Water heater anode rod


  #1  
Old 09-08-19, 11:22 AM
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Water heater anode rod

Hi. Can anybody confirm where my anode rod is?
I have the a o smith promax gcv 50 100series.
But i have little confidence in a o smith technical support.
I also suspecting the tpr was placed in lieu of the anode rod.
Also what is the right side thing of the WH for. I thought this is where the tpr was supposed to be
 

Last edited by craig list; 09-08-19 at 11:26 AM. Reason: Attachment missing
  #2  
Old 09-08-19, 01:25 PM
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Welcome to the forums.

The anode rod is in the top of the water heater. They typically comes as one piece so be aware of your available room over the tank as a one piece anode MAY not be able to be put in. They do make multi piece ones where headroom is limited.]

The valve up high on the side of the tank is the T and P valve.

Gcv 50 manual (pdf)
 
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Old 09-08-19, 02:22 PM
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While regularly replacing the anode is recommend I would think twice before doing so. You have have a large wrench? Removing the old rod fitting can be quite difficult. Then, sometimes it can be difficult to get the new one to seal and can require tightening the snot out of it.

Like PJmax mentioned. Definetely make sure you have the clearance above the heater to remove the anode and install a new one. The rod inside can be almost as long as the tank is high so it can take a lot of room.
 
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Old 09-09-19, 12:01 PM
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Thanks for confirming my suspicion.
i have all the tools i need and the garage ceiling is over 12 feet high. So it s not a concern.
the challenge will be to move the tpr to its correct location.
 
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Old 09-12-19, 09:12 AM
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Why change it at all? I have never changed one and regularly get over 20 years service from a gas water heater, not quite so long on electric heaters.
 
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Old 09-17-19, 10:05 AM
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It is recommended to change the rod every few years as maintenance. I am pretty sure this is a common task with flushing the tank as well.
 
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Old 09-18-19, 05:20 AM
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Yes, it is recommended but... almost nobody does it. If you intend to do it regularly I would invest in a good quality, big wrench. The cheap tubular steel sockets sold in the plumbing dept. often aren't up to the task. I use automotive style sockets. A 1 1/2" for electric elements and 1 1/16" (I think?) for the anode and 1/2", large breaker bar.



 
 

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