Anode rod under hot outlet? Ao Smith GVR 50 300

[DIYER39]

I just want to be sure before I start taking things apart. Tank is about 3 years old and I guess I'm suppose to check the rod. The manual online did not seem to match my setup. I have included a couple of pictures. I was removing the plastic cap on the edge of the tank but decided to stop. Can anyone tell me what the plastic cap is for? Thank you for any help and advice.

 

[Master Plumber Mark]

you water heater is only 3 years old,
you dont need to be fooling with the rod...
Just because they say you ought to look at something
every so often does not mean to tear into something and
get yourself in troubles.....

the plastic plug you see in the back is where they squirt the styrofoam
into the heater shell.... It appears that your rod is probably attached
to the hot nipple on the heater....

leave it alone

 

[Sponsor]

 

[DIYER39]

and leave it alone I will... Thank you very much MP Mark for taking the time to answer my questions. I have no problem either way, but I truly value the experience and advice on this forum. Would you or anyone else care to tell me a good time to check the rod, if ever?

 

[Reach4]

you water heater is only 3 years old,
you dont need to be fooling with the rod...

Is there an age that you think he should check or replace the rod?

 

[Dana]

The combustible pipe insulation that close to the draft hood & vent piping is a code violation. Give it at least 6" .

 

[DIYER39]

I'm a little worried that this is a touchy subject for multiple reasons in the plumbing world. If someone is more comfortable sending me a private message, I would be happy to keep them private.

Dana, the unit was installed by a professional plumbing company. Is there something that I can do to fix the pipe insulation like cutting it off or moving it?

 

[Master Plumber Mark]

Is there an age that you think he should check or replace the rod?

If you absolutely must mess with one I would wait at least 6 years .. They are made to get the heater to last
past the warranty period....how long past that time is anyones guess...

 

[DIYER39]

Sounds like great advice. Thanks again for all of your help MP Mark. Ive been watching people struggle on youtube to remove their anode rod so I understand your concern. If I had a hex nut anode I would probably give it a shot. Not really sure what I will do in the future with my water heater but it won't be anytime soon.

 

[Dana]

I'm a little worried that this is a touchy subject for multiple reasons in the plumbing world. If someone is more comfortable sending me a private message, I would be happy to keep them private.

Dana, the unit was installed by a professional plumbing company. Is there something that I can do to fix the pipe insulation like cutting it off or moving it?

Find the point where the insulation is 6" away from the vent, cut it there, and remove everything foamy that's closer than 6".

A utility knife is better for this task than a chainsaw. ;-)

 

[DIYER39]

Thanks Dana. I took care of it.

 

[sanjay92]

Hi,
I have same question and my pictures are almost same. I have AO Smith ProMax + Model GVR 50 100 Gas Heater and it has been 15 years. Where is location for Anode Rod ?

 

[Master Plumber Mark]

Most likely the anode rod is built into the steel nipple coming out on the hot side of heater....
new ones cost about 65 bucks last I checked....They are pretty easy to change but considering the
age of your water heater I am willing to bet it has been eaten away 5 years ago/

you ought to think about just putting the heater down and getting a new one

 

[sanjay92]

Most likely the anode rod is built into the steel nipple coming out on the hot side of heater....
new ones cost about 65 bucks last I checked....They are pretty easy to change but considering the
age of your water heater I am willing to bet it has been eaten away 5 years ago/

you ought to think about just putting the heater down and getting a new one

Yes, That's correct that ANode Rod is under Hot water outlet.
I was able to pull out old rod but new rod which I bought from Amazon Blue Lightning 79099 , I was unable to put back since it was stuck where PVC fitting hits rod. I need to use segmented one since I don't have enough clearance on top. New rod has circumference around PVC side is 7cm while old one is only 6.5 cm. I am looking for correct part number for segmented one. Original part number per AO smith is 100210067