How To Change Anode Rod In Water Heater

Extend the Life of Your Water Heater by Replacing the Anode Rod

Updated: Nov. 28, 2019

Double the life of your water heater with this simple repair

water heater anode rod Family unit Handyman

Replacing the anode rod in a water heater before it fails tin slow down corrosion inside the tank and significantly extend the life of the water heater, sometimes even doubling it.

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Remove the old anode rod

Photo 1: Remove the old water heater anode rod

Loosen the hex head with a short outburst from your impact wrench. Unscrew it by manus one time it's loose.

Photo 2: Install the new water heater anode rod

Glaze the threads with pipe dope and slide the new rod into the tank. Tighten with a socket and ratchet by hand.

About water heater tanks are steel with a thin glass lining to protect the metallic from corrosion. Since the lining somewhen cracks, tanks accept a second line of defense against rust: a long metallic "anode rod" that attracts corrosive elements in the h2o. When the rod itself becomes so corroded that it tin no longer do its job, the tank before long rusts out, leaks and needs replacement. However, if you replace your water heater anode rod before it fails, about every 5 years, you can double the life of your water heater.

Rods are made from magnesium, aluminum or aluminum/zinc alloy. Aluminum replacement rods are sold at dwelling house centers. In most cases, the hexagonal head of the rod is visible on the top of the h2o heater. If you don't run across the hex caput, check your owner'due south manual. The rod may exist under the water heater'due south sheet metallic top or continued to the hot water outlet nipple. (A few newer plastic-lined tanks have no anode rods to replace.)

Earlier you get started, shut the shutoff valve, plow on the hot water at a faucet to relieve pressure level, and turn off the electricity or gas to the heater. Open the drain valve near the bottom of the tank and drain out several gallons of water. Circumspection: The water is hot!

Drain some water from the tank to check for rust. It's fourth dimension for a new h2o heater if you lot see rusty flakes (non just orangish water, which tin come from corroded pipes or well water). If the water is clean, remove the rod to check its condition.

To loosen the rod, yous'll need an air compressor, a i/2-in.-bulldoze impact wrench and a ane-ane/16-in. socket. If you don't take an touch wrench, go purchase a cheap ane for about $30. Fifty-fifty with a billow bar, it tin be near incommunicable to break the anode rod complimentary.

Turn off the power or gas. Then close the common cold-h2o valve at the summit of the tank and drain off several gallons. Loosen the hex head with the impact wrench, but unscrew it the rest of the manner past manus.

Hint: The hex caput may be under a plastic cap. Uncover information technology, then pull information technology upwards and out to check its condition (Photo 1).

Buy a new anode rod at a domicile center or online (see sources below). Install a flexible rod if you accept less than 44 in. of clearance above your heater (Photo 2). Turn on the water, the ability or gas, and burp the air from the system. Bank check the status of your anode rod every three years.

If the hex head is gear up below the elevation of the heater, you'll need a 1-1/16-in. socket to reach it. If information technology protrudes higher up the superlative, you tin can use any blazon of wrench. Chances are your erstwhile anode rod volition be frozen in place by corrosion. Dunk the head with a spray lubricant such equally WD-twoscore and give it a few minutes to penetrate. Y'all may also have to slip a "cheater" pipage over the wrench handle to increase your torque. The weight of the water in the tank is ordinarily enough to keep the entire heater from turning. Just if it begins to motility, have a helper (or 2) hold it in identify.

When the threads break free, stop turning and wait for water around the hex head. If you see leakage, drain the tank farther. If you don't have enough overhead clearance to pull the rod out of the tank, bend it equally you remove it. And so when you lot buy a new rod, choose a flexible, "segmented" version. Smear Teflon pipe thread sealant on the threads of the new rod before you install information technology. Don't use tape, since it can reduce the effectiveness of the rod. Before you lot plough on the water and electricity or gas, drain another gallon out of the tank to flush out any remaining debris.

Tips for buying an anode rod

New vs. used

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 improve but doesn't last equally long as an aluminum/ zinc rod.
Aluminum/zinc rods anode are cheaper and are recommended if you have smelly h2o. But consult a h2o treatment specialist earlier switching to an aluminum rod.

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY projection lined up before you start—you'll save time and frustration.

Required Materials for this Project

Avert final-minute shopping trips by having all your materials gear up ahead of time. Hither'southward a list.

Originally Published: November 28, 2019