Replacing Sacrificial Anode Hot Water Heater

Next turn on a hot water faucet somewhere in the house.

Replacing sacrificial anode hot water heater.

One of the most important parts of a water heater is the sacrificial anode rod and how to replace the anode is easy to do. This is especially true if you have hard water or use a water softener. Bucket or hose to remove a couple gallons of water. The rod may be under the water heater s sheet metal top or connected to the hot water outlet nipple.

How to replace a sacrificial anode rod. In some cases replacing your water heater s anode rod yourself could void. A few newer plastic lined tanks have no anode rods to replace before you get started close the shutoff valve turn on the hot water at a faucet to relieve pressure and turn off the electricity or gas to the heater. Some water heaters may have what is called a hot water outlet anode installed in the outlet side.

Without it the water tank would start corroding from the inside out which would eventually result in a severe leak at the bottom. If space above your water heater is tight a flexible replacement anode rod makes the installation easier. Possibly a helper or two replacement sacrificial anode rod. Most water heater manufacturers will recommend inspecting the condition of the sacrificial anode every one 1 to three 3 years and replacing it when consumed more than 50 1.

A high quality 6 point 1 1 16 impact socket. That s why it s important to replace or at least check your anode rod every three years. Hot water outlet anodes. These anode rod replacement instructions presented here are generalized to work with a wide selection of brands and heater.

Since these will be connected to the outgoing plumbing the removal and installation is slightly different. When the anode rod has rusted away the water heater s tank may begin to rust which will cause the water heater to fail and you ll end up paying hundreds for a brand new water heater. After about a minute turn off the hot water faucet then check for leaks around the new anode rod. Turn the cold water supply to the heater back on and let the tank fill.

These will usually need to be replaced at the same time as regular anode rods. Turn off water and fuel supply gas or. Protect your water heater from corrosion by learning how to replace the anode rod.