Suburban Water Heater Maintenance

[brianlajoie]

I pull the anode when I'm done with my trip and wonder what I should do with the build up of rust and calcium (?) on the threads. The anode I was able to use sand paper as the anode was not ready to be changed out yet. On the water heater threads, I'm asking what others do to keep the threads from building up too much deposits. I've used a little sand paper, but cannot fit my hand so that I can follow the threads. Does any one use something like lime away to clean off the calcium deposits?

 

[danemayer]

Are you using teflon tape on the threads?

 

[gasman]

I just use teflon tape on the threads and I have never worried about cleaning the threads.

 

[JohnD]

I use a small wire brush to clean the crud and rust off of the threads.

 

[brianlajoie]

Are you using teflon tape on the threads?

Yes, I use teflon tape, but the anode's threads don't fully cover the heater's threads. Since I cleaned it today, will need to reapply. Was wanting to keep it as clean as possible so that inserting the anode was problem free.

 

[mlpeloquin]

Make sure that the wire brush you use is brass or stainless steel.

 

[avvidclif]

Make sure that the wire brush you use is brass or stainless steel.

Available at any gun shop that sells cleaning supplies and probably wally world. Looks like an oversize toothbrush. Don't contaminate it by using it on steel.