Replacing Sacrificial Anode Hot Water Heater

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.

Replacing sacrificial anode hot water heater.

A high quality 6 point 1 1 16 impact socket. In some cases replacing your water heater s anode rod yourself could void. Without it the water tank would start corroding from the inside out which would eventually result in a severe leak at the bottom. Next turn on a hot water faucet somewhere in the house.

If space above your water heater is tight a flexible replacement anode rod makes the installation easier. The rod may be under the water heater s sheet metal top or connected to the hot water outlet nipple. 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. Turn the cold water supply to the heater back on and let the tank fill.

That s why it s also referred to as a sacrificial anode. 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. Hot water outlet anodes.

This part literally sacrifices itself to keep the tank in optimal condition. That s why it s important to replace or at least check your anode rod every three years. 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. Bucket or hose to remove a couple gallons of water.

How to replace a sacrificial anode rod. 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. Possibly a helper or two replacement sacrificial anode rod. Turn off water and fuel supply gas or.

These anode rod replacement instructions presented here are generalized to work with a wide selection of brands and heater. Since these will be connected to the outgoing plumbing the removal and installation is slightly different. Some water heaters may have what is called a hot water outlet anode installed in the outlet side.