Replacing Anode Rod In Electric Water Heater

Changing the anode rod every four years is a great way to extend the life of your water heater.

Replacing anode rod in electric water heater.

Since most water heaters use a standard 3 4 npt connection you simply need to choose the type of installation you have. Water heaters use an anode rod to attract and remove sediments from the water being heated. When your water gets a sulfur smell it often involves the anode rod in your hot water heater. This may suggest a problem with your pilot light.

This rod is designed to attract corrosive elements extending the life of your heater. 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. This should solve the problem. This is a common problem with older water heaters and in certain parts of the country.

2 partially drain the water heater. Diameter x 42 in. 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. Wait for the gas to dissipate.

Rheem protech 54 in. Item 1023132 model 60066. Then reignite your pilot light. An anode rod is a special metal element that s meant to slowly dissolve so that the tank itself doesn t corrode.

As mentioned above you might have a water heater with a separate inlet for the anode rod or your anode rod might be installed on the hot water outlet. 4 use a ratchet wrench and 1 1 16 inch deep socket to unscrew the anode rod from the heater. Aluminum replacement rods are sold at home centers. 5 if the anode rod won t budge slip a steel pipe onto ratchet wrench handle for extra leverage.

3 locate the anode rod on the water heater. When the anode rod is depleted it no longer offers corrosion protection for the tank. Set your store to see local availability add to cart. Eastman water heater anode rod water heater anode rod.

If necessary unscrew and lift off the cover from the top of the heater. You need to periodically replace these rods and have the option of getting the same type of rod or a different one such as a powered anode rod. Turn off the gas control valve. What if your hot water has a garlic like odor.

Long aluminum anode rod for water heaters model ap12938. An anode rod will corrode and deteriorate over time until it s no longer capable of functioning and has to be replaced. Rods are made from magnesium aluminum or aluminum zinc alloy. The anode rod helps prevent tank corrosion.

If all else fails hire a plumber to replace the anode rod. Replace the anode rod. In most cases the hexagonal head of the rod is visible on the top of the water heater.