How often do I replace the anode rod in my water heater?
In most cases, you will need to change your water heater anode rod approximately once every 6 years so long as it operates under normal working conditions. However, depending on the composition of your water, you may need to change the anode rod more frequently.
What does the anode rod in my water heater do?
- The temperature-pressure relief (TPR) valve maintains safe temperatures and pressures in the tank as per manufacturing design. ...
- The drain valve is how water is allowed to drain out of the heater without going through the outflow pipe.
- The metal anode rod sits at the top of the tank and helps purify the water.
Why do water heaters have a sacrificial anode?
Water rusts metal and your water heater would be a crumbling mess without a small rod inserted into the top of the tank. This rod is called an anode rod (or sometimes a sacrificial anode rod) and it is the only reason your water heater hasn’t left you bathing in rusty water.
How to replace hot water tank anode?
Tools And Materials Needed
- Turn Off Your Water Heater First, turn the power off to your water heater at the circuit breaker for electric water heaters or for gas hot water tanks you ...
- Drain The Hot Water Tank Now you can close the shutoff valve at the cold water inlet line. ...
- Remove The Old Anode Rod Locate the anode rod ‘s location on the top side of the tank. ...
How much does it cost to replace anode rod in water heater?
An anode rod costs about $50. Some homeowners may feel comfortable replacing it themselves. If not, call a professional plumber, who can assist. The cost of having it replaced professionally may be around $250 or $300.
What happens if you don't change your anode rod?
If the rod doesn't get replaced by the time it's reached the end of its lifespan, the water in your tank will immediately try to corrode the tank walls. If you don't keep up with maintenance, you may not realize this has happened until the tank rusts through and leaks on the floor.
How long does an anode last in a hot water tank?
about three to five yearsAnode rods generally can last about three to five years but it really depends mostly on the quality of your water and how much water travels through your water heater.
What does anode do in water heater?
An anode rod exists to protect the metal lining inside of your water heater tank to prevent explosion or corrosion over time. What Metals Are Used in Anode Rods? Anode rods are generally created from metals including magnesium, aluminum or zinc.
How do I know if my water heater anode is bad?
A bad anode rod can cause discolored water, a rotten egg smell, air in the lines and intermittent hot water. The anode rod protects the tank of electric water heaters & signs it should be replaced are a rotten egg smell, no heat & strange sounds.
How often should water heater anode be replaced?
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%. This is especially true if you have hard water or use a water softener.
How often should I flush my water heater?
How Often Should I get My Water Heater Flushed? It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time.
Do all hot water heaters have an anode rod?
Tankless water heaters don't have anode rods, but all standard tank-style water heaters do. Read on to learn how to troubleshoot anode rod issues and replace bad anode rods, if needed.
Can you clean an anode rod?
You cannot clean your anode rod in your water heater . However, it is important to inspect the sacrificial anode rod every 1 to 3 years and replace it after more than 50% of its wear and tear to avoid corrosion of your tank.
How long will water heater last without anode rod?
8-12 yearsDiminished Water Heater Lifespan: Without a sacrificial anode rod replacement, the average tank water heater will last a maximum of 8-12 years. However, your water heater may start failing as early as 5 years old without this essential care.
Do you have to drain water heater to replace anode rod?
Note: If your anode rod is on the top of the heater, you will only need to allow the tank to drain about a quart or 1/2 a gallon of water. If the anode is located on the side, drain the tank until the water is below the anode rod port. Then close the outlet and remove the hose.
How many anode rods are in a water heater?
All water heaters have a minimum of one anode rod. Some water heaters have longer warranties because they have two anode rods. If there are two anode rods, that is because one is attached to a hex head at the top and the other is a combination anode attached to the hot water outlet.
Do you have to drain a water heater to change the anode rod?
Note: If your anode rod is on the top of the heater, you will only need to allow the tank to drain about a quart or 1/2 a gallon of water. If the anode is located on the side, drain the tank until the water is below the anode rod port. Then close the outlet and remove the hose.
