I am about to install an electric water heater. I changed gas water heaters before and I figure electric is even simpler. It is 240 volt and line is existing with the right amp breaker. Only thing is this time I want to replace the factory annode with replacement that adds 4 years to the warranty. I never changed annodes before. The brand is Rheem. Hot and cold sides already have nipples installed. I tried removing the cold side nipple, but it is not budging. The nipple is round and has no flat sides for the wrench to grip. Is this something that has to be just muscled loose with a pipe wrench? And is it righty-tighty, lefty-loosy? Thank you all in advance.
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Why are you removing the nipple? The anode is usually a hex type plug separate from the in/out nipples. Hope I don't get busted for saying nipples.
Ditto to what rascon said.
“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” —Albert Einstein
I just put in a electric WH last week. The anode is the other thing on top of the heater. Looks like a big bolt. Even on a new unit i'd suggest a big bar. You may need to either fill up the tank first or invite "bubba" along to hold the tank while you twist the wrench.
Best find out if that extended warranty applies to a DIYer attacking the water heater. Right sized breaker? If you don't know the answer you should be hiring a pro. There's more to this wiring thing than just finding the right-sized breaker! Removing the cold nipple? Why?
Thank you all for your concerns and advice. The Rheem electric water heater does not have separate plug for the anode. The replacement anode, I assume is thicker so longer the warranty, and the nipple is one piece deal where there is a outlet for the water supply right before the anode starts. The water heater is 6 year warranty and new anode adds 4 more, although I wish they would just sell one with 10 years.
Cold and hot water inlets are three quarter male, instead of usual female, and these nipples are smooth round. I also wish I could find better words.
I am just replacing the water heater, not installing a new system. I checked the wiring for the heater, and there are just 2 wires to connect. There is no special bonding screw or grounding arrangement made in the heater itself. It is direct connect and not to be plugged into dedicated outlet, so I think the wiring is simpler than current 240 volt drier or other appliance, where neutral and grounding have to be provided. The wire is BX and HO recently had the breakers replaced by an electrician. I admit I don't understand the electric completely, but it is a system that has worked for at least 6 years. The busted water heater is from HD, by the way, and I would recommend anyone not to buy from HD. Whatever the cause, the water heater was bought in 2001 and it is completely rusted and leaking.
I like to replace the anode now before the joints rust shut, but I also don't want to break something by forcing the connections. I was just wondering if I can remove the factory installed nipple. If it takes 2 people, then I would just have to keep it at 6 year warranty. Anyway, thank you all for the reply.
The nipples are die-electric nipples---- they should have a white plastic interior.
"2 wires"????? there should be a green screw on the water heater inside the junction cover---- that is "ground" & needs to be connected.
What model of Rheem, I am curious about the non plug for the anode.
“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” —Albert Einstein
http://waterheating.rheem.com/dotcomWeb/pageflows/productfamilies/ProductFamiliesController.jpf?market=R&type=E
All the standard electric models there have the usual anode access at the top of the unit. Only the poly units don't have them, but that's because they are plastic and don't need them.
I've always used an impact wrench - electric or air - to remove the anode. Just like changing a tire.
And there will be a ground screw in the water heater.
Didn't your unit come with a manual/hook-up instructions?