bad anode rod can cause discolored water, a rotten egg smell, air in the lines and intermittent hot water. The anode rod protects the tank of electric water heaters & signs it should be replaced are a rotten egg smell, no heat & strange sounds.

Why does my water heater smell?

The smell comes from high sulfur content in the water. In turn, this will eat up the anode and shorten the life of your water heater. Water tainted with sulfur is very common with well water. Other factors of anode performance is the over use of water softeners, calcium and lime build up, and non-harmful sulfur eating bacteria. ...

What are the Advantages of Powered Anode Rods?

There are many reasons why I would recommend electric anode rods. This section will discuss some of the advantages that make an electric anode rod worth the investment.

How Long do Powered Anode Rods Last?

Generally, an anode rod can last three years to five years. However, the lifespan depends on various factors, such as the quality of the water and how long water travels in the water heater tank.

Can You Run a Water Heater Without an Anode Rod?

An anode rod is one of the most critical parts of your traditional water heater. This is because it helps prevent corrosion, rust, and other tank damaging effects caused by minerals and chemicals in the water.

What is the Importance of Anode Rod in a Water Heater?

According to Leah Raeder, “You know, rust is simply oxidation. A similar chemical process like fire. Oxygen reacts with metals, and electrons drift from one element to another. Therefore, rust is a slow fire. And as such, water causes something to burn.”

How Does Anode Rod in a Water Heater Work?

It is important to note that, for an anode rod to work perfectly in a water heater, it must or need to have a more negative and lower electrochemical voltage than the one possessed by the water heater’s metal to be protected.

Is it Worth Changing the Anode Rod in the Water Heater?

It can be a mess whenever the water heater bursts. This is because water can damage the interior of your home. Besides, the water can be a mess and hard to clean up.

What are the Signs that You Need to Change the Anode Rod?

You should take a keen look at many things to determine the need for changing the anode rod. In this section, I will provide some of the signs that you need to take a look at;

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