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

A:  Hi Franko and thank you for your question. Yes it will.

A:  Hi ChrisS and thank you for your question. Yes it will.

A:  Not sure about fitting that tank, but it is ideal for tight space installation.

A:  Hi SueO and thank you for your question. The correct part is AP11526T-2 Description: Anode Rod - 0.900 in. diameter x 39-3/8 in. long - Magnesium.

A:  Looking a the the close up picture of how the cable connects the rods, it crimps to a stud on each end, so it looks like the cable does not continuously run through, you wouldn't be able to cut the rods into smaller pieces as far as I could tell

A:  Hi JimBob and thank you for your question. You can cut the rod, but it would shorten the life of the rod. There is no set "time" / life expectancy of an anode rod.

A:  I did not have an odor in the water before i used it and while using it I did not have an oder. However, after a few weeks of using the anode rod, my hot water would spew water and air from the s hit water faucets for s few seconds. After replacing this anode rod, the air in the hot water line stopped. Also, after removing this anode rod, for 8 months use, the rod was corroded and partially gone, which is what supposed to happen. I'm mentioning this because you will have to change out this rod every 12-18 months.

A:  No. Rheem anodes are made of magnesium, the most effective sacrificial metal for cathodic protection of the tank, to prevent leaks. Replacement anodes to deal with hydrogen sulfide (HS, rotten egg smell) are made of zinc plus aluminum. Or, there are electrically-powered anodes to kill the bacteria that lead to HS production. I don't know what effect these non-magnesium anodes will have on cathodic protection (tank life).

A:  Hi Rhickey and thank you for your question. For technical issues, please call the number on your unit or in your user manual.

A:  Hi Jccs and thank you for your question. Yes it will.

A:  Hi tomho1775 and thank you for your question. Yes it will.

A:  Hi Montague and thank you for your question. Protech is the manufacturer.

A:  Yes, it fit my Rheem 40-gallon tall, BUT Rheem installs the anode rod with over 100-lbs of torque to try to prevent homeowners from performing maintenance. I couldn't budge the rod even with a 4-ft cheater. In order to remove it, soak it with bolt loosener overnight, and then place an ice cube stop the bolt head for 3-4 minutes. Reinstall using teflon tape and pipe dope.

A:  Yes

A:  Hi Brian and thank you for your question. Yes it will.

A:  Anode rods generally can last about three to five years but it really depends mostly on the quality of your water and how much water travels through your water heater. The only way to know you need to change it is to inspect it, but while you have it out, you might as well change it anyway, unless it is like new.

A:  The interval for replacing the anode rod depends on (1) the nature of the water supply, (2) the amount of water usage, and (3) the weight and material of the anode rod. For typical water supplies, an interval of 10 years may suffice. Unfortunately, the only way to know the condition of your anode rod is to remove it and inspect it. You can do this yourself, but it is somewhat daunting. See the book Super House, by Donald Wulfinghoff, for a comprehensive explanation of how to extend the life of water heaters.

A:  My water goes through a softener first and I changed mine first time yesterday at 1-1/2 years and it was needing changed. I don't think you can tell until you pull it out but my old one looked like an old corn cob, eaten up in a lot of places.

A:  Hi Sasan and thank you for your question. There is no set time frame and you would need to change it if you can see more then a few inches of the inner core.