Replacing Sacrificial Anode Hot Water Heater

Without it the water tank would start corroding from the inside out which would eventually result in a severe leak at the bottom.

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. 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. 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.

A high quality 6 point 1 1 16 impact socket. That s why it s also referred to as a sacrificial anode. What a anode does is it sits inside the unit and attracts the bad particles that s in the water that could otherwise attack and corrode the tank shorting the life of the heater system. The rod may be under the water heater s sheet metal top or connected to the hot water outlet nipple.

Turn off water and fuel supply gas or. Since these will be connected to the outgoing plumbing the removal and installation is slightly different. That s why it s important to replace or at least check your anode rod every three years. Some water heaters may have what is called a hot water outlet anode installed in the outlet side.

These will usually need to be replaced at the same time as regular anode rods. Turn the cold water supply to the heater back on and let the tank fill. 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. 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.

This part literally sacrifices itself to keep the tank in optimal condition. These anode rod replacement instructions presented here are generalized to work with a wide selection of brands and heater. Hot water outlet anodes. In some cases replacing your water heater s anode rod yourself could void.

This is especially true if you have hard water or use a water softener. Protect your water heater from corrosion by learning how to replace the anode rod. After about a minute turn off the hot water faucet then check for leaks around the new anode rod.