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The anode rod helps prevent tank corrosion. A water heater sacrificial anode rod is a metal rod and is generally screwed into the top of the tank.
Anode rods need to be replaced every 3-5 years less if you have very hard water.
Water heater anode rod replacement. If your water heater anode rod has never been replaced the inner lining has likely already started to corrode. Anode rods need to be replaced every 3-5 years less if you have very hard water. If your water heater is over 5 years old and you check the anode rod you find it is completely corroded.
Youre probably better off replacing it. Unfortunately since the anode rod is located inside your water heater you wont always know when that is. We recommend checking your anode rod yearly.
Generally speaking youll need to replace it every 3-5 years but it depends how much water runs through your water heater on a regular basis and the number of corrosive materials present in said water. While tankless water heaters lack an anode rod by design normal tank water heaters need one. How an Anode Rod Does Its Job.
A water heaters close proximity to water and the materials used to build one mean that water heaters are a technology predisposed to rusting. Water breaks down into acidic gasses like carbon monoxide. The anode rod is a sacrificial component.
This steel core is wrapped in either magnesium zinc or aluminum and works to attract all the corrosive particles that collect in a water heater tank. The goal is to protect the liner reduce the potential for an explosion and to extend the life of the water heater. A quality anode rod can last 3 to 5 years.
When replacing your anode rod its a good idea to also flush your water heater out to clean out any sediment rust or gel build-up accumulated at the bottom of the tank. You might also consider flushing your water heater out at least once. How frequently does sacrificial anode rods needs to be replaced.
Your tank-style water heater relies on an anode rod to keep working reliably. They should be replaced every 3 to 5 years. If you dont replace your water heaters sacrificial anode when its all chewed up you could have to deal with stinky water and other consequences.
This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the anode rod in an electric water heater. The anode rod helps prevent tank corrosion. Natural micro-organisms and sulfates that exist in some water can react to the aluminum or magnesium anode rods in the hot water tank creating a rotten egg smell.
If your hot water begins to smell bad replace the anode rod with a. 3 Drain the Water From the Hot Water Tank. There is a drain valve on the bottom of the water heaters tank.
Connect a garden house to this outlet and extend it outside or near a drain. Drain about 10 of the water from the tank. If the anode rod is on the side of your tank you might need to drain additional water.
A water heater sacrificial anode rod is a metal rod and is generally screwed into the top of the tank. Its job is to attract corrosive elements in your potable water. Over time the rods get sacrificed for the healthy survival of the heaters tank and the result can lead to smelly water.
For air in the hot water lines service action includes. Replace the anode rods with a less reactive material magnesium to aluminum or aluminum to aluminum alloy Water chemistry frequently changes be sure to understand current water conditions. Water test parameters to consider.
PH level 7 is neutral and ideal. For instance buying a new anode rod will cost you not more than 25 and up to 150 per hour for a professional plumber to do the replacement. This is a reasonable amount compared to changing the entire water heater.
It might cost you over 1500 to replace the whole water heater. What are the Signs that You Need to Change the Anode Rod. A water heater anode rod replacement is as easy as buying an anode rod removing the old one and putting in the new one.
Of course there are a few minor but important details in between. But as you can see this is a project any homeowner can take on with relative ease and little plumbing knowledge. Replacing your anode rod at regular intervals may increase the life of your water heater saving you money time and the inconvenience of having to replace your water heater.
One of the most important considerations in having a normal life span for your water heater is whether the anode rod is performing its job - to divert corrosive action away from the tank walls to the anode rod. Anode Rods are the most important line of defense in increasing water heater tank life and preventing leaks. These devices work because the metal in the rod is more easily corroded than the metal of the water heater tank.
You should check and replace your Anode Rod on a regular basis. When the rod is depleted it can no longer protect your tank. A new versus an old water heater anode rod.
The comparison of before and after water heater anode replacement. Go you for researching how to replace your water heater anode rod. Maintenance on a water heater is one of those items that in all honesty generally doesnt make the to do list.