An anode and backfill steel protector combination for inserting into at least one cavity which is mechanically formed in steel reinforced concrete. The anode and the backfill steel protector combination comprises an anode for insertion into the at least one cavity with the anode comprising a sacrificial metal element less noble than steel and a backfill which comprises a viscous and pliable ionically conductive material for insertion into the at least one cavity. The backfill is packaged within a cartridge and the cartridge is a cartridge for use with a cartridge which facilitates injecting the backfill from the cartridge into the at least cavity formed in the concrete. The backfill in a cartridge has a shelf life of at least 2 days.