Rheem Water Heater Parts SP11524C Anode Rod - 0.840 in. diameter x 44-3/16 in. long - Magnesium REPLACES AP11524C, Price/each

I had to curl it and use a breaker bar in order to remove the original one. After that everything was easier. I followed a video online on how to change it and I stopped having cloudy water. GE water heater 40 gallons.

These came rather quickly. Just as described. Uses 3/4" NPT.

I was shocked at how corroded the old rod was after 5 years. I needed an impact wrench to get it loose. You might too. Hope this holds up a little better.

Works, price is good.

Worked fine and price and delivery were accurate.

Anode rods are a consumable part of a water heater tank. I recently learned that these rods keep the water from eating the tank itself by being sacrificial.Not sure why they come in so many diameters (as the hole go in is standard 3/4") but I guess you look up your particular tank and buy the appropriate diameter. It would also help to find the original length. Keep in mind you may have to cut to length.I consider magnesium to be an upgrade to aluminum. I'm sure there are some circumstances when aluminum would be better but not in most cases. Foremost, I don't think we should have aluminum in our water.First, shut off cold water supply to tank and turn on a hot faucet to relieve pressure. To remove,I used an impact wrench with a 1-1/16th socket. As others have noted the old one will be in there pretty good and using breaker bar may result in the entire tank rotating. Mine is 11 years old and most of the rod was eaten up. I had some trouble removing it as the lower half had broken away and was dangling. Luckily it is attached to a steel core which made retrieval possible. There as quite a bit of white crud on the rod that worked it's way loose in removing it so I flushed the tank.Install is easier than removal. I used teflon tape to seal. Some say you don't need it because the threads are tapered and some say you need to use tape and sealant. Go with your gut. I can tell you the original had been taped. Neither will affect proper grounding as the threads will cut through and make proper contact with the tank. Turn the water back on and work out air from pipes and check for leaks.Now you are good for another 5-6 years, according to what I've read.