Warning: use of tools and/or working with gas, electricity, or hot water under pressure can pose risks of property or bodily injury. Please read and follow instructions. Prior to work, ensure that pressure is relieved from the system and heating is turned down or off. In some cases, work or modification of equipment may void manufacturer warranty. If these instructions are not followed there is increased risk of damage to product. This device is intended for use with hot and cold water storage tanks that are operating in compliance with United States Uniform Plumbing Code 2018 or equivalent.
Installation Instructions
Make sure the tank is relieved of pressure & not actively heated. Remove the old anode, and clean the anode port threads with wire pipe-brush. If desired, at this time flush any old sediment and/or perform any bleach or hydrogen peroxide “flushes” if that is part of your plan in removing odor.
If the anode you purchased has pre-applied thread-sealant, then no teflon tape is necessary, but if no thread-sealant is present, please wrap anode threads above the leading 2 threads 8-12 times with PTFE tape or use a brushable thread-sealant.
Use only a 6-sided hex socket and hand tools (torque-wrench or ratchet) for installation. If the anode port is quite recessed, then (pictured at bottom of page) to make installation much easier you may connect the positive (red) connection from the adapter to the top of the anode before installing, and allow the wire to sit in a recess of the polymer head, after which the socket is placed over the anode, pinching the wire to it and retaining the entire assembly to the socket in a snug fit. Thus the anode with connected wire can be lowered to the recessed anode port all at once, with the electrical connection already easily accomplished.
Install anode by first reverse-threading the anode in the port using only your fingers and a socket, or socket+extension (no ratchet), so as to feel and hear when the threads are aligned and ready for engagement, which helps to prevent cross-threading. After thread alignment/start has been found, use fingers to tighten clockwise to engage the threads. After finger-tightening, use a hand-operated tool to slowly tighten to 8-15 foot-lbs of torque. Do not overtighten the anode or it could break. Pre-applied high-viscosity thread-sealant provides sealing and lubrication of the threads. It is best to tighten minimally, check for proper seal, and then tighten additionally if needed and within constraints.
Connect the positive red terminal of the adapter to the anode. Connect the remaining GND terminal assembly to any existing screw on the outside of the water tank with GND print facing outward in a visible location, then plug the adapter into a functional outlet. Anode installation is complete, and the light on the GND terminal assembly will show green when the tank is completely full of water and protective current is flowing through the circuit. The tank shroud is always electrically-bonded to the inner tank, typically at the supports under the tank & therefore forms continuity.
Note: If at some point in the future the water heater tank and anode are allowed to cool, then while the tank is not under pressure the anode should be visually inspected for leaks, and if present the anode should be adjusted for appropriate 8-15 foot-pounds of tightness. No other servicing of the anode is required.
Your tank is now protected!
Thank you for choosing STOLTCO®!
