Magnesium Water Heater Anode Rod (44 inch Flexible) 3/4" NPT Thread for Rheem, Reliance, Richmond, Kenmore, GE by Kelaro

Great

Good fit, just needed to cut off 5 inches worth, easy to cut. Have to wait to see how long it lasts

Works as designed

Great price and installed without a problem

I was lucky enough to get the old anode off without a ton of effort - 2 ft breaker bar + 1 ft extension to get it loose. I’m guessing that my plumber likely did something right by me- he’s a schoolmate from the 1970‘s. Maybe he removed and reinstalled and lubed up the anode with extra pipe dope upon ins.- it helped that I used a six point deep socket. My anode was about 1 inch recessed. The socket I bought was described as particularly thin, and was still a tight fit.- my water heater did not rotate even when I emptied it. Idk if it’s anchored to the floor or if the connections are simply very secure.- after allowing the water to cool, I emptied a few gallons of water through a garden hose, but upon removal of the depleted anode, I got a gallon or so of overflow. Have 5-6 towels on hand and/or empty out more water than you think you’d need to.- the new anode did not immediately thread, so I had to press on it through the socket with a screwdriver into the recess. The moderate overflowing water didn’t help.I did the sediment drain at the same time. It took me six drains to get clear water.It would have been nice to get some Teflon tape with the anode (I noticed after the fact that most other sellers do this, at same price). That’s my only gentle criticism.

Cheap maintenance to prolong your water heater life indefinitely. Do it once in 3 years and you’re all set.Anode rod (once in 3 years), full port drain valve replacement (one time), pressure release valve (once in 3 years), flush once every 1-2 years= issue free water heater for life.As others mentioned- get 1/2” impact wrench - saves a lot of effort and makes changing rod a breeze.

Removing an old anode rod is always a chore, especially if there is not enough overhead clearance, but this segmented one easily goes into the tank. Won't know how well it lasts until I check it in a few years.

I am amazed at how easy the rod was to change. This rod is segmented just like the original on my Rheem water heater. Much easier to install than a solid rod.