Attach a 1 1/16-inch socket to a ratchet, and loosen the rod. If the nut fails to turn, you may need to slip a length of pipe over the ratchet handle for leverage. Unscrew the rod completely and pull it out of the tank. The rod is about 6 inches shorter than the water heater is tall, so it may take a while to pull it free.
How to replace a water heater anode rod?
How to Replace a Water Heater Anode Rod. 1 1. Shut off Water Supply. You cannot replace the anode rod with cold water still flowing to the tank. locate your cold water supply valve and turn off ... 2 2. Turn off Power/Gas Supply. 3 3. Drain out Some Water. 4 4. Remove the Anode Rod. 5 5. Install the New Anode Rod. More items
Can you use a magnesium anode rod with hard water?
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 short time. If you live in an area with hard water and your water heater has a magnesium anode rod, you should check your water heater lining to be sure it is not corroded.
How do you remove the rod from a hot water heater?
Unscrew the rod completely and pull it out of the tank. The rod is about 6 inches shorter than the water heater is tall, so it may take a while to pull it free. Replace the rod with one designed as a replacement part for your model water heater, or select one that is about 6 inches shorter than the length of the water heater.
How to remove the anode rod from an osmo Smith water heater?
How to Remove an Anode Rod From an A.O. Smith Water Heater 1. Turn off the gas to the hot water heater, or turn off the breaker at the main electrical panel for electric water... 2. Shut off the cold water supply to the tank. This is typically located just above the water heater, and is marked as... ...
How do I remove the anode rod from my electric water heater?
0:231:31How to Replace an Electric Water Heater Anode Rod - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe foam insulation. Then unthread the anode rod and pull it up and out from the tank wrap the pipeMoreThe foam insulation. Then unthread the anode rod and pull it up and out from the tank wrap the pipe thread sealing tape around the threads of the new anode rod thread.
How do you replace a magnesium anode rod?
0:582:10Anode Rod Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLocate. The anode rod on the water heater if necessary unscrew and lift off the cover of the top ofMoreLocate. The anode rod on the water heater if necessary unscrew and lift off the cover of the top of the heater. Use a ratchet wrench.
Should you remove the anode rod in water heater?
Some water heaters have two anodes. Not only is it important to put an aluminum/zinc anode into the heater; it's also important to remove all previous anodes or the hot water will still smell.
How do I remove the anode rod from my Rheem water heater?
1:264:08How to Replace a Water Heater Anode Rod - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd drain approximately two gallons of water from the tank. Locate the anode rod position on the topMoreAnd drain approximately two gallons of water from the tank. Locate the anode rod position on the top of the tank. It will be underneath one of the plastic. Caps on older models the anode rod may be
Can I replace anode rod myself?
You can replace the anode, but it's not easy. Most tanks are located somewhere without enough headroom to easily remove the old rod or insert a new one. To begin the process, turn off the electricity (or gas) to the heater, shut its water supply, and open a hot-water faucet to relieve pressure inside the appliance.
How do you remove a stubborn anode rod?
0:432:38How to remove a seized hot water heater anode rod - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSuper thick cutting board it's probably 3/8 or maybe half an inch. And I also turned it lengthwiseMoreSuper thick cutting board it's probably 3/8 or maybe half an inch. And I also turned it lengthwise here so that it's applying all of its pressure onto the corner here where I know there's a stud.
Can I use impact driver to remove 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.
How often should you replace the anode rod in a 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%.
Is anode rod necessary?
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.
What size socket do you need to remove an anode rod?
4 Use a ratchet wrench and 1 1/16-inch deep socket to unscrew the anode rod from the heater.
Where is the anode rod located on a Rheem hot water heater?
The anode rod in your Rheem water heater is located on top of your tank. More precisely, your magnesium or aluminum sacrificial anode is visible through a hexagonal head located in the center of your tank under a plastic cover. Refer to your water heater's user guide for more information.
What kind of anode rod is in a Rheem water heater?
From the Manufacturer. The Rheem SP11526C is a magnesium anode rod.
How do you know if anode rod is magnesium or aluminum?
1:264:37How to Tell the Difference Between Magnesium & Aluminum | TIG TimeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow if it's aluminum. It's not going to react at all it's not going to fizz it's not going to boilMoreNow if it's aluminum. It's not going to react at all it's not going to fizz it's not going to boil up it's not going to do anything.
How do I know if my anode is magnesium or aluminum?
