Anode rod, what fits what?

[Guest]

I have a Ctaftmaster 40 gal tank that is about 5 years old and would like to check/change the anode. How do I find out what tank takes what rod? Installed many a tank, but have never ventured into the anode hole before. Thanks

[Randy Schuyler]

It has a hex anode in its own port. You could replace it, if need be, with my SKU8 or SKU10. The second is a flexible anode for low clearance.

Randy Schuyler

[Guest]

Thanks, Randy. Now don’t laugh, but aside from length, will most tanks accept the same anodes? I mean, are they more or less interchangeable when dealing withajor brand tall 40 gal tanks? Install are easy, repairs are not as benign as I am learning. All the tanks i am dealing with were purchased from either Lowes or Home Depot. Thanks again.

[Randy Schuyler]

Provided they are residential-type tanks, yes. Sometimes RV tanks and such get a little weird. Anything from Lowes or Home Depot will have a hex anode.

Randy Schuyler

[Guest]

So, let get this crystal clear: a hex-head will fit a hex-head. There’s no special diameter or special order possibilities? Got my 1/2″ impact gun,my 1-1/4″ impact socket, and a can of Blaster ready to go.

[Randy Schuyler]

You got it.

Randy Schuyler

[Larry Weingarten]

Hello: All good except that the hex head needs a 1- 1/16th inch socket. I’d get a six point socket just to be sure it won’t round the corners of the old anode. 😉 Also, I don’t know what “Blaster” is, but if it is some sort of solvent or rust dissolver, I wouldn’t use it, as you don’t want ANY chemicals getting into your water. 😯

Yours, Larry

[Guest]

Thanks again. I had been under the impression that each tank manufacturer had their own specific anode rod. I didn’t realize any hex head will fit any tank. I mean a 3/4″ hex head. But does rod diameter matter when replacing the anode?

[Randy Schuyler]

In terms of making it fit, no. In terms of making the water heater last longer, yes. Thinner rods, shorter warranty, usually. 6-year-warranty, usually .75-inch-diameter. 12-year, .90-inch.

Randy Schuyler

[Guest]

Oh, one more question. What is the difference between resistored and not resistored?

[Randy Schuyler]

Rheem is the only one who uses those. The resistor is designed to lower magnesium’s higher driving current to that of aluminum and get the tank through the warranty period.

Randy Schuyler

[Author]

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