How do i clean my anode in my rheem optima - Rheem Water Heaters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6w88TXMbg8

replacing the anode will increase the life of the tank. it is the large nut on top of the tank. it is a sacrificial material that helps prevent tank rust through.

Anodes last a very long time. It will be on a pipe plug going into the machine. As long as most of it is there, it's ok.

There are two types magnesium anode.
1) Hex-head that screws into separate port on top of tank, and comes either 44" long or 12" sausage links.
2) Combo-anode that connects to Hot water nipple, and comes in solid or combo.

Contact guys at following link to purchase anodes
http://www.waterheaterrescue.com/pages/WHRpages/English/OrderPages/XCart/sales-through-XCart.html

General instructions and types of anodes
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html

Rheem 'preferred parts'
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/2011_Rheem-anode-rods.pdf
Purpose of resistorized anode is supposedly so magnesium performs as well as aluminum.
Rheem however had 'resistorized elements' years ago, and that turned out to be promotional gimmick so people would buy rheem-brand products.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

You are installing a combo anode rod that replaces hot water outlet nipple. This means you will have 2 anode rods, which doubles the anode capacity of tank, which can cause extended life of water heater, assuming that both anodes are inspected each 2-5 years.

Sounds like a heat trap insert is in the way.
Look at parts sheet that comes with product manual.
Pull insert out since it will cause clogs.
Same insert is on cold side nipple.

I want you to contact the Tank forum since they are anode experts:
http://www.thetankatwaterheaterrescue.com/forums/forum3/
Tank will recommend magnesium anode and not aluminum.

My understanding is that Rheem water heaters are made so only Rheem brand anodes fit their tanks. While other companies use generic anodes that are sold at any plumbing supply, and also sold at Tank website.

You can configure pipes to make heat traps that save save $2-4 per year on gas water heater operation.
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/Heat-trap-install-900.jpg
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-maintain-water-heater.html

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Question posted under Rheem water heater.
Model number does not describe water heater.
Model number posted in question does not appear at Rheem, and does not appear in a web search for water heaters.
Here are options:

1) Add a comment and describe water heater in detail so expert can access more information

2) Contact Rheem.
http://www.rheem.com/Contact.aspx

3) If this is tank-type water heater, the anode is located on top of heater.
Look for 1-1/6" hex nut located under a plastic plug.
Some anode rods are connected to the hot-water nipple.
Sometimes the top cover has to be removed to find anode hex nut.
I have used impact wrench on anode, and could not remove in some cases.

4) More resources:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html

Anode rods are generic and available from local plumbing supply store or internet.
Just cut it off so it drops into the tank without touching the bottom or sediment on the bottom.
If there is not enough room above the tank to install new rod, then buy anode rod with sausage links.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html

Open following link for Rheem parts: page 7 shows anode rods
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Rheem-parts-list.pdf

Anodes are located on top of water heater.
There are no hard fast rules for location, either by model number or brand.
Most times the manual is likewise vague.
1) There is hex head visible on top of tank.
2) Hex head is located under a plastic cover
3) Hex head is located under metal top, so remove screws holding top, and lift top off to view hex head
4) Anode is connected to hot water nipple.
5) With 9-12-15-and lifetime tanks, you can have 2 anode rods, and each has to be made of same material to work properly. Usually magnesium-aluminum instead of aluminum.
But if you inspect and change anodes frequently to prolong life of tank, then one is as good as the next.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html

Open following links shows Rheem anode rods
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Rheem-Ruud-anode-rods.pdf
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Rheem-Ruud-water-heater-parts-guide.pdf
Tech resistor anode rod has resistor added to prolong life of anode.
You can cut rod off to fit size of tank. You want anode 5-6" from tank bottom so sediment build-up doesn't reach anode.
Anodes are standard 1-1/16" hex head.
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/Water-heater-anode-006-200.jpg
http://waterheatertimer.org/Clean-sediment-out-of-water-heater.html

Add a comment with your experience so others with same-similar problem can benefit.

Also take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
For a price, expert works with you while you work on water heater or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

You posted under typical Rheem tank-type electric water heater, but don't say what service you want to perform.
Listed below are typical actions one takes with electric water heater:

1) Flush tank each 6 months to prevent sediment.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Clean-sediment-out-of-water-heater.html#flushelectric
2) Inspect and replace anode rod.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html
3) Test electricity from breaker box to water heater
http://waterheatertimer.org/Test-electricity-to-water-heater.html
4) Troubleshoot electric water heater
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-water-heater.html
5) Clean sediment out of water heater
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-clean-sediment-out-of-electric-water-heater.html
6) Save money
http://waterheatertimer.org/9-ways-to-save-with-water-heater.html
7) Do it yourself information
http://waterheatertimer.org/Do-it-yourself-water-heater-timer.html

Add a comment for more free help.
Also take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
For a price, expert works with you while you work on water heater or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

It looks like a plug screwed into the top of the water heater (it IS plugging the hole so turn off water and release pressure b4 removing)