Description Rheem 221953 Sacrificial Anode Blue Rheem 221953 Sacrificial Anode Blue Rods – Essential Protection for Your Water Heater Sacrificial Anode Rods play a key role in extending water heater life and preventing leaks. Made from steel cores covered in magnesium, aluminum, or zinc, these rods corrode instead of the tank, protecting it through electrolysis. How Sacrificial Anode Rods Work Installed at the top of hot water tanks, sacrificial anodes corrode more easily than the tank’s steel, preserving the tank by “sacrificing” themselves. Maintenance & Replacement Water quality and usage impact anode lifespan, typically 4-5 years. Rheem recommends checking and replacing the anode every 5 years in metro household systems. Regular anode maintenance prevents tank corrosion and extends water heater life. Read more Different types A Blue anode (normally Aluminium) must be used in hard water conditions to prolong the hot water systems life. Take care not to use a hard water anode in a soft water situation as this will cause other issues due to the anode over-reacting. Remember: Once the anode has diminished, electrolysis will attack the tank causing corrosion and dramatically shortening the life of the hot water system How do I replace the Rheem Electric Storage Sacrificial Anode ? Isolate the water heater and relieve the pressure by lifting the TPR valve (1). Remove the anode cap (2). Using a tube or socket spanner remove the anode (3). Apply thread seal tape to replacement anode, refit and tighten. Note: It may be necessary to cut the anode to length prior to fitting Restore water supply and check for leaks. Refit the anode cap. Purge air from the system through hot taps and restore the power supply to the water heater.
