View Full Version : Sacrificial Anode
craigb
30th January 2006, 01:49 PM
Does anybody know where you buy these things?
I have a Rheem gas hotwater system and I'd like to replace the anode as it's overdue for replacement.
Do plumber's suppliers sell them?
The Rheem web site is no help.
TIA
Craig
Ivan in Oz
30th January 2006, 02:08 PM
Yes,
Better Plumbers Supplies
$40.oo or so from memory..................
OK 80.00 then:confused: :confused:
Remember plenty of PTFE Tape when replacing
craigb
30th January 2006, 02:41 PM
Thanks Ivan.
PTFE tape duly noted. :D
Bodgy
30th January 2006, 03:49 PM
If size and shape are not an issue, ie they just hang in the water tank (no experience, all my heaters just kark it before I replace the anode) yacht chandlers have an array of different ones - they protect the higher nobility skin fittings in the elctrolytic salt water medium (propellors too)
Essentially I think they are just lumps of zinc, which as I remember is around the bottom of the nobility tables.
craigb
30th January 2006, 03:59 PM
Essentially I think they are just lumps of zinc
True but they have to be engineered to fit the water heater.
They are threaded at one end and screw into the top of the tank.
I've no idea if all manufactures use the same size or if they are specific to the different makes of heater.
Ashore
30th January 2006, 04:03 PM
With the tape , wind it on in a clockwise direction looking at the end of the thread , this stops the tape being pushed up the thread as you screw it back in.
When you put it in be careful to get good contact between the anode and the tank body it is protecting..caught a bloke putting thread tape on one he was replacing, that would have insulated it from the tank making it useless, and careful not to try to screw it in too hard as the zinc fractures at the end of the thread very easily
Reece plumbing supplies also sell the anodes
You can make them yourself turn some zinc rod down and tap a thread to suit. Problem being if you make it too short , it doesn't last long enough and tank starts to corrode , if you make it too long you use too much zink and will proberly cost more than the correct anode and as you are dealing with a pressure vessel , .....I'de go with the propper replacement part
Termite
30th January 2006, 04:16 PM
True but they have to be engineered to fit the water heater.
They are threaded at one end and screw into the top of the tank.
I've no idea if all manufactures use the same size or if they are specific to the different makes of heater.
The main thing you have to consider is the fact that a variety of anodes are made for different types of water. Be sure to get your anode from a store or plumber in your area as the type they have should suit the type of water in your heater.
Source, my mate who is the CEO of the company that makes 90% of all the anodes in Aus. and no , sorry, can't get freebies. :(
craigb
31st January 2006, 10:35 AM
The main thing you have to consider is the fact that a variety of anodes are made for different types of water. Be sure to get your anode from a store or plumber in your area as the type they have should suit the type of water in your heater.
Thanks. There's a Reece Plumbing in my suburb so they will hopefully have the correct type of anode.
doug1
31st January 2006, 10:03 PM
Purchase from a plumber supplies place, order with the model number of the heater
My last one had about 200 mm cut from the end as they had one length to sell as replacement for a number of models. (Vulcan Heater)
Doug