Replace Sacrificial Anode Rod For Water Heater

How to replace a sacrificial anode rod.

Replace sacrificial anode rod for water heater.

Aluminum replacement rods are sold at home centers. Water heater anode rods are used to keep the water in the tank from corroding the metal lining of the 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. When replacing your anode rod it s a good idea to also flush your water heater out to clean out any sediment rust or gel build up accumulated at the bottom of the tank.

Tankless water heaters do not contain an anode rod however standard tank style water heaters do. 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. Water heater anode rod guide. Bucket or hose to remove a couple gallons of water.

Rods are made from magnesium aluminum or aluminum zinc alloy. The anode is covered in a layer of sacrificial metal so it draws the corrosion towards it preserving the inside of the tank. The length is the same as a flexible rob and install is the same. You can order an anode rod replacement for your water heater by directly from the hot water heater manufacturer.

Removing the sacrificial anode rod. Tank style water heaters come under a lot of pressure from the acidity of. A high quality 6 point 1 1 16 impact socket. 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.

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. High water heater bills. Standard sacrificial anode rods are the more common water heater anode rod out of the 2. Old anode rods increase the sediment at the bottom of the tank which inhibits heat transfer.

That s why it s important to replace or at least check your anode rod every three years. In most cases the hexagonal head of the rod is visible on the top of the water heater. You might also consider flushing your water heater out at least once a year as a normal maintenance procedure.