Eau 44 Inch Flexible Magnesium Water Heater Anode Rod with Install Kit | Replacement Water Heater Anode Rod for GE, Rheem, Reliance, Richmond, Kenmore Water Heater with Install Kit

After watching some videos on increasing the longevity of my water heater, replacing the anode rod was the number one suggestion. To that end, I embarked on removal of the rod in my 3-year-old A.O. Smith water heater. This proved more daunting than I anticipated. The rod is secured by a large nut. First, I tried a regular socket, next a breaker bar, then a cheater bar attached to the breaker bar. The nut would not budge. I called A.O. Smith and the technician said the rod is tightened to 150 psi at the factory and I would need an impact wrench to remove. I purchased an impact wrench and that did the trick. However, since my original bar was not articulated, I had to hacksaw the bar to remove it as it was hitting my duct work halfway out of the tank. That took about a half hour as I did it manually to avoid sparks around a gas appliance. Turned out the original rod was in pretty good shape and required a lot of cutting. However, at this point, I was committed to installing the new rod because it was articulated, and I spent so much time and money to remove the old rod. The new rod was easy to install. I like the fact they included the proper socket and plumber's tape. I manually secured the rod with a breaker bar. Although this project turned out more complicated than anticipated, I will now be able to check the rod annually per the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for my water heater. I can also remove this rod without cutting the rod. My hope is that I can significantly extend the life of my water heater. If I accomplish that goal this was all worth it.

This is a high quality item complete with a heavy duty 27mm-1/2 inch drive socket to remove the old and install the new anode with. I did not use the Teflon tape that was supplied with the anode opting to use PTFE Pipe Dope on the threads instead. I did need to cut the short lower portion of the anode off tho fit our water heater but that was an easy task with a mini-hacksaw.

Easy installation on a much needed part. 5 years, And replace. Saves the innerds...

bought this for a 9-year-old Rheem 40-gallon gas water heater after recently viewing YouTube videos that the anode rod needs to be replaced every few years to preserve the tank's life; i had never examined this Rheem's anode rod; the included socket worked (although its lightweight construction quality may not have long-term durability for many repeated uses???); i needed an impact wrench to loosen the factory installed rod, and it took a fair number of jolts by the wrench to loosen the factory nut; to my surprise upon examining the factory rod, it was still in fairly good shape after 9 years of municipal water supply usage (see photo); decided to re-install the factory rod and check it again in a couple of years storing this replacement rod until then; this kit's included teflon tape was very thin and worthless; re-installed the factory rod wih my own quality teflon tape and just a breaker bar--did NOT tighten it again with the impact wrench; (FYI, the factory rod is about 1/3 larger in diameter compared to this replacement rod; i was just barely able to remove the long factory rod from the tank within the height restriction of my basement ceiling)

just finished installing this. It was straightforward. I look forward to see how long this lasts and will provide an update later on how it performs.

The 27mm socket actually came in handy, the rod seems fine and worked great for my tight space. My water heater had a very right space with like a rubber fitting that I had to dig out. I couldn't originally fit the 27mm black deep impact socket I wanted to use. So it was very helpful in at least getting it started. Eventually was able to fit the deep socket with a long breaker bar and get it loose. Not an easy job if its the first time doing it on your water hater. Had to remove the gas flume venting and the cold water line (be sure gas if off if you do this). Unlike some of YouTube videos if you have a gas unit I highly suggest turning off the gas completely. Probably even better if you do it the night before you do the work to give the water time cool and if for some reason you have to remove any venting. The more water you can leave in the tank the better because the weight helps keep it from moving; so if its cool you can get away with only draining a couple gallons. With space I have there was no way to use an impact gun, so breaker bar and socket was only option. Go slow and take your time, it took me about 2 hours from starting to finally get the old rod out. Few moments I thought it wasn't going to happen because of my struggles get a socket on the old rod and the odd angle and space I had to work with. Only suggestion is on top of the plumbing tape add some pipe dope to the threads we putting the new one in.

This is probably the nicest purchase I've ever made on amazon. This anode rod is segmented because I don't have a lot of clearance at the top of my hot water tank for the long rigid ones that do not Flex. It worked perfectly. They were even thoughtful enough to include the actual 1-1/16" socket that fits the top of this rod and some teflon tape to do the job! A highly recommended purchase!

This was installed easily by my husband. Water heater works great. The old anode rod was covered with calcium deposits. Glad he replaced it.

hope it extends lifffe of tank