When should I replace my water heater 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. 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.
What are the different types of anode rods for water heaters?
There are 5 types of anode rods. However, the majority of all water heaters will have an aluminum, magnesium, or zinc anode rod. Let’s look at each below: Magnesium anode rods are the most common type of anode rod used in residential water heating units.
How do you check the anode rod on a gas water heater?
Turn on the water, the power or gas, and burp the air from the system. Check the condition of your anode rod every three years. If the hex head is set below the top of the heater, you’ll need a 1-1/16-in. socket to reach it. If it protrudes above the top, you can use any type of wrench.
Can I use a cheaper anode rod for my tank?
You can use a cheaper aluminum, magnesium, or zinc anode rod because you’ll likely need to replace the tank in the next 3-5 years regardless. What are the Different Sizes of Anode Rods?
How often should I replace the anode on my water heater?
Most water heater manufacturers will recommend inspecting the condition of the sacrificial anode every one (1) to three (3) years and replacing it when it has been consumed more than 50%. This is especially true if you have hard water or use a water softener.
Can an anode rod be cleaned and reused?
You cannot clean your anode rod in your water heater . However, it is important to inspect the sacrificial anode rod every 1 to 3 years and replace it after more than 50% of its wear and tear to avoid corrosion of your tank.
Do I need to change the anode rod in my water heater?
As a general rule, anode rods need to be replaced about every 4-5 years. However, this can vary depending on how much water flows through your gas water heater or electric water heater. Very large families, for example, may use a lot more hot water, and may need more frequent anode rod replacement intervals.
How do I know if I need to replace anode rod?
A bad anode rod can cause discolored water, a rotten egg smell, air in the lines and intermittent hot water. The anode rod protects the tank of electric water heaters & signs it should be replaced are a rotten egg smell, no heat & strange sounds.
How much does it cost to replace an anode rod?
An anode rod costs about $50. Some homeowners may feel comfortable replacing it themselves. If not, call a professional plumber, who can assist. The cost of having it replaced professionally may be around $250 or $300.
Which is better magnesium or aluminum anode rod?
Magnesium anode rods extend the life of your tank better than aluminum anode rods and offer significant health benefits, making them a much better value despite the higher price tag.
What happens if you don't change your anode rod?
Since the lining eventually cracks, tanks have a second line of defense against rust: a long metal “anode rod” that attracts corrosive elements in the water. When the rod itself becomes so corroded that it can no longer do its job, the tank soon rusts out, leaks and needs replacement.
What happens if you don't replace the anode rod?
The anode rod is “self-sacrificing” and will continue to corrode until eventually it must be replaced. When there's no sacrificial metal left on the anode, the tank can rust out, eventually causing it to burst.
How do you check an anode rod?
Pull the rod out of your water heater and remember to use caution because it's probably very hot. Your anode rod should be around ¾ inch thick. If it's corroded down to less than ½ inch thick or coated with calcium, it needs to be replaced.
Should you use Teflon tape on anode rod?
Teflon tape is safe to use on anode rods to establish a watertight seal, some manufacturers even recommend it. It should not interfere significantly with the electrical contact between rod and tank.
Can anode rod causing rotten egg smell?
Many anode rods are made of magnesium or aluminum. When these rods corrode, the metals react with the sulfates in the water, turning the sulfate into stinky hydrogen sulfide.
What causes an anode rod to go bad?
Anode rods are an essential component of tank-style water heaters. Most anode rods are sacrificial, meaning they are designed to corrode (instead of your water heater lining). Because they are meant to break down, they wear out every few years and need to be replaced.
How Often Should You Change Anode Rods in Water Heaters?
Water heater anode rods should be changed approximately once every 3 to 5 years, provided that the unit is functioning correctly. If you live in an area with extremely hard water and a higher composition of calcium and magnesium minerals, then you may need to change it more frequently, around once every 3 years or so. The quality of the water is the real determining factor here.
How often should anode rods be replaced?
Anode rods should be replaced every 3 to 5 years, depending on your water quality.
What are the Different Types of Anode Rods?
There are 5 types of anode rods. However, the majority of all water heaters will have an aluminum, magnesium, or zinc anode rod. Let’s look at each below:
How to Cut an Anode Rod?
