Anode Location?

[philipk65]

Hi,

I have a 40 gallon ao smith gas water heater from 2004 and what to know exactly where the anode rod is.

There is a plastic cap with insulation under it . I pushed a awl down through the insulation about 3 inches and didn't hit anything.

How far down is the top of the anode rod?

Do I have the right hole?

Thanks! Kevin

 

[havasu]

Reminds me of a joke, but I won't go there!

Look for a hex nut on the top of the heater...it will be attatched to it...you will need an a long breaker bar and socket to remove the old one...you usually can find replacements at some of the big box hardware stores.

 

[philipk65]

The only opening on the top of the heater has at least 3 inches of foam insulation on top of it.

Is this the right location?

How far down could the anode be?

 

[havasu]

A typical water heater top. Many have the hex-head anode exposed, as here. Others have it under a plastic cap, but in about the same position. A few have it under the sheetmetal. And on some, a combo anode is in the hot port, as in the position of the pink-topped nipple.

 

[philipk65]

I did research and found the I only have a secondary rod in the hot water supply nipple.

It looks like it has a compression fitting.

Do you have any pics to help me chance out a secondary anode rod or describe the steps?

Thanks!

 

[havasu]

I'd call AO Smith but if I was a betting man, it would be threaded, since they can be replaced.