Change Water Heater Anode

Rods are made from magnesium aluminum or aluminum zinc alloy.

Change water heater anode.

It is a good idea to have a helper hold the tank while removing and installing the anode rod as twisting the water heater could lead to leaks or broken pipes. Inside every water heater is a long metal rod called an anode rod made of. This diy repair guide explains how to replace the anode rod in an electric water heater. Water heater pan has started to accumulate water.

Changing the anode rod every four years is a great way to extend the life of your water heater. In this video this old house plumbing and heating contractor richard trethewey explains how to change a water heater anode rod. 1 turn off water and fuel supply gas or electricity to water heater. 2 partially drain the water heater.

You want to extend the lifespan of your water heater. Aluminum replacement rods are sold at home centers. Top 10 reasons to replace your anode rod. 3 locate the anode rod on the water heater.

When the anode rod is depleted it no longer offers corrosion protection for the tank. Natural micro organisms and sulfates that exist in some water can react to the aluminum or magnesium anode rods in the hot water tank creating a rotten egg smell. As long as anode rods are regularly checked and replaced your water heater tank will be protected from corrosion. An anode rod is a special metal element that s meant to slowly dissolve so that the tank itself doesn t corrode.

If necessary unscrew and lift off the cover from the top of the heater. It will cost you much less to replace the anode rod than your water heater. If you have limited clearance it may be necessary to bend the rod to get it out. 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.

In most cases the hexagonal head of the rod is visible on the top of the water heater. 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. The anode rod helps prevent tank corrosion.