. . . . And if your water heater was made in the mid-90's the dip tubes were
made from a poor plastic and failed. There was a huge recall, but it's run
it's course and isn't available any more.
It's kind of funny, that all my neighbors have replaced their tanks a few
years ago, but I just change out the anode periodically and it's still
chugging along just fine.
Good tip ODB!
Jack
-----Original Message-----
From: shop-talk-bounces@autox.team.net
[mailto:shop-talk-bounces@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of old dirtbeard
Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009 4:39 PM
To: shop-talk@autox.team.net
Subject: [Shop-talk] water heater anode
Hey shop talkers,
I learned some stuff today that I thought I would pass along (probably most
of you already are doing this, but in this recession, I thought it might be
a way to save some money).
I just pulled the magnesium anode rod from my seven-year-old residential 75
gallon water heater -- it was totally gone. I just ordered one for $44.50
from:
http://shop.waterconnection.com/category.sc?categoryId=2
The owner answers the phone, a real nice guy who knows his stuff.
I started looking at replacement water heater prices (around $800 for the
tank and was told it could be about $1,500 installed). I bought the house
three years ago and should have replaced the rod then.
I have learned the following:
a.. check/replace the anode rod(s) at five years
b.. check every two years afterward
c.. hard water and water softeners eat the rods quicker
d.. if you keep a good rod in a water heater, the heater can last 20-40
years
e.. put a 1/2" ball valve for the sediment drain to flush the sediment
(mine had this) and flush it regularly
f.. they make a curved inlet tube which helps to flush the sediment better
g.. but the biggest impact is replacing the sacrificial anode before it is
consumed All of the rods have a 1 1/16" hex head retaining bolt on the top
of the tank, usually near the center, and they are pretty tight (I used my
IR Titanium to take it out and got a face full of water :) ).
My tank is in an outdoor enclosure with limited room above the tank, most of
the rods are 44" long, so they make flexible replacement rods you can bend
and feed into the tank. The solid rods are only $28 for the most common.
They make magnesium, aluminum and zinc. Most tanks come with magnesium rods
and it probably is the best replacement rod unless you have sulfur dioxide
issues (smelly hot water). There is some concern about aluminum in your tap
water and it also tends to create more sediment.
The difference between a 6 year water heater warranty and a 12 year warranty
often is nothing more than a second anode rod and a much higher purchase
price.
I wish I had done this three years ago...
best,
doug
You are subscribed as jibjib@att.net
Shop-talk mailing list
http://autox.team.net/mailman/listinfo/shop-talk
http://www.team.net/archive
_______________________________________________
Support Team.Net http://www.team.net/donate.html
Shop-talk mailing list
http://autox.team.net/mailman/listinfo/shop-talk
http://www.team.net/archive
|