Water heater anode rod

Hi. Can anybody confirm where my anode rod is?
I have the a o smith promax gcv 50 100series.
But i have little confidence in a o smith technical support.
I also suspecting the tpr was placed in lieu of the anode rod.
Also what is the right side thing of the WH for. I thought this is where the tpr was supposed to be.
Thanks.

Yeah the relief valve should be on the side according to pictures from A O Smith I don't know why someone put it on top? People are weird. So you don't have an anode rod and by seeing that that gas valve is an older style that tank isn't new to say right? Which means if you're just thinking about replacing your anode rod now it's not worth it.

Yeah the tank is 13 year old. I flushed it yesterday. There was sediment but not too bad. I still want to replace the anode for the fun of dyi though.

Sounds like you don't have any of the manuals for that unit, which are available on line. I suggest you look at them.
https://www.hotwater.com/support/GCV-50/

EDIT: Confidence or not, I don't understand why you wouldn't hear what they (AO Smith) have to say about it.
They would likely say someone screwed it up.
And I wouldn't use plastic pipe for the discharge from the P&T Relief valve.

Diehard said:

Sounds like you don't have any of the manuals for that unit, which are available on line. I suggest you look at them.
https://www.hotwater.com/support/GCV-50/

EDIT: Confidence or not, I don't understand why you wouldn't hear what they (AO Smith) have to say about it.
They would likely say someone screwed it up.
And I wouldn't use plastic pipe for the discharge from the P&T Relief valve.

Click to expand...

They initially said the anode was where the tpr was then changed their statement that it is inline with the hot outllet nipple. I bought the house with the whole thing installed several years ago. So whoever installed this apparently was not concerned about quality control.
My challenge now is :
1. to take the tpr off that location and replace it to where it is supposed to be.
2. Take the socket on the side of the wh so the tpr can go there.
3. Install a new rod on its intended correct location.

They have an optional anode assembly, which does work exactly as they told you.

The standard installation, includes the TPR valve mounted on the side. But, If you are doing a retrofit, that might require replumbing more than you want to do. So, they offer the optional rod which is installed in yours.

They gave you the advice for a standard installation, and when it become obvious that your installation isn’t typical, they modified the advice to fit what you have.

You can re-plumb everything if you want. Or, you can buy their special anode and install it.

The problem is that i started removing easily the top part of the hot outlet pipe and looked at the remaing nipple. It doesnt look like the hot inline anode was there. You can see in the picture also even without the top pipe removed. As if there was no anode ever installed.

Do you have the replacement ride? It should unscrew with a pipe wrench just put it on the nipple and turn until it’s lose and pull out. It’s going to be a few feet in length so make sure you’ve got the space. Finally reinstall it with just tape no pipe dope and your set. For shits and giggles I would flush the system one more time. Personally I would never drain an old water heater but your knee deep already so might as well go the distance. When you turn the water back on go to the tub spout or a nearest faucet remove any aerator later and let the good time roll. FYI when flushing the water heater keep the cold supply open for a bit to push that buildup out until it gets clear. GL buddy