Do I need to drain water heater to replace anode?
0:357:29How to Replace the Anode in a Water Heater - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOverall it's best to replace the anode before it becomes too corroded and to no longer protect theMoreOverall it's best to replace the anode before it becomes too corroded and to no longer protect the tank. Most anode rods will last four to six years. But this depends on the pH. And purity of the
Can a water heater work without an anode rod?
Storage water heaters contain an unsung hero: the anode rod. The anode rod sacrifices itself, taking on corrosion that would otherwise damage a water heater's steel tank. Without an anode rod, steel tanks would rust and corrode within a few years.
How long will water heater last if anode rod is replaced regularly?
When the rod itself becomes so corroded that it can no longer do its job, the tank soon rusts out, leaks and needs replacement. 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.
What is an anode rod in a water heater?
The anode is a sacrificial rod in the water heater tank used to attract corrosive elements from your water away from the metal tank. Also made of m...
How do I know if my anode rod is bad?
Anode rod corrosion will become evident upon visual inspection, but may also be recognized by these symptoms: smelly water or film on the faucet ae...
What happens if your anode rod goes bad?
Your water heater will still function if your anode rod goes bad, but you may experience premature hot water tank corrosion as a result. It is advi...
Where is the anode rod on a heater?
If the manual is missing, it shouldn't be too difficult: most anode rods are labeled on top of the unit, and locked in place using a hex nut. Once loosened (with a crescent wrench, channellocks, a socket wrench, etc.) the rod should pull straight out.
What is an anode rod?
What is an anode rod? The dictionary answer is "a sacrificial rod used mainly in water heaters. It helps protect the lining of the water heater and generally lengthens its life." But what does that really mean?
What to do if your water heater doesn't have an anode rod?
If your water heater doesn't have a separate hole for your anode rod, it is most likely attached to the hot water outlet. Unscrew the flex supply to the hot water outlet, which should enable you to unscrew the anode rod and pull it out to check.
Why is it important to change anode rods?
When there's no sacrifical metal left on the anode, the tank can rust out - which is why it is so important to change yours regularly.
Why does an anode corrode?
The negatively charged electrons create a higher voltage to flow from the anode rod to the steel tank causing the anode rod to corrode instead of the steel water heater tank, or other exposed metals such as electric elements. The anode rod is "self-sacrificing" and will continue to corrode until eventually it must be replaced.
How long do anode rods last?
Anode rods have a life expectancy of about five years, but as always it really depends on the quality of your water and how much of it travels through the heater. When sodium is added to the water (like when a water softener is used), anode rods can corrode more quickly: in as little as six months if the water is over-softened!
Why do we need a sacrificial rod for water heaters?
To prevent the tank from rusting or your heater element from corroding, the brilliant plumbers and chemists of long ago created a sacrificial rod for the water heater tank. The idea was that the anode rod would corrode first, leaving the metal of the tank (and element if you have an electric water heater) alone - saving you from dealing ...
Why do water heaters need anode rods?
However, anode rods need to be replaced every so often because they wear out faster than the lifespan of the water heater. If you have a standard tank-style heater (as opposed to a tankless model), you need to check the rod every so often and replace it as necessary. Here is some more information about what an anode rod does.
What is an anode rod?
The anode rod is a piece designed to slow down corrosion and rusting in water heaters. The rod is made of magnesium, which wears out faster than steel. When water corrodes the magnesium, the anode rod releases electrons into the tank which form a protective barrier around the steel of the tank.
Why do you need to replace anode rods?
However, anode rods need to be replaced every so often because they wear out faster than the lifespan of the water heater. If you have a standard tank-style heater (as opposed to a tankless model), you need to check the rod every so often and replace it as necessary.
Does water rust when heated?
Water is naturally acidic, and the steel used to make the tanks undergoes the rusting and corroding process when it comes in contact with oxygen or moisture. The heating aspect may make your water nice and hot, but this heat speeds up the corrosion process.
What is an anode in a water heater?
