OK, so I decided to change the anode on my 50gal Bradford White gas-powered water heater today (6 years old, nothing left of the anode). Anyway, after a lot of language that would make a sailor blush, I manage to get the old anode out. However, when I go to install the new anode, I find that the rocket scientist who designed my house did not allow enough clearance above the heater for the anode to slide into place… it hits the ceiling.
My workaround was to cut about 3″ off the end of the anode (originally 36″ long, now its 33″ long). What I need to know is whether there will be any negative consequences to this “modification”, apart from the obvious reduction in service life of the new anode.
Thanks in advance for any guidance you can offer.
Replies
Don't know...bump
As I understand it the anode might provide slightly less protection to the bottom of the tank. The closer the anode is to the metal it is to protect the better it works but three inches does not seem a large difference. I would not worry too much about it.
More worrying is that the anode was essentially gone before it was replaced. The tank being vulnerable to corrosion during the period of time when the anode was gone. Even this is not a worry. The tank will last until it fails.
While your at it it might be wise to get a pan and drain line to daylight under the tank. Perhaps a project the next time you drain the tank. Recommended every six months or so. Most are luck to see it done every year.
If the heater is in a closet like space you can get a section of the thick PVC plastic used for shower pans. This can be slipped under a water heater tank even if the plumbing doesn't allow much movement. I used a notched 2by4 braced on the floor behind the tank and rope tied to the fittings on top and a longer 2by4 as a lever to lift the tank up a full half inch the plumbing allowed.
The sheeting I ran up the three walls about 3" and stapled it in place at the top edge. Corners I folded neatly and stapled. The front edge I ran up a 2by4 I placed in the door. Sheeting going up and over before being stapled.
The drain I rigged out of a PVC shower drain. This got the water below the floor in good order. The house had a dirt crawl space so there was no need, IMHO, to run any piping but gluing on a few lengths sloped to daylight would have been easy.
Given that a conventional drain pan would have required me to raise the tank about 4" and the galvanized steel piping would have been a pain to deal with I figured I did OK avoiding messing with it.
over at heatinghelp.com there is a small book for sale about water heaters ("waterheater bible", or something like that), written by a guy who sells sectioned anode rods for just your problem. I used them in my heater, you bend it for installation and straighten it out as you slip it in. The core wire is stainless so that it won't corrode and drop the sausage sections of anode rod into the tank.Norm
A shorter anode will reduce the level of anodic protection at the bottom of the tank (this may be bade) and will be consumed faster so you will need to replace it much quicker. I suggest you contact B-W for a segmented anode. I work for AOSmith and I know we sell segmented anodes for people in your situation.
Bill
Wow, thatnks guys for the great input. I'll get in touch with BW and see if they have segmented anodes.
just had an episode on This Old House last night. The plumber ointed out the problems with removing and installing anode including the kind that "hit the ceiling". He had a segemented anode that is made for tight overheads.
Rbhella, you sound like you made out much better than me!
I'm going to admit that when it comes to mechanicals...I shouldn't touch anything.
Anyways, in my last house the water heater needed a new element. Mine screws out of the side though...there was two of them..one high and one low. Anyways, I tried emptying the tank, but it wouldn't empty...so I decided...what the heck...I'll just do a quick switch...pull the old one out and quickly stick the new one in. I shut the water off (I'm kinda smart enough to do that) and went about unscrewing the element with my giant channellocks.
If you've ever seen the three stooges...you probably know what the next scene looks like.
When I got to the last thread on the element, the water was leaking onto the towel and into the bucket...I picked up the new element...positioned the gasket and proceeded to unscrew the final turn of the old element. Good grief....I didn't know it would launch itself! The water exploded out of the tank, spraying water all the way across the roof and all over the ceiling. It was the NIAGARA FALLS OF WATER TANKS! I panicked as the water slapped me in the face and I was barely able to come to my senses and try to stick the new element in place.
I managed to get the element started...but the closer I got it headed into the hole, the harder the water was spraying....kinda like trying to couple a water hose without turning off the water...except that it had a lot more water and a lot more force. Somehow, I managed to get the stupid new element all the wayin...but now I had to turn it too to get it started. My fingers just aren't that strong and I was leaning on that thing with both hands!
Eventually I summed up all my strength...because I didn't have a choice and managed to actually get that thing turning.
I wish I knew how to drain the dang thing.
blue
Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
To drain it, you slowly open the valve at the bottom of the heater, after the water supply has been turned off. Then, you don't end up with what you had. If the water won't come out of the valve, you'll need to replace it. First, open the hot water valve closest to the heater to relieve the pressure and remove the valve.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
NOw you tell me!
I decided that I never want to wrestle that tank again....I moved!
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!