Replace Sacrificial Anode Rod For Water Heater

Standard sacrificial anode rods are the more common water heater anode rod out of the 2.

Replace sacrificial anode rod for water heater.

Tank style water heaters come under a lot of pressure from the acidity of. Bucket or hose to remove a couple gallons of water. 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. The anode is covered in a layer of sacrificial metal so it draws the corrosion towards it preserving the inside of the tank.

Water heater anode rod guide. Water heater anode rods are used to keep the water in the tank from corroding the metal lining of the heater. Rods are made from magnesium aluminum or aluminum zinc alloy. In most cases the hexagonal head of the rod is visible on the top of the water heater.

An anode rod helps prevent corrosion of a water tank and its elements and is often referred to as the sacrificial anode by experts. The length is the same as a flexible rob and install is the same. 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. You might also consider flushing your water heater out at least once a year as a normal maintenance procedure.

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. Aluminum replacement rods are sold at home centers. Protect your water heater from corrosion by learning how to replace the anode rod. 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. Tankless water heaters do not contain an anode rod however standard tank style water heaters do. How to replace a sacrificial anode rod.

High water heater bills. You can order an anode rod replacement for your water heater by directly from the hot water heater manufacturer. Old anode rods increase the sediment at the bottom of the tank which inhibits heat transfer.