Anode rod too long to remove


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Old 07-30-16, 08:52 PM
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Anode rod too long to remove

Hi,
I have an anode rod that I'm trying to remove, but my basement ceiling is too low so I can't pull it out. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get it out? I was thinking of borrowing a hacksaw and trying to cut it and remove it piece by piece.

BTW I'm getting a flexible magnesium anode rod as a replacement, so I won't have this problem again.

Thanks
 
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Old 07-30-16, 09:30 PM
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It would need to be cut to be removed so a hacksaw would be a good choice to use.
I would wrap the rod with a rag when cutting to keep the filings out of the tank.
 
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Old 07-31-16, 03:56 AM
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If the rod is in poor shape, just wrap it and bend it over. You're not going to reuse it, so it is trash to begin with.
 
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Old 07-31-16, 08:15 AM
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Not familiar with the flex anode you're planning on using. Can you give us more detail?
 
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Old 07-31-16, 09:09 AM
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Norm, they have multiple joints so you can feed/fold it into the hole when there isn't sufficient overhead clearance.
 
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Old 08-04-16, 09:10 AM
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PJmax, thanks for the tip!

Well I've tried to bend it slightly when taking it out the first time and it wouldn't bend, so that's why i'm going to cut it.

For some reason, I can't find any stores in Toronto that sell a flexible magnesium anode rod, so the best I could do was to buy one on Amazon. I bit pricey though

https://www.amazon.ca/Rheem-SP8371B-...2W8EG3W5J3BFFY

Thanks for all the replies everyone
 
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Old 08-04-16, 12:32 PM
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Suggestion: Before cutting below the cut fasten a steel angle bracket to the rod using a hose clamp. That way if it gets away from you you don't loose it in the tank.
 
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Old 08-04-16, 02:11 PM
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Ray, Good thinking. Most people would not have thought of that.
 
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Old 08-04-16, 02:22 PM
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Nah, most anyone would have thought to do that .... just after the cut half fell into the tank
 
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Old 08-04-16, 03:26 PM
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Has anyone suggested disconnecting the Tank; drain it; and tip it on its side a bit (45°?) and pull the Anode Rod ?

Just thinking outside the Tank !
 
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Old 08-04-16, 03:51 PM
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Excellent suggestion but some may not want the extra work and possible problem of leaks when reconnected. It's like the T&P valve, sure it should be routinely tested but those who have and ended up with an unfixable drip are hesitant to test. Those factory ones can be a beatch to unscrew if you need to replace.
 
 

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