Anode Rod Replacement

[Vin_ny]

Hello,

I have a 40 gallon, 12 year old water heater, where the magnesium anode rod (never replaced) is connected directly under my hot water outlet (as per my manual). I have a 1/2" copper hot water line going to this hot outlet which is soldered on a copper 1/2" sweat to 3/4" female npt into the water heater. I was thinking the best way around to removing this anode rod. Unsolder the 3/4" female fitting? I do have lots of space or cut the hot line after the water is shut off? Would the 1-1/16" socket fit after unsoldering the connection? I plan on using a impact wrench. I appreciate your feedback.

 

[Vin_ny]

I watched a few youtube videos with the Bradford White (which is what I have) where the anode rod is located under the hot water outlet. A few points I've seen someone unsolder the connection right near the 1/2" to 3/4" fpt fitting. I understand that when you go to resolder the connection you can potentially damage the plastic heat trap and the dip tube. Someone suggested to cut the copper line about 4 to 5 feet away, unscrew the fitting and the nipple and then solder a coupling to prevent damage to the dip tube and plastic heat trap.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

I have a 40 gallon, 12 year old water heater, where the magnesium anode rod (never replaced) is connected directly under my hot water outlet (as per my manual).

Would the 1-1/16" socket fit after unsoldering the connection? I plan on using a impact wrench.

If the anode is under the hot nipple, there is no hex head, I think.

The way I have seen described is to put a big bolt (5/8?) into the hole to prevent crushing, and then use a pipe wrench. Here it is: http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html

To remove the combo, insert 5/8" carriage bolt into nipple so it will not collapse when removed with pipe wrench.
If nipple is too short, read about remove short nipple

 

[Vin_ny]

I did watch a video of someone use a 1/2" extension but it was loose. Your right the 5/8" carriage bolt may fit snug inside the nipple. I'll read about the short nipple because I believe I may have this. Thank you Reach4!

 

[Reach4]

I am skeptical of stubby powered anode rods for WHs. This one would seem to be really stubby: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TSL3V6M/ref=syn_sd_onsite_desktop_0?ie=UTF8

I have posted my thoughts about stubby anode rods. AO Smith makes some longer powered anodes for WH, but I don't know if those have been adapted for a combo rod. There are some WHs that have both a hex-head and a combo for longer protection.

 

[Vin_ny]

Yes, so the oem is 2.5" nipple so real small. This is what I was thinking of replacing it with: https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Fle...6d031a66d2b3689bfd&qid=1733161499&sr=8-1&th=1

or

OEM:

Bradford White 415-47776-12 Magnesium Anode Rod 3/4 inch NPT x 2-1/2 inch Nipple x 47 inch L

Check out the deal on Bradford White 415-47776-12 Magnesium Anode Rod 3/4 inch NPT x 2-1/2 inch Nipple x 47 inch L at BradfordWhiteParts.com

www.bradfordwhiteparts.com