Aluminum and magnesium anode rods are more reactive than water heater metal. Magnesium is more reactive than aluminum. Thus aluminum is good for hard water. Magnesium is good for soft water to keep up with the many corrosive elements.
Is magnesium or aluminum anode better?
As mentioned, magnesium anode rods are used with softer water. However, they don't last as long as their aluminum and zinc counterparts. It's because magnesium is more reactive and receives a higher voltage from your heater unit. Therefore, a magnesium anode will wear out much faster than aluminum.
What is the best anode rod for well water?
The aluminum and zinc rod used in well water is best. most of the time, aluminum for water heating is more ideal.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
What is the anode rod on a water heater?
Almost all water heaters have “anode rods” which in a cathode-anode reaction, produce excess ions that wear off the anode rod and adhere to the inside glass lining of the heater, preventing corrosion. The greater the activity of the anode, the greater the amount of hydrogen ion and hydrogen sulfide gas.
Why does my water heater smell like rotten eggs?
Sulfur or “rotten-egg” odors can develop in water heaters and in corroded iron piping even if the water is chlorinated city water. This usually occurs if the water has a low chlorine residual, high levels of sulfates, and/or the water has sat inactive for days or weeks.
How to get rid of odor in cold water?
As the first step to this process, you can add hydrogen peroxide or chlorine bleach to the piping and sanitize it.
How long does peroxide stay in a water heater?
Close the inlet valve when the tank is full. 9. Leave the peroxide mixture in the heater for 1 to 3 hours. 10. After a few hours, open the cold valve again, open all the hot water faucets and allow the peroxide mixture to clean the hot water supply pipes.
How long does it take to drain a hot water tank?
12. After 15 minutes , purge the hot water supply lines and drain the water from the tank through the heater drain valve, flushing out any sediment if present. Close the drain valve.
How to tell if cold water has a smell?
To determine the source of the smell, it is important to check to see whether the cold water contains odor or just the hot water. Run the hot water to notice the odor. Then move to another faucet and run the cold water. If the cold water has an odor, then the source is in the cold water. If the hot water alone has an odor, ...
What to do if cold water smells?
If you run your cold water and notice an odor, it’s best to call your local water utility and report the problem. Even though the water entering a pipeline from the city water treatment plant can be free of odor, the water may develop odors directly in the distribution line.
Why does my water heater smell bad?
You may be wondering if the bad smell could be coming from your water heater. The most common cause of bad smelling hot water is anaerobic bacteria present inside your water heater. Anaerobic bacteria react with the sulfur, magnesium, and aluminum anode rods causing hydrogen sulfide gas which has a “rotten egg” smell in the hot water supply.
Why does my water heater make a knocking sound?
If your water heater is making a knocking sound, there is likely sediment buildup inside your water heater which can cause the liner in the inner tank to fail.
What is a zinc anode rod?
A zinc anode rod is actually an aluminum anode rod that contains one part zinc and 10 parts aluminum. The inclusion of zinc in the anode rod will greatly diminish the smell and should solve the problem.
Why is water heater maintenance important?
Water heater maintenance is key to controlling bad smells in your hot water. As a water heater ages, sediment from the water supply collects on the internal water heater components and on the bottom of the water heater inner tank.
How does a water softener work?
Water softeners work by adding salt to the water supply to reduce the hardness of the water. Saltwater is very corrosive and will reduce the life of a zinc anode rod and eventually the life of the water heater itself.
What does rotten egg water smell like?
The third component of the water that smells like rotten eggs is typically either aluminum or magnesium.
How to get rid of a smelly glass?
Fill the glass with hot water from the faucet or water source that smells bad.
How to remove a water heater rod?
Unscrew the rod completely and pull it out of the tank. The rod is about 6 inches shorter than the water heater is tall, so it may take a while to pull it free.
How to remove anode rod?
Locate the top of the anode rod. The rod is sometimes concealed by a circular metal tab that you may need to pry off using a flat-head screwdriver.
How to relieve pressure inside water heater tank?
Relieve pressure inside the tank by opening the hot water tap nearest the water heater.
What is an anode rod?
Anode rods help prevent corrosion of the hot water heater’s glass-lined tank. The rod is made from either aluminum or magnesium, and it reacts with minerals in water. During the reaction, the anode rod corrodes instead of the tank walls, making the rod a sacrificial part. A.O. Smith is a manufacturer of hot water tanks, ...