The anode is a metal rod that is placed in the water heater’s interior. The rod protects the steel walls of the tank by attracting minerals and sediment. The anode rods are made of either magnesium or aluminum. Magnesium is especially effective because of its ability to give electrons more freely than aluminum anodes.
What happens if an anode rod is bad?
A bad anode rod can cause discolored water, a rotten egg smell, air in the lines and intermittent hot water. The anode rod protects the tank of electric water heaters & signs it should be replaced are a rotten egg smell, no heat & strange sounds.
Why is magnesium anode rod better than aluminum anode?
Magnesium is especially effective because of its ability to give electrons more freely than aluminum anodes. The rod pulls out sediment from the tank. The anode rod will extend the life of the water heater and maintain the quality of the hot water passing through your plumbing. So the anode rod extends the life of your tank by pulling out sediment ...
How do you know if you need to replace an anode rod?
Signs you need to replace the anode rod include a rotten egg smell, no heat or intermittent heat from your water heater & strange sounds coming from the water heater.
How to tell if water heater is rotten?
A sure sign that your water quality is affecting the anode performance the rotten egg smell. The smell comes from high sulfur content in the water. In turn, this will eat up the anode and shorten the life of your water heater. Water tainted with sulfur is very common with well water.
Why does my water heater smell?
The smell comes from high sulfur content in the water. In turn, this will eat up the anode and shorten the life of your water heater. Water tainted with sulfur is very common with well water. Other factors of anode performance is the over use of water softeners, calcium and lime build up, and non-harmful sulfur eating bacteria. ...
Can you replace anode rods in a Rheem water heater?
You can replace your anode rod. Here is a link to a video from Rheem Electric Water Heater.
Why do people not use anodes for water heaters?
Despite being so awesome, people do not normally use powered anode rods for water heater tanks because they are expensive.
How long is a water heater anode rod?
However, the length and type of the anode rod made are not the same. Some anode rods are 33 inches in length while others are 44 inches in length. You may need to cut it down to fit your water heater if you have a smaller tank.
How long do anode rods last?
Anode rods generally can last about three to five years but it really depends on the manufacturer, quality of your water, and how much water travels through your water heater. If you have soft water, the anode rod will deteriorate at a much faster rate.
Why does sediment build up in anode rods?
Whether you have an anode rod or not, sediments will always build-up at the bottom of the tank due to corrosion of either anode rod or steel tank —if anode rod is not present to sacrifice itself. Aluminum anode rods particularly cause great annoyance with their sediment.
How long do you have to replace anode rods?
In Hard water, the rods corrode quickly so you might have to replace your anode rod before the standard three years period. If your water is Alkaline, a magnesium rod can help reduce some of the scales that form inside your water tank due to the high alkalinity.
What is the principle of sacrificial anode protection?
The principle behind sacrificial anode protection is Bimetallic corrosion. Bimetall ic corrosion, as its name suggests, is a type of corrosion that occurs when two different metals are paired together. One metal experiences accelerated corrosion while the other remains protected.
Why does my water heater rust?
Because aluminum corrodes more slowly than magnesium, it may not be enough to combat corrosion in some water heaters. Your heater may slowly start to rust, despite having a functioning anode rod.
Why do water heaters have anode rods?
The anode rod helps counteract those conditions and extends the life and performance of your water heater. In fact, its purpose is to wear itself down to maintain the tank. As the rod erodes, it releases electrons into the water heater tank , which helps slow or prevent corrosion in the tank.
Why do we need anode rods in water heaters?
The anode rod is one of the most essential parts of a standard hot water heater because it helps to prevent tank corrosion and rusting.
What Does the Anode Rod Do?
There’s no question about it: your water heater tank is a pretty punishing environment. There’s water. There’s heat. There’s a metal storage tank. And those are perfect conditions for rust and corrosion.
How Often Should the Anode Rod Be Replaced?
There are a lot of things that can affect how long your anode rod lasts, including how much hot water your household uses, what kind of water you have, how hot the water is, how well the system is maintained, and what type of rod you have.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Anode Rod?
