RV water heater anode thread tapping...

[@davidsr1121]

You’re the only person to explain it well and simply. Thank you

[@pmtips4482]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@SWTBlazers]

My RV water heater anode threads were crusted up. Watched your video yesterday. Bought the 3/4 x 14 TPI pipe tap at KMS Tools. Hand threaded the tap into the water heater. Only had to put the wrench on the tap for the last 2 revolutions before I hit the end (the tap definitely hit an end). I didn't put much torque on the tap at all to get to the end. Cleaned those threads up NICE. I haven't got my anode in that far the last couple of years. THANK YOU for your vid. It's the only one out there that I found that was ON POINT.

[@pmtips4482]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad it worked out for you!

[@manuelmach86]

Sir i just want to say to you in the highest degree possible, THANK YOU for this video!!!!!!!!! Thats EXACTLY what happened to my suburban water heater on my new travel trailer. Anxiety shot through the roof when i tried putting back my original anode plug. I purchased two new anode plugs on amazon thinking that the original plug was the problem. I tried hand screwing the new one in and couldnt even get it started. 15 agonizing mins and many cuss words later, i made the discovery that the threads on the heater itself “female” were damaged. I felt like i was the only man on earth dealing with this issue and thankfully i came across your video! God Bless You, and Happy camping…!!

[@pmtips4482]

Thank you for watching! I really appreciate the comment too!

[@toureasy123]

Thanks for making this video! I was having the same problem with my HOME hot water heater. That is, the anode rod would only turn in about 1/2 turn. And it was down a 3" deep hole, so I had to use the same method you used to turn the tap using a 13/16 12-point socket. And it worked! You saved me from an expensive plumbing visit or even from buying a new home tank. Thanks!

[@pmtips4482]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@maxfundom9819]

Very good explanation!! I’ve been trying to figure this out for quite a while.

[@pmtips4482]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@andrewingham479]

Thanks man! Very helpful video! I'm in the process of repairing the threads on my Rv hot water heater right now.

[@Zeuskerdoo]

Thanks for the video. This is exactly the issue I have as well. Just ordered the tap and will give it a shot !

[@pmtips4482]

Thank you for watching and commenting! Happy RVing!

[@tsrspellfire]

Just tap the treads, worked perfectly. Thanks for the video.

[@pmtips4482]

Glad it helped!

[@jamiethedba]

Nice job ... no BS just how to do it ... I love it

[@pmtips4482]

Glad you liked it!

[@andymartinez7583]

Great video explaining how to clean out the threads in the an rv water heater. I have the problem now I feel a bit more confident to clean out the treads myself. Thank you

[@scott_young]

Thank you for the advice, explanation and help with this informative video. Helped me so much with my RV water tank repair!!

[@pmtips4482]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@jlantz3691]

Just the video I was looking for, as I cross-threaded mine. Thanks for the video and the link.

[@pmtips4482]

Glad it helped!

[@michaeldavis3445]

This is a great video and thank you for posting. We have been so frustrated with our new water heater anode rod not fitting. Im buying the tools today to hopefully fix it up.

[@pmtips4482]

You are welcome!

[@JimBrown-qz3do]

Thank you Thank you! Watched your video, ordered tap, arrived from Amazon next day worked exactly like you described.

[@pmtips4482]

Glad it helped!

[@Ellis1127]

Awesome detail and information! 🫡🫡🫡

[@pmtips4482]

Thank you! 👍

[@CapoKevin100]

thanks a lot I am going to give it a shot

[@pmtips4482]

Take your time and be sure to start it by hand only. A new tap will cut old rusty threads on a water heater like butter. Thanks for watching!

[@nobodyspecial914]

Thanks for the tutorial.

[@pmtips4482]

You're welcome!

[@theroadking547]

Thanks for sharing your experience and explaining. I'm having a leak ....I think once the water gets hot it's causing a small drip. I just replaced the annode that already had the plumbers tape and still leaks but after I had some hot water.

[@pmtips4482]

You could try putting the thread sealing tape on a little thicker. Mine is beginning to corrode pretty bad, I'll need to chase the threads again soon. Good luck to you! Thanks for watching!

[@rrhunter4281]

Just did mine. Was thinking this might work but thought the tap would be much more expensive than it was. Did clean the hard calcium and whatever other gunk was in the threads. Thanks.

[@pmtips4482]

Thank you for watching!

[@teresamichel4807]

What size or type of socket did you use on the end of the tap? I have the tap but trying to figure out what was used for the socket. Don't want to use a wrench as it will put downward pressure on tap.

[@pmtips4482]

Right, a wrench will pull it off center if not extremely careful. Mine takes a 13/16 12 point socket and fits perfectly. Thanks for watching!

[@AnotherDayDIY]

Thanks for this! We have a similar situation with an rv we just purchased. Looks like previous owners never replaced the anode 😢

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for watching and safe travels!

[@thegilestimes5585]

Thank you...

[@pmtips4482]

You're welcome!

[@richhahn2443]

Thanks. I just ordered a tap.

[@pmtips4482]

Thanks for watching! I hope it works out good for you!

[@nooksandcrannies9871]

Took my Anode Rod out today and struggled for over an hour to get back in with no luck. Tomorrow it’s off to HD for a tap. Wish me luck 🍀

[@pmtips4482]

Hi, I hope it worked out OK for you! Put some teflon tape on it too, it will further protect the tank threads. Thanks for watching!

[@nooksandcrannies9871]

@@pmtips4482 it did. Had to take a wire brush and clean the threads. Back in and resting for the winter. Thank you!

[@pmtips4482]

I'm glad it worked out for you, stay safe!

