Close the shut off valve at the cold water inlet line.
Replacing sacrificial anode water heater.
Rods are made from magnesium aluminum or aluminum zinc alloy.
Removing the sacrificial anode rod.
A high quality 6 point 1 1 16 impact socket.
These anode rod replacement instructions presented here are generalized to work with a wide selection of brands and heater.
Bucket or hose to remove a couple gallons of water.
Possibly a helper or two replacement sacrificial anode rod.
1 turn off water and fuel supply gas or electricity to water heater.
Protect your water heater from corrosion by learning how to replace the anode rod.
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.
This rod protects the tank from corrosion by corroding first before the tank.
Turn off water and fuel supply gas or electric.
For gas heaters you should turn off the gas supply.
The length is the same as a flexible rob and install is the same.
6 lift out and discard the old anode rod.
This part literally sacrifices itself to keep the tank in optimal condition.
How to replace a sacrificial anode rod.
That s why it s also referred to as a sacrificial anode.
4 use a ratchet wrench and 1 1 16 inch deep socket to unscrew the anode rod from the heater.
That s why it s important to replace or at least check your anode rod every three years.
When the rod itself becomes so corroded that it can no longer do its job the tank soon rusts out leaks and needs replacement.
First turn the power off to the water heater at the circuit breaker.
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.
3 locate the anode rod on the water heater.
Standard sacrificial anode rods are the more common water heater anode rod out of the 2.
Once the anode is gone the tank begins to.
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.
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 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.
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.
If necessary unscrew and lift off the cover from the top of the heater.
5 if the anode rod won t budge slip a steel pipe onto ratchet wrench handle for extra leverage.
This is especially true if you have hard water or use a water softener.