Replacing Sacrificial Anode Water Heater

This rod protects the tank from corrosion by corroding first before the tank.

Replacing sacrificial anode water heater.

Close the shut off valve at the cold water inlet line. Rods are made from magnesium aluminum or aluminum zinc alloy. Bucket or hose to remove a couple gallons of water. 3 locate the anode rod on the water heater.

First turn the power off to the water heater at the circuit breaker. If necessary unscrew and lift off the cover from the top of the heater. Inside every water heater is a long metal rod called an anode rod made of various metals. Standard sacrificial anode rods are the more common water heater anode rod out of the 2.

Possibly a helper or two replacement sacrificial anode rod. 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. 5 if the anode rod won t budge slip a steel pipe onto ratchet wrench handle for extra leverage. In some cases replacing your water heater s anode rod yourself could void the appliance s warranty.

Turn off water and fuel supply gas or electric. These anode rod replacement instructions presented here are generalized to work with a wide selection of brands and heater. 4 use a ratchet wrench and 1 1 16 inch deep socket to unscrew the anode rod from the 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.

1 turn off water and fuel supply gas or electricity to water 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. A high quality 6 point 1 1 16 impact socket. This is especially true if you have hard water or use a water softener.

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. 6 lift out and discard the old anode rod. How to replace a sacrificial anode rod. 2 partially drain the water heater.

This part literally sacrifices itself to keep the tank in optimal condition. Without it the water tank would start corroding from the inside out which would eventually result in a severe leak at the bottom. 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. 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.

Removing the sacrificial anode rod. Protect your water heater from corrosion by learning how to replace the anode rod. When the rod itself becomes so corroded that it can no longer do its job the tank soon rusts out leaks and needs replacement. That s why it s also referred to as a sacrificial anode.

That s why it s important to replace or at least check your anode rod every three years.