[@bassresource]

Hi Jeff, My threads are actually "filled in" by hard calcium deposits, making only the first few threads useful. Will this method "clean them out", or should I use a different method instead?

[@pmtips4482]

Bass, this tap will clean the threads to a "like new" condition. The pipe thread nature will only allow about 3 to 4 threads of engagement. Make sure to use the correct size tap and to start it carefully. Thanks for watching!

[@frykowski7283]

What socket for driving that tap?

[@frykowski7283]

Nvm I looked farther in the comments ! Thanks for this video

[@pmtips4482]

Ok. I was just checking on it too. As you seen, a 13/16 12 point is perfect. Thanks for watching!

[@danbraun8430]

Yes thank you so very much!!!!!!

[@pmtips4482]

You're welcome!

[@darkseid8481]

Great video! How do you find out the tap needed for the other things though? For instance pressure release valve or heater element?

[@pmtips4482]

I would just take out the valve/fitting in question and match it up thread wise with a known pitch. The heater element should be a standard but there could be a couple different sizes. Thanks for watching!

[@jlantz3691]

Quick question. What size socket did you use on the thread tap? Thanks.

[@pmtips4482]

I don't remember. Just match it up by trying different sockets. 8 point is perfect but tougher to find. 12 point will work too. Good luck! Thanks for watching!

[@jlantz3691]

@@pmtips4482 No problem. Looks to be a 21mm fits best. Thought you might have found a better option. Thanks again.

[@expatusa6002]

Thank you for this video. I had read elsewhere that it would be safer to use a thread chaser, rather than a tap, for this job. However, whenever I type chaser into Amazon (or elsewhere) it always brings up a cutting tap. So I am going to get the tap shown in your link from Amazon. But I am kinda scared I might ruin it. And hot water heaters (and having a dealer fit one for you) are expensive ! Fingers crossed, I guess.

[@pmtips4482]

If yours is really rusty, just go slow, use a small adjustable wrench or socket and ratchet to keep the leverage low. You can use a little WD-40 but run lots of water out of the tank. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@expatusa6002]

@@pmtips4482 Thank you so much for your help ! It is not really rusty as I cleaned it out with a brass wire brush. I think the threads are just a little damaged. Can I ask though, how do you know when to stop ? Because, if I understand this correctly, the anode rod itself has a slight taper, and if you go too far with the tap, it will make the the sides of the receiving part parallel, and so the anode rod will be slack and not form a seal ? Anyway, I have ordered the tap from Amazon, thank you, but not sure how deep to go.

[@pmtips4482]

I would carefully go about half way, and be cautious backing it out too. Taps are so hard they will cut both ways if even slightly off. Work safe!

[@expatusa6002]

@@pmtips4482 Okay, will do...and thanks so much again !

[@amirwatkins2367]

Is there a link for this? To purchase the thread

[@davidmathog5328]

The square base of my 3/4" NPT tap is 11/16" on a side. What size socket did you use in this video? It was hard to read it while it spun, but it looked like it was 13/16". Was it maybe a 13/16" 12 point?

[@pmtips4482]

Yes, it was a 12 point 13/16 socket. It fit as perfect as it possibly could. Thanks for watching!

[@barrymyers3245]

Is there an easier way to install the rod I have large hands trying to screw the rod in I aways drain the tank after I use the camper each time unless another way to drain my water heater is a suburban water heater

[@pmtips4482]

Barry, I know what you mean there. Try using a deep well socket that fits and a short extension. Put the anode in the socket and try screwing it in with the extension. Be careful to make sure you get the threads started correctly. All mine have been Suburbans too, and all those have to be drained by removing the anode. Thanks for watching!

[@danmiles1410]

The threads on mine aren't cross threaded, but rather rusted and pitted, not allowing my anode rode to go in very far. Will this procedure work on it? Thanks for the video.

[@pmtips4482]

Hi Dan, yes this will super clean the rusty threads in the heater. Spray some WD40 or similar product on the tap and the threads and carefully start the tap. Be sure to flush the tank out to wash out the lube product. Good luck! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jjoeyoky62575]

?

[@WilbertRobichaud]

I found the anode is a nightmare to thread in and hard to get it to go in straight, probably why so many are cross threaded.

[@janiobermudez7739]

What is the exact size of the tap?....i see today one in Harbor freight

[@pmtips4482]

Hi Janio and thank you for watching! The tap size is at the one minute mark 1:00 3/4 inch by 14 tpi (threads per inch) NPT (national pipe thread taper). Good luck!

[@janiobermudez7739]

Thank you I already buy in Harbor Freight tools,tomorrow I work in my heather

[@countrylife392]

Where did you get your tap

[@pmtips4482]

Hi Allison, I can't remember as I bought it for our first RV that had a water heater years ago. I checked this morning and saw Home Depot had them for 12.00 and amazon was 18.00 so you need to check around. The size you need is 3/4 x 14 NPT. Thanks for watching!

[@countrylife392]

@@pmtips4482 thank you

[@jeffabbott2905]

I hope this works. Thanks for posting this video, I have the same issue. Can you tell me if yours HWT is a Suburban?

[@pmtips4482]

Hi Jeff, yes it was a Suburban. Thanks for watching!

[@mikefoehr235]

Our plug is not in properly...needs the threads chased.

[@pmtips4482]

This should work great, just take your time when starting the first thread engagement. Thanks for watching!

[@GimpyCamper]

I think it was rude of you to remove the link. I included links before I was affiliate just to help people, which is the primary purpose of my channel. But if you say you’re going to have a link, you should have a link, even if you don’t benefit from it... just my opinion

[@pmtips4482]

My apologies. Amazon instructed me to remove the links as they contained an affiliate code in the last several alphanumeric characters. Thanks for watching.