Replacing Water Heater Sacrificial Anode

Replacing your anode rod at regular intervals may increase the life of your water heater saving you money time and the inconvenience of having to replace your water heater one of the most important considerations in having a normal life span for your water heater is whether the anode rod is performing it s job to divert corrosive action away from the tank walls to the anode rod.

Replacing water heater sacrificial anode.

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. In most cases the hexagonal head of the rod is visible on the top of the water heater. If necessary unscrew and lift off the cover from the top of the heater. Turn off water and fuel supply gas or.

Removing the sacrificial anode rod. You can order an anode rod replacement for your water heater by directly from the hot water heater manufacturer. Rods are made from magnesium aluminum or aluminum zinc alloy. 3 locate the anode rod on the water heater.

Once the anode is gone the tank begins to. That s why it s important to replace or at least check your anode rod every three years. This rod protects the tank from corrosion by corroding first before the tank. Without it the water tank would start corroding from the inside out which would eventually result in a severe leak at the bottom.

A replacement anode rod a socket wrench a 1 and 1 16 inch socket a 24 inch cheater bar or pipe a flat blade screwdriver teflon tape a garden hose and a hacksaw. This part literally sacrifices itself to keep the tank in optimal condition. 2 partially drain the water heater. How to replace a sacrificial anode rod.

Inside every water heater is a long metal rod called an anode rod made of various metals. 4 use a ratchet wrench and 1 1 16 inch deep socket to unscrew the anode rod from the heater. Bucket or hose to remove a couple gallons of water. A high quality 6 point 1 1 16 impact socket.

Protect your water heater from corrosion by learning how to replace the anode rod. The length is the same as a flexible rob and install is the same. Aluminum replacement rods are sold at home centers. Many people are unaware of just how much the water heater s anode rod does in order to protect the lining of your heater s tank.

Possibly a helper or two replacement sacrificial anode rod. These anode rod replacement instructions presented here are generalized to work with a wide selection of brands and heater. With this one tho we don t have to straighten the rod as we are lower and install it into the tank as there will be room overhead. However if you replace your water heater anode rod before it fails about every five years you can double the life of your water heater.