If you have an anode rod that doesn’t fit your water heater perfectly, you can cut it down. The correct way to do this is to place it into the water heater (without screwing it in), so you can see how high it is. Then, measure the distance that the rod protrudes out of the top of the tank and add an extra inch. Use a hacksaw to cut the excess off and then place the rod back in the tank. Screw it into place, and you’re done!
How big is a water heater anode rod?
The diameter of residential water heater anode rods is universal at 3/4 inches. However, the length and type of the anode rod may not be the same. Also, some anode rods are attached to the top of the water heater, while others are connected to the hot water outlet.
What type of anode rod is used in water heaters?
Magnesium Anode Rods. This is the most common type of anode rod used in residential water heating units. Magnesium rods are not recommended to be used in homes with hard water as they will corrode quickly, reducing the effectiveness of the anode rod to almost nothing in a very short time.
Why are aluminum anode rods used?
Aluminum anode rods were more commonly found in older water heaters. They are no longer commonly used due to the risk of metal poisoning in the hot tap water supply. This is the cheapest and longest-lasting type of anode rod available. Aluminum anode rods can be easily identified because it is very flexible.
Why replace anode rod in water heater?
Replacing the anode rod in a water heater before it fails can slow down corrosion inside the tank and significantly extend the life of the water heater, sometimes even doubling it .
How to loosen anode rod?
To loosen the rod, you’ll need an air compressor, a 1/2-in.-drive impact wrench and a 1-1/16-in. socket. If you don’t have an impact wrench, go buy a cheap one for about $30. Even with a breaker bar, it can be nearly impossible to break the anode rod free. Turn off the power or gas.
What is an anode rod?
Anode rods are designed to attract corrosive elements in the water, thereby diminishing corrosion in the vulnerable steel liner. A magnesium water heater anode rod protects your tank better but doesn’t last as long as an aluminum/ zinc rod.
How to remove a hex head from a gas tank?
Turn off the power or gas. Then close the cold-water valve at the top of the tank and drain off several gallons. Loosen the hex head with the impact wrench, but unscrew it the rest of the way by hand.
How to keep a water heater from turning?
The weight of the water in the tank is usually enough to keep the entire heater from turning. But if it begins to move, have a helper (or two) hold it in place. When the threads break free, stop turning and look for water around the hex head. If you see leakage, drain the tank further.
How to loosen a hex head?
Loosen the he x head with a short burst from your impact wrench. Unscrew it by hand once it’s loose.
What is the purpose of a water heater tank?
Most water heater tanks are steel with a thin glass lining to protect the metal from corrosion. Since the lining eventually cracks, tanks have a second line of defense against rust: a long metal “anode rod” that attracts corrosive elements in the water.
When to replace the water heater anode rod?
The anode rod of the heater stops working. It loses its ability to warm the water. It is an indication that the anode rod requires a replacement.
Why replace anode rod in water heater?
It is essential to replace the anode rod of a heater because it degrades the water tank. The corrosion starts spreading in water, and it makes it contaminates. The magnesium in water is toxic for human health. There is a specific span of rod efficiency.
Why do people use anode rods in water tanks?
It helps in the warming of water in the time of need. The anode rod remains in a strong link with the water tank and sources. It is a device that people install in their water tanks directly, and they increase the lifespan of warm water.
How much does it cost to replace an anode rod?
The process is cost-effective, and you can carry it out twice a year. The average cost of replacing a heater anode rod is approximate $150 – $290.
How long does it take for a water heater to cool down?
If you do not unplug the water source, then it keeps mixing the hit water. In this way, the water will never cool down. Leave it for at least 30-40 minutes. It requires this time to cool down its anode rod. Some heaters need more time, do not touch the rod directly.
How to remove an electric source from a recreational vehicle?
All the installers and users of a recreational vehicle know about it. You should reach the electric source and remove it by using the screwdrivers. Remove all the nuts and screws and put the device aside. In this way, you approach the anode of the heating device.
How to fix a leaky anode?
Turn on the system and check the leakage problems. In case of such issues, keep on tightening the screws. Secure the setup carefully, and replace the anode completely .