Replacing Sacrificial Anode Water Heater

If necessary unscrew and lift off the cover from the top of the heater.

Replacing sacrificial anode water heater.

Turn off water and fuel supply gas or electric. 5 if the anode rod won t budge slip a steel pipe onto ratchet wrench handle for extra leverage. Inside every water heater is a long metal rod called an anode rod made of various metals. For gas heaters you should turn off the gas supply.

Protect your water heater from corrosion by learning how to replace the anode rod. Without it the water tank would start corroding from the inside out which would eventually result in a severe leak at the bottom. These anode rod replacement instructions presented here are generalized to work with a wide selection of brands and heater. Close the shut off valve at the cold water inlet line.

The length is the same as a flexible rob and install is the same. When the rod itself becomes so corroded that it can no longer do its job the tank soon rusts out leaks and needs replacement. 1 turn off water and fuel supply gas or electricity to water heater. 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. Removing the sacrificial anode rod. Rods are made from magnesium aluminum or aluminum zinc alloy. 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.

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. 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. How to replace a sacrificial anode rod. Standard sacrificial anode rods are the more common water heater anode rod out of the 2.

This rod protects the tank from corrosion by corroding first before the tank. 6 lift out and discard the old anode rod. 2 partially drain the 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 the appliance s warranty. That s why it s also referred to as a sacrificial anode. Possibly a helper or two replacement sacrificial anode rod. First turn the power off to the water heater at the circuit breaker.

3 locate the anode rod on the water heater. 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. 4 use a ratchet wrench and 1 1 16 inch deep socket to unscrew the anode rod from the 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.

Bucket or hose to remove a couple gallons of water.