buildup of water deposits on anode insert threads

[Ron & Izzy]

on our '21 3231ck we have a pretty bad case of mineral deposits on the anode insert threads for the 12 gal water heater. this said i could buy the 30% cleaning vinegar at home depot and basically have a gallon left minus 5 tablespoons, or my thought was to use apple cider vinegar on a paper towel at the opening and let sit for 5 minutes, then use a small wire brush to scrub away the deposits.

has anyone else had this problem, and how did you rectify?

r-

[jsb5717]

I've used steel wool. I just stuck some into the opening then used my finger to swipe it around the threads a bit. It worked pretty well. I didn't over work it so it would leave pieces of steel wool in the tank. Just a few good swipes then a new piece.

That and new plumbers tape and it hasn't leaked yet.

[BB_TX]

I used a 3/4" NPT tap to clean the threads. Run it in just enough to clean the threads. Not enough to enlarge or extend the threads.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Drill-Am...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Our3231CK]

If you use steel wool, highly recommend that you take a small magnet to pick up as much small fillings as possible.

I use apple cider vinegar to clean almost everything with various diluted measures, always flush well when finished no matter what method used. Teflon tape on the threads will help keep them cleaner.

[Ron & Izzy]

Originally Posted by Our3231CK

If you use steel wool, highly recommend that you take a small magnet to pick up as much small fillings as possible.

I use apple cider vinegar to clean almost everything with various diluted measures, always flush well when finished no matter what method used. Teflon tape on the threads will help keep them cleaner.

saying this, will the apple cider vinegar hurt the inside of the water tank if not flushed in 6 days time (were leaving on a long trip next sunday).. and how would i flush if i monty is in storage currently? Also, if particles of water deposits get into the hot water tank will be a problem?

thanks...

r-

[Ron & Izzy]

my thoughts on the vinegar was to push a paper towel which has vinegar on it into the opening.. let the soaked paper towel stay in the opening for about 4 or 5 minutes then use the wire brush..

r-

[jeffba]

I just changed my anode. the deposits are actually on the threads deeper than the anode threads. I just let them be

[Bourbon County]

A copper tubing fitting cleaning brush does a pretty good job, use the end with the 3/4" female cleaner.

[Daryles]

I do the same as BB-TX.
I have a 3/4" NPT tap (True Value hardware store). I clean the threads with a wire toothbrush. The run the tap in finger tight. Then give it a 1/4 turn with the wrench.
You DONT want to go all the way through. This is a tapered fit hole to make it water tight under heat and pressure.
Then I use a Camco wand and flush the tank out really good. Then I use a wet vac with a vinyl tube and vacuum out any remaining debris.
I use teflon pipe thread on the anode rod when putting it back in.

[twindman]

I made an almost fatal move. I too used a 'tap' and cleaned it out, but turned it way too much. Made the hole too large most of the way in.
The last 2 or 3 years I have put a LOT of tape on the anode threads and get it pretty tight. Usually I have to turn it slightly again a day later, as water is seeping out. But that seems to finally get it tight. I am waiting for the year it doesn't stop leaking!!!!!

My tank is under an 'island' in the kitchen and the sides of the island are nailed or stapled from the inside out! So I could push the siding in and eventually get at the tank but no way to reattach the sides.

[Kfinnert]

I agree with Jeffba, I just cleaned my HW Tank and noticed the build-up on the treads. I let it be and then put the anode rod back with new plumber's tape. The threads of the anode rod did not come close to the deposits!

However, if you want to clean the threads, or soak them, then vinegar or apple cider vinegar is the way to go o clean hardwater deposits. Wont hurt the tank and it won't hurt you!

Cheers

[RMcNeal]

In addition to the vinegar, I've used a green scrubbie pad like you wash dishes with.
Not sure what they're called, but my wife wasn't happy I took it. Worked well though and no steel wool to leave shavings.