Water Heater Anode Rod Replacement

Most water heaters come with an aluminum rod as standard equipment.

Water heater anode rod replacement.

1 turn off water and fuel supply gas or electricity to water heater. This old house plumbing and heating contractor richard trethewey shows a simple way to add years to your water heater by swapping out the sacrificial metal. Rods are made from magnesium aluminum or aluminum zinc alloy. There are several options for replacing your anode rod with magnesium aluminum or a combination of aluminum zinc and tin being the most common anode rod materials.

This is a common problem with older water heaters and in certain parts of the country. Find anode rod water heater parts at lowe s today. 4 use a ratchet wrench and 1 1 16 inch deep socket to unscrew the anode rod from the heater. If space above your water heater is tight a flexible replacement anode rod makes the installation easier.

We recommend that you keep a spare on hand. 3 locate the anode rod on the water heater. 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. After about a minute turn off the hot water faucet then check for leaks around the new anode rod.

An anode rod will corrode and deteriorate over time until it s no longer capable of functioning and has to be replaced. Remember to replace worn anodes to insure consistent protection. The anode rod absorbs the corrosive effects of hot water to extend the life of your water heater s tank. 2 partially drain the water heater.

Water heaters use an anode rod to attract and remove sediments from the water being heated. Need to hire a plumber. If necessary unscrew and lift off the cover from the top of the heater. In most cases the hexagonal head of the rod is visible on the top of the 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. Turn the cold water supply to the heater back on and let the tank fill.