Finding a Rheem part number ..... Anode rod.

[sarg]

After wandering around the internet for a couple hours with no luck .... I have decided to ask for guidance here. I am trying to determine the correct anode part number for a Rheem Electric heater ... i.e. a model # XE30M06ST45U1.
I got as far as the Rheem replacement part site and it requires an account to do a search.
How does one locate the specs for the proper anode rod in a given unit ? ( thread size ... length ... composition etc ? )

What I've noted in my search so far is the Rheem rods all seem to have 3/4 threads but there are five or more diameter rods of different lengths. Do you cut off the excess lengths ? Do you simply choose the material you want .... any diameter will work and cut or buy a length that will fit your tank ?

 

[Geofd]

Bring that info to your local plumbing supply house they will be able to help

 

[sarg]

Very glad I did not respond to Angie's offer of a Supporting Membership yesterday and decided to ponder the offer for a day or two . Why participate in a forum when I can just travel 30 miles to the nearest plumbing supply house for answers.

 

[Jeff Handy]

sarg, yesterday was Christmas.

So don’t be so surprised about not being flooded with suggestions, have some holiday spirit.

People have lives and family and priorities other than this very helpful forum.

And being advised to consult with a plumbing supply house is a very frequent suggestion from members on here.

Or call Rheem customer service, but they are probably also closed for the holiday weekend.

There are several web sites that can provide a pdf of your manual, which might list part numbers, if you need the info immediately.

If the water heater is new enough that changing the anode is worth while, then your pdf should turn up with searching.

 

[TomFOhio]

I called my supply house which is what we do when were not sure about a part. Rheem uses a SP11526C anode
rod. It is 443/8 long. The threads in the tank is 3/4". Hope this helps.

 

[Mitchell-DIY-Guy]

https://www.amazon.com/Rheem-SP1152...keywords=Rheem+SP11526C&qid=1609005634&sr=8-1
Unless you have that kind of headroom--then full length of the rod and then some, you'll need a replacement rod instead.

https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Eau...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
and yes, you can cut part of that last rod off so it doesn't hit the bottom of your tank!

 

[sarg]

I will try to use more discretion in the questions I ask in the future.
Rheem lists 118 different Anode rods and each model heater comes with a specific OEM rod. A specific diameter ... specific length ... specific composition.
I eventually found a source for the information I wanted.

 

[Matt30]

Rheem Heaters take a generic anode rod. It’s the 3/4” male type, not the combo. Some of the newer ones are “dual anode” equipped. If yours is there will be a sticker on the tank identifying it as such. They are different lengths for 40 or 60 gallon though. Just measure the tank and get one that’s roughly the same length

 

[Matt30]

Very glad I did not respond to Angie's offer of a Supporting Membership yesterday and decided to ponder the offer for a day or two . Why participate in a forum when I can just travel 30 miles to the nearest plumbing supply house for answers.

We do not work for the website and are not paid in any way for our contributions. The membership is to help keep the website running as there are costs to do so.

 

[Jeff Handy]

The suggestion of the flexible rod is great, because if you buy any solid rod, it will require you to disconnect the heater from electric and plumbing, drain it, and lay it down on the floor on its side.
Or tilt it severely, with a helper.
Unless you have a super high ceiling, or a short heater.
I have only changed a few, but they required a long cheater bar on the socket wrench, and a helper to stabilize the heater, like with a bear hug.
The manuals always say to remove and inspect the rods annually or whatever, but they don’t admit that they are installed too damn tight.

 

[Jeff Handy]

PS I have made plenty of grouchy posts myself.
We all have those days, no biggie.

 

[Mitchell-DIY-Guy]

Don't be surprised if you go through all your sockets and do NOT find the one that fits. Despite having more tools and sockets (mostly from automotive and general purpose use) than you'd imagine, the one I needed for the anode rod on mine was some uncommon size not generally included in sets. I want to say it was 1-1/16 but my memory may be off. I do know I had to go to the local hardware store to buy that single socket...and @Jeff Handy is spot on: breaker bar and bear hug.

 

[sarg]

Yes... it's a 1 1/16 ...... I wonder if an impact power wrench would damage the lining through vibration ?

I also read an interesting article that stated the diameter of the anode rod varies because of the "length of unit warranty"
So a 6 year warranty get a .750 diameter
9 year = .840 diameter
12 year = .900 diameter
Can anyone substantiate this ? I have been told by an employee of Ace Hardware that attended Rheem training .... the difference in price of the units is dictated by the warranty length ..... the actual units are the same.

 

[TomFOhio]

On Bradford White they have a 6 year warranty but if you want a 10 year warranty you have to buy a special
warranty sticker that goes on the side of the tank Same exact tank just a sticker on the side that says 10 years.

 

[Jeff Handy]

On some brands, the extra warranty years are basically just an insurance policy that you buy.
But on other brands, they throw in a second anode rod, to extend the tank life.
You can always add your own second rod, before you install the heater.
But it might violate the warranty, best to consult customer service first.
Or install it at end of warranty.

 

[sarg]

In our case the size of the rod probably will never matter as we drain the tank to clean and replace the elements yearly. So while the bottom element is out we do an inspection.

 

[breplum]

Some 12 yr warranty water heater packages consist of a box with an extra anode rod, and the sticker for extended warranty.
All 12 year water heaters use the same exact tank( based on my limited sample size over 45 years), but second anode rod helps with extending life, for sure.

 

[Jeff Handy]

In our case the size of the rod probably will never matter as we drain the tank to clean and replace the elements yearly. So while the bottom element is out we do an inspection.

I’ve been told that the size of the rod does indeed matter.
No complaints so far.

 

[Matt30]

It is 1 1/16”. I use an electric impact wrench to loosen them and just out them back in with a ratchet

 

[Twowaxhack]

Some 12 yr warranty water heater packages consist of a box with an extra anode rod, and the sticker for extended warranty.
All 12 year water heaters use the same exact tank( based on my limited sample size over 45 years), but second anode rod helps with extending life, for sure.

Rheem did that. I sold a few. Extra anode goes on hot side and had the outlet nipple built on.