Rheem ap12938 anode rod installation

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.

Copy following link to identify anode rod:
Re-install new anode rod with 6 wraps teflon tape to ensure it will not leak.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html

Additional resources.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html

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

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

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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.

Anode rods for tank-type water heaters are located on top of tank.
This is true since anodes are about 44" long.
Top of anode is standard 1-1/16" hex nut.
Anodes can be located in 2 different places: either directly screwed into top of tank -or- attached to hot water nipple.
Most times the exploded parts diagram in manual simply shows 'anode rod' without specifing exact location. If your tank has long warranty, then it can have two anode rods, and 1 will be on top and the other probably attached to hot water nipple, or there could be two anodes screwed into top of tank.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html

If anode is screwed into top of tank, then it will be under a plastic cap -or- it will be concealed under the top cover of tank.
Look for plastic cap, and if none shows, then remove screws holding down metal cover and look there for 1-1/16" hex nut.
Lastly, remove hot water nipple and check for anode located there.
If you have 2 anode rods, then replace with same metal for each.

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Also take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
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I would have to go along with your brother on this one. The aluminum anode rod is by far the cheapest way to go. Other options include extensive filtration,ozone treatment and acid treatment.
The aluminum anode rod is much cheaper and I would recommend you change it yearly at least. Good luck and thank you.

Tank is rusted out, and requires replacement.

I) To protect yourself from ruptured tank, you should turn it off and use it only when hot water is needed.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Emergency-steps-for-leaking-water-heater.html

II) How to install ordinary tank-type water heater yourself:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html

III) There are 5 preventable things that kill a water heater and cause it to rust away.

1) Anode rod depletion.
Loosen anode rod before installing water heater.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Replace-anode-rod.html

2) Stray current corrosion
http://waterheatertimer.org/9-ways to save-with-water-heater.html#Ground-tank

3) Sediment build up because no water softener
http://waterheatertimer.org/Clean-sediment-out-of-water-heater.html

4) Corrosive effects of water softener, and anode rod not inspected (see #1 above)

5) Chemicals stored in same room as gas appliance.
Read page 2 of manual below
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Service-manual-for-ignition-resistant.pdf

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Also take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
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Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

It seems a little expensive, but not drastically out of line depending on where you're located. Some plumbers might have like a 4 hour minimum and/or charge for travel time. so if you're charging say 75.00 an hour with a 4 hr min that would be 300.00. Now if you are a do it yourself person you could then do it yourself.