If necessary unscrew and lift off the cover from the top of the heater.
Replacing water heater sacrificial anode.
These anode rod replacement instructions presented here are generalized to work with a wide selection of brands and heater.
A high quality 6 point 1 1 16 impact socket.
Bucket or hose to remove a couple gallons of water.
4 use a ratchet wrench and 1 1 16 inch deep socket to unscrew the anode rod from the heater.
How to replace a sacrificial anode rod.
In most cases the hexagonal head of the rod is visible on the top of the 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.
2 partially drain the water heater.
Inside every water heater is a long metal rod called an anode rod made of various metals.
Possibly a helper or two replacement sacrificial anode rod.
You can order an anode rod replacement for your water heater by directly from the hot water heater manufacturer.
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.
This part literally sacrifices itself to keep the tank in optimal condition.
Removing the sacrificial anode rod.
Turn off water and fuel supply gas or.
Once the anode is gone the tank begins to.
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.
Aluminum replacement rods are sold at home centers.
3 locate the anode rod on the water heater.
Protect your water heater from corrosion by learning how to replace the anode rod.
Rods are made from magnesium aluminum or aluminum zinc alloy.
The length is the same as a flexible rob and install is the same.
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.
Standard sacrificial anode rods are the more common water heater anode rod out of the 2.
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.
That s why it s important to replace or at least check your anode rod every three years.
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.
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.
