Hot Water Heater Anode Threads Calcified

**fam5mel** · 04-01-2022, 09:14 AM

I left the anode rod out of the hot water heater after winterizing. Went to put a new anode rod in and found that the threads were full of calcification. It was almost like concrete. I had to literally run a tap into threads to clean it out. Should I put the anode rod back in after draining the tank next time I winterize. Is there a lubricant or something I could safely put on the threads to prevent this in the future. Thanks for all advice. The surprise in this is that we use a Clear Source water filtration system. I’d think the water would be mineral free!

**huntr70** · 04-01-2022, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by fam5mel

I’d think the water would be mineral free!

The anode rod was doing it's job. Sacrificing itself instead of eating the tank walls.

Some minerals are not a bad thing....

**Hoopy Frood** · 04-01-2022, 09:37 AM

I always use a bit of anti-seize on the threads when I put it back in. And leave it out during the winter, but put something that breathes in the hole to keep the bugs out. But still have to run a tap through the threads every couple years.