The good news, though, is that it generally only costs around $20 to $50 for a replacement rod, according to HomeAdvisor, and between $50 and $150 per hour to hire a professional for this relatively quick project. That’s quite a bargain considering that the average cost to replace a water heater can range from $800 at the low end to more than $1,500 at the high end, according to HomeAdvisor, depending on the condition of your plumbing and the type of water heater you choose.
How does water affect anode rods?
The chemistry of your water will have a particularly significant effect on how long the rod lasts. The more acidic your water is, for instance, the more quickly the rod is likely to erode. The material your rod is made of also determines how long it lasts. Most anode rods are made of magnesium, which corrodes quickly.
Can you replace anode rods in a hot water heater?
If the corrosion hasn’t advanced, you can probably solve the problem and extend the life of your hot water heater by replacing the anode rod. This isn’t generally something you should attempt on your own, though, because removing the rod requires special tools that most people don’t have. In addition, the rods require a lot of overhead clearance.
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.
Where is the anode on a water heater?
Most anodes are at the top of the heater , attached by a hex head screw. Some water heaters have an anode attached to the hot water outlet. This anode is installed inside the pipe, and can be difficult to reach, often involving the removal and breakage of the pipe, and the unscrewing of the hot water pipe nipple section.
Why do water heaters have anodes?
Water heater anode rods are used to keep the water in the tank from corroding the metal lining of the heater. The anode is covered in a layer of sacrificial metal, so it draws the corrosion towards it, preserving the inside of the tank.
What is a zinc rod?
Zinc rods are made of a combination of aluminum and zinc, 1 proportion of zinc to 10 proportions of aluminum. Zinc serves to reduce the smell of sulfur which can affect some water tanks, although modern water heaters are not typically supplied with zinc anode rods installed at the factory.
What metal is used to make hot water rods?
In order to find out whether the rods in your hot water system are made of aluminum, take one in your hand, and bend it. If it is easily bent, then the metal is aluminum. 2. Magnesium Anode. Another popular metal for making anode rods is magnesium.
What is the metal rod in hot water?
1. Aluminum Anode . This is the traditional metal rod, often found in older tanks and hot water systems, and was the reason mothers would not allow their children to drink from the hot water tap. As knowledge about the poisonous effects of aluminum has become more widespread, the use of these rods in hot water tanks has lessened, ...
Is magnesium anode good for water heaters?
This is probably the most widely used metal in modern water heaters, although it is not very good in places where the water is hard. If you live in a hard water area, and have magnesium anodes, you will have to check that the lining of the hot water tank is free from corrosion.
Do anodes need to be removed?
Impressed current rods don't need to be removed and replaced, as they don't corrode, but they do need to be infrequently cleaned in order to maintain the electrical charge. These anode rods are usually found in large commercial water heaters, where the risk of corrosion is higher than usual.
Where is the anode rod on a water heater?
As mentioned earlier, the water heater anode rod sits near the top of your water heater. If you are having trouble locating it, use your water heater’s manual to see where it is. Alternatively, you can look up the model of your water heater online and see a diagram of it.
What Is An Anode Rod and How Does It Work?
An anode rod is a steel wire surrounded by either zinc, aluminum, or magnesium. It is usually about 4 feet long. It is screwed into the top of a water heater and protects the water tank from the formation of rust. It does this through a process called electrolysis. The anode rod is designed to be submerged in water to attract rust and contaminants. Since this component attracts impurities in the water, it will prevent and stop deterioration on the inner steel walls of the water tank. This self-sacrificial process of the metal rod ensures the water heater’s longevity since it won’t rust.
How to make a water heater not twist?
When installing the rod, insert it and turn it clockwise until it cannot be turned by hand. Then tighten it some more with a socket wrench. Make sure the water heater does not turn or twist while you do this.
What does it mean when an anode rod is corroded?
However, if the rod is deteriorating and corroding, it means that it’s doing its job, which is why this is the most common problem. If the steel wire of the rod’s core is exposed, then it might be time for a new one. Anode rod corