Newbie trying to replace AO Smith anode

[Thundercat710]

Hello,

Newbie homeowner here - we moved into our 9 year old house and I decided to try flushing the water heater and replacing the anode because I'm not sure if it's been done before. Model is an AO Smith GCV-40-300 from '13.

Haven't started any work yet, because I found where I believe the anode is, but the head of it doesn't look like anything I've been able to find online, which shows them normally being a 1-1/16th hex head, or threaded inline with the hot water output. This is what I see when I look at it. What do you make of these pictures? Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Take a pic showing the entire top of the water heater please

 

[Thundercat710]

Take a pic showing the entire top of the water heater please

 

[Twowaxhack]

The anode is under that clear plastic plug in the back.

 

[breplum]

You’ll have to look it up but there’s a chance that the cold water nipple is a combo anode rod like 100210064 - AO Smith 100210064 - Aluminum Anode Outlet 23" Long, 5" Nipple

 

[Thundercat710]

The anode is under that clear plastic plug in the back.

Interesting, ok. What is that other thing in picture 2, do you know?

 

[Twowaxhack]

Interesting, ok. What is that other thing in picture 2, do you know?

I believe that to be an alternate temperature and pressure relief valve location, it appears to have a plug that’s commonly used to plug a secondary T&P location.

Dig that plastic plug out and any insulation and see if you find a hex head. If so, that’s the anode.

 

[Twowaxhack]

You’ll have to look it up but there’s a chance that the cold water nipple is a combo anode rod like 100210064 - AO Smith 100210064 - Aluminum Anode Outlet 23" Long, 5" Nipple

Usually it’s on the hot side if it’s done that way, the outlet. Cold side gets the dip tube.

You knew that……

Rheem sold and stil may sell an extended warranty package that included a secondary anode that was installed in the hot side, the outlet.

 

[Thundercat710]

So I'm ok to dig all this stuff out, and then when I put a new one in, I need to re-insulate it? Also, what kind of sealant or tape should I use on the new anode? Thanks for your assistance

 

[Twowaxhack]

Sure you can insulate it with some foam or a piece of pipe insulation stuffed in the hole.

You can use Teflon tape or pipe dope. Or Teflon with a little pipe dope on top of the Teflon, not too much. Light coat.

The anode will be difficult to remove most likely. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[Thundercat710]

It's going to be deeper than this? Keep digging?

 

[Twowaxhack]

It's going to be deeper than this? Keep digging?

I suppose dig until you hit the tank or find the hex top of the anode.

 

[Thundercat710]

I suppose dig until you hit the tank or find the hex top of the anode.

I don't think this is right - I'm like 4 or 5 inches down and it's still foam

 

[Twowaxhack]

I don't think this is right - I'm like 4 or 5 inches down and it's still foam

ok then it’s not there.

Someone may have removed the anode and installed that recessed head plug in its place.

Ive never seen a recessed head plug anode. So I don’t think that’s the anode but it might be it’s original location.

What’s the name and model number of the heater and we might can look up some info on it.

I’ve heard that some water heaters do not have a serviceable anode. It’s buried under the top cover……

 

[Thundercat710]

AO Smith GCV-40-300 from 2013

 

[Twowaxhack]

Maybe they used an anode like @breplum mentioned on the hot side outlet and plugged the anode hole ?

I can’t find anything specific on your heater other than in the books that AO smith publish online. Those prints do not show your exact top inlet and outlet locations as your pic does.

So I’m guessing.

You could take that square recessed plug out and start with that. You could add an anode there.

You could also remove the hot outlet and check for the secondary anode or install a secondary anode there.

You could call AO Smith and give them your serial number and they’ll be able to give you the exact location as it left the factory.

Or leave it all alone because the heater is getting old. It’s 9 yr old.

 

[Thundercat710]

Maybe its time to think about replacing it, I dunno

 

[Twowaxhack]

Maybe its time to think about replacing it, I dunno

Or just leave it alone. Does it have a drain pan under it that drains to the outside or a floor drain near by ? Where is the heater installed ? Would it damaged anything if it leaks ?

 

[breplum]

I'm pretty sure it is the hot nipple combo deal.
You can call the mfr and they will tell you.
But why not just get one or, if in a closet, one of these.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/EASTMAN...-Rod-with-5-in-Nipple-Fitting-60289/318559677I'm overdue on both WHs at my house too.
Need to figure out if Magnesium vs Aluminum/Zinc.

 

[Thundercat710]

Or just leave it alone. Does it have a drain pan under it that drains to the outside or a floor drain near by ? Where is the heater installed ? Would it damaged anything if it leaks ?

It's out in the garage so nothing would be damaged. Just trying to stay ahead of things and not have things die on me