54 in. by 0.84 in. Diameter Flexible Magnesium Anode Rod for Electric and Gas Water Heaters

Exactly correct replacement Anode Rod for my Rheem water heater. The flexibility of the segments allowed for installation as my water heater is under the staircase to the basement. It was "folded up" for shipment so a little careful straightening of the joints with pliers was necessary so it would hang vertical in the tank. The fastener is a 1-1/6" hex head, and takes a LOT of torque to get the OEM part loose. Leave as much water in the tank as possible for stabilizing weight. I was twisting my 80-gallon tank with about 78 gallons in it, without breaking free the OEM rod. With some creative rachet-straps to hold the tank in place and I stepped up to a 3/4" square-drive socket (with a cheater pipe on the handle), it finally broke free. One of the new high-torque impact drivers may be the way to go! I added 6 wraps of teflon tape to the new Anode's threads for easier replacement next time.

Our new home came with a Rheem 50 gal water heater. It failed at 4 years, which seemed unusual. Rheem took care of us, so no complaints there! Being a long-time forensics expert, I just had to take that water heater apart to see what happened. The anode "rod" was gone but for a few pieces of thin wire. Not good. The new heater, like most, recommends checking the anode rod every year and replacing it if 6" or more of the rod has dissolved from either end of the anode - good advice. On the two year anniversary of the new heater installation, I pulled out this anode. Definitely time for replacement. Replaced with this magnesium unit which made installation a breeze. Using my new Makita brushless impact wrench made removal a one minute job. The photo shows the two year old rod alongside a segment of the new rod (the new rod was long, as is often the case). Check the anode on a regular schedule, use the right tools, and you will not only extend the life of the water heater, but will find it a painless process.

When you pay $200 more for a higher end water heater, it usually just comes with 1 more anode rod. If you change yours out after a few years, it's basically the same thing; you'll add a few more years to its life. The hard part is changing it out. professionals use a huge impact driver, not the typical impact one you use to screw in deck screws. I had to use a long cheater bar and an impact and it still took me 30 minutes to get it out. Remember to drain your tank, shut off the pilot, water, etc and good luck.

Easy to cut to length and install.

Very good! Easy install and a bargain! I had to cut the old rod into 3 sections for removal.It was NINE years old. I had 18" of ceiling clearance in my basement.

Overpriced - up 40% since my last purchase three years ago. Home Depot is gouging.

We have well water and using an aluminum anode rod causes our hot water to have air in its system. This rod is magnesium and doesn’t last as long as aluminum but solves our air issue. It’s super easy to install in tight spaces as well since it’s in small sections.

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