Anode Rod Advice

[RKassl]

What have you found out from experience the best way to get a good seal when replacing the anode rod on the water heater? Teflon tape, or pipe dope, or both at the same time?

Thanks

[DQDick]

I've used tape for many years.

[kdeiss]

Teflon Tape never had a problem leaking!

[BB_TX]

Teflon tape here also. And being pipe threads, you do not have to tighten the rod too much to get a good seal. Don't over tighten it.

[RKassl]

This is really a dumb question, but when you use the Teflon tape how many wraps do you normally apply, one two or three?

[1retired06]

Teflon tape, normal wrap as in any other application

[BB_TX]

I honestly have never given it much thought. I would say probably 2 layers, no more than 3. I just start at the end of the threads (near the rod), wrap a full turn, then work my way up to the other end about half a tape width at a time, and finish with a full turn.

[RKassl]

I told you it was a dumb question, but thanks!

[BB_TX]

No question is dumb when you are not sure of the answer. It made me stop and think about what I actually do.

[CaptnJohn]

2 layers of tape. Tighten just a tad beyond snug.

[waynemoore]

Yep tape.

[prndl]

I thought I read that the anode rod required a metal to metal contact for it to properly react and be sacraficed???

[PackerFan]

I don't use anything on the rod threads. Just screw it in and snug it down. Have never had one leak.

[Kenw]

I'm an engineer and have done a lot of pipe work. 4-5 wraps to be safe. Some tape manufacturers guarantee a seal at 4 wraps (monster). Since the extra tape works its way out there is no harm in more tape.

[mlh]

2 wraps. I got a rod with a ball valve on the end so I don't need to remove the rod to drain the tank. I not sure you even need the rod. My High County came with one my MH didn't. The water heater in my home doesn't have one and has lasted 40 years. In my old home place the water heater lasted over 60 years until we had to replace it because it was a 120 volt unit.
Lynwood

[jjfleck]

Teflon tape and when you wrap it you go with flow of the threads. You don't want it to bunch up and unravel as you screw it in. You don't have to crank it in, 1/8 to 1/4 turn past hand tight (remember you have to be able to take it back out). The threads cut through the tape so you get metal to metal contact. Aluminum rods are better than magnesium rods to use they tend to last longer and don't affect water taste as much. Hope that helps, happy camping

[BB_TX]

I agree with the threads cutting thru the teflon tape. But I replaced my original magnesium rod with an aluminum rod. After about 5 years it almost looked like the day I installed it, barely corroded. And I was getting the rotten egg odor. Didn't appear it was doing much. So I went back to magnesium. May try zinc on next one. Here is a good write up about anode rods including using magnesium, aluminum, or zinc.

https://www.aricoplumbing.com/waterheater-anode-rods

[Good Life]

Really ???

[rohrmann]

Aluminum Atwood tanks don't use anode rods, Suburban tanks are glass lined steel and need the rods. If the rod doesn't corrode, it isn't doing its job. That's why they come with the magnesium rods. If you read the Suburban manual, it specifically says use Teflon tape. You need to tighten the rods as tight as needed to make a leak proof seal, and with a tapered pipe thread that these rods have, you tighten till it doesn't leak, just like if you are joining pipes in a plumbing project. The threads will make metallic contact when the rod is installed properly, with the tape.

[psomers]

The one that stated his home water heater doesn't have an anode rod. If it's an A.O. Smith I bet it does. I have installed more than one. On mine the rod goes in from the top right next to the flue and takes a 1 1/16" socket.
Noticed Jayco is now using tankless water heaters.