Anode or custom drain plug on Suburban Hot Water Heater?

[danemayer]

Bear in mind that teflon tape is an insulator and may affect the electrolytic action needed to prevent tank damage. I suggest you clean the threads with steel wool and a bit of oil and then put a new rod in. If you think that seepage into the threads is causing the rust, then instead of teflon tape, use a liquid pipe compound (available in plumbing supply stores). I use one that has teflon in it. the advantage is that the compound only goes into gaps in the threads. There is metal-to-metal contact on the threads themselves.

If wear on the anode rod is the indicator of electrolytic action, I think everything is working because my anode rod has to be replaced annually.

 

[TandT]

Anode deterioration seems to vary radically with the hardness of water from one location to another.

I have been here in Kanab for up to 6 months at a time, with very little corrosion on the anode.
In Borrego Springs my anode was destroyed in 6 months. Trace

 

[SeattleLion]

If wear on the anode rod is the indicator of electrolytic action, I think everything is working because my anode rod has to be replaced annually.

You are correct. Frequently the threads cut the tape so they make contact. I'm not a plumber, but an old friend who advised me (I did a lot of plumbing work on my last house) advised that the liquid Teflon is best. I've had very good luck with it.

 

[JohnDar]

I just bought a new Mg anode rod (as a spare). The instructions say to put teflon tape on the threads.