Threads on hot water tank sacrificial anode

[robkathybat]

I take my sacrificial anode out every fall when winterizing the trailer to drain the tank. I replace it about every 3 years unless it gets eaten up faster. My problem is the threads on the tank appear to be getting rusty enough where I can't seem to thread the anode in very far and have a very small leak, like a drop every 2-3 minutes or so. I wire brush the tank threads with water running out every spring, and thoroughly clean and apply new pipe thread tape to the anode. I get about 2 turns in by finger then about another turn with socket before it doesn't turn any more. Does anyone know how to clean up the threads on the tank? Is there a die I can use to clean up the threads or do I take a chance of damaging the threads?

[Ford truck guy]

To me..... It sounds like cross threading..

It is very easy to cross thread the anode rod and heater threads as it wants to "dip down" when being installed....

Just MY guess...

[robkathybat]

I am extremely careful when installing the anode. I am pretty sure it is not cross threaded since I can screw it in a couple of turns by hand. I've always only started it by hand. If I had ever cross threaded it it would have been right away, not a couple turns in. Thanks for the thought.

[r time soon]

Have read that a 3/4” x 14 tpi npt tap can be carefully used to clean up rust from threads and remove the excess Teflon tape. $16 on Amazon.

[robkathybat]

I will check that out. Figured there was some sort of die I could use but had no idea what size.

[travelin' texans]

Used a 3/4" thread tap on mine regularly.

[robkathybat]

We are headed out Saturday for a week at Disney with the family. I will order the tap when we get back. Like I said earlier I currently have a very small leak that shouldn't be a bother. Thanks for all the advice.

[Ford truck guy]

Originally Posted by robkathybat

We are headed out Saturday for a week at Disney with the family. I will order the tap when we get back. Like I said earlier I currently have a very small leak that shouldn't be a bother. Thanks for all the advice.

staying at the Fort?? Post some pics of the campsite if its large enough for your RW... I am keeping am RW friendly list for the Fort...

[robkathybat]

Here is a picture of our site. Must be at least 70 feet long. Plenty of room for truck and trailer. There are plenty of big sites here.

[Ford truck guy]

Thats good… what site # is that.. I will add it to my list

[robkathybat]

the site is #1326

[Redwood 31SL]

If you have an old Anode rod, make a cut perpendicular the threads with a hack saw. Cut the the threads deeper at the starting point than at the back of the threads. Then thread this into the hot water tank as a thread chaser. It will work as a tap and cut the debris out of your existing threads. As a millwright I have done this on many occasions when I didn’t have a tap available. Be sure to use a lubricant on the the threads of the anode to carry away the filings. Clean the water heater threads with a small wire brush afterwards.