On Sat, 26 Jan 2013 02:33:50 +0000 (UTC), gregz
wrote:

wrote:
On Fri, 25 Jan 2013 06:17:23 -0600, wrote:

On Fri, 25 Jan 2013 06:05:31 -0500, "Existential Angst"
wrote:


Awl --

When I installed my Kenmore gas water heater over 10 years ago, I seem to
remember this big honking solid alum rod in the HW side. After replumbing
it, I discovered it ain't there no more..... just a long rusty iron wire,
about 1/8" diam.

I don't imagine I did the heater any favors by letting the anode disappear.
The Q is: how much damage? Proly depends on how long ago it dissolved
away. Any idears on how long they are supposed to last? I've never heard
about replacing these on a maintenance basis.

Any idears on how important these anodes are, ito lifespan of the unit?

Is this a standard plumbing supply item? Or do I have to go back to Sears?

This anode ditty fairly restricts the pipe diameter. Considering the
trouble I went to, to come as close to the heater with 1" brass, this fairly
****es me off.... live and learn....
Well, at least I have 1" to tap off of, later on. Still.....

Those anodes are actually magnesium, not aluminum. They are made to be
eaten up by the electrolytic action in the water and dissimilar metals
in the system. The rate they are "eaten" depends on the metals in your
system as well as the acids and minerals in your water.

Your water heater is probably one of 50 million of them in the US whose
rod has vanished. Most people never even know they exist. Few plumbers
check them.

However, to prolong your water heater, go ahead and get a new one.
You'll probably have to go to a plumbing supply store. You wont find
them at the corner hardware store or Home Depot. Sears may have them,
just ask.

I dont understand the part where you're mentioning "come as close to the
heater with 1" brass". What's with that?
And is that really 1"? Unless you have a rather large heater, it's more
likely 3/4" NPT (National pipe thread).


1 inch copper to the heater is becoming more common., but 3/4 is most
common. 1/2" isvirtually obsolete.
----
I've always wondered what effect this dissolved magnesium has on our
health. Particularly people who use hot water from the tap to make
instant coffee and stuff, and I have met people who do that.
But I guess thats another topic!

Your not supposed to drink from the tank. Sometimes I have to take
magnesium supplement. Many people are probably lacking magnesium.

I've been on magnesium suppliments for several years to reduce the
calcific tendonitis troubles in my shoulders. Too much just gives you
the "squirts". Think "milk of magnesia"

Many convert to aluminum rods who don't constantly use the tank. Magnesium
makes certain bacteria thrive, producing sulphur smelling water if tank
goes to room temperature. I have that problem in trailer.

So you want to use the alloy ones containing ZINC

Seems like most residential tanks crap out around 10 years.
Mine have all made or exceded 18.

Greg