Camco 11572 Aluminum Anode Rod Review

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(More customer reviews)I picked-up a few of these here when one of our 3 Water Heaters failed after only 4 years; a leak had developed at one of the top welds and so wasn't just a matter of re-seating a fitting up there. In looking at the failed heater's Anode Rod, it was almost all wire i.e. no sacrificial metal left so clearly the top of the WH had rusted-out somewhere already.
I've now replaced the ARs on the other two of our WHs and sure enough they were almost gone as well--hopefully w/the new rods they will last indefinitely. I'm already planning to replace all 3 (again) in another 3 years!
Some things to know:
1. There are "flexible" anode rods available at much greater cost, but you should be able to angle this 42" rod in almost anywhere. If not you can cut it down and save big $$$.
2. You will most likely need a 1/2" Impact Wrench to get the old AR out--it will be turned-in very tight! I bought the cheapest Impact Wrench I could find as this is the only application I will likely have for one.
3. You will also need a 1 1/16" half-inch socket to extract the old AR. These aren't in most sets but you can buy them individually at the local hardware store.
4. You'll use teflon tape to wrap the threads of the new AR to assure "no leaks". Don't worry that this will keep the AR from working i.e. it will not block the electrical flow. When you screw-in the new AR the threads will cut-thru the tape and make a good enough connection.
5. Finally, as always start the AR into the Water Heater BY HAND, and don't use the Impact Wrench to install it--just snug it down with your 1/2 inch ratchet by hand. Check it periodically for a day or three to make sure there are no leaks.
Thanks Amazon for making these available--for some reason despite our awful water these are impossible to come by in local retail stores!

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Camco 11572 Aluminum Anode RodCamco 11572 Aluminum Anode Rod Features:; Anode rod ; Made from aluminum ; 42" long; 5/8" outside diameter; Carded

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42" Aluminum Anode Rod - 3 Sections Review

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(More customer reviews)My anode rod in my water heater was shot and like many people, I didn't have clearance to add a new straight one.
This one was just the right size. The threaded portion was too long for my particular heater, but that could just be because I have a very old model. Regardless, I put some pipe tape on it and it seals tight.
Item was shipped fast and packaged very well.

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Flexible for easy installation in tight areas like closets, attics and under homes.

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Reliance 9000429-045 Heavy Duty Heating Element Wrench Review

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(More customer reviews)This is an inexpensive tool that will do the job provided you have another tool to help you along the way. I tried to use this alone to get out my elements. Man, simply wasn't happening. I twisted and twisted until my hands hurt. Keep in mind that the little cross bar you're twisting with is very short and it's hard to get any leverage. Keep in mind also that the back end of this is totally circular. Had they just blocked off the back end like the front end, you could easily put a big plumbing wrench on it and could twist away. I was able to use said plumbing wrench in a Rube Goldberg fashion on the bar and was able to get the element out, but it was much harder than it should have been.
The better, much easier solution is to buy a water heater element socket. All it is is a 1 1/2 inch socket, usually sold for a 1/2 inch drive wrench. You can buy them on Amazon. They cost about $11-$13. If you have a 1/2 inch drive torque wrench at the house, you're in business. If not, you can buy a breaker bar here on Amazon. Here's a nice little combo: Tekton by MIT 1828 water heater element socket and Neiko 25-inch breaker bar. The breaker bar is about $22. Now that combo is $25 more than just buying this wrench, but this is the right way to do the job and you're not going to skin your knuckles or kill your shoulder. When I had a professional plumber out to change out the elements (and this was when I realized how easy this job was and how I could do it myself) he used a socket and a breaker bar. Buy the right tools and DIY.

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Fits all 1 1 2" standard residential screw in electric water heater elements. Heavy duty construction with handle. 5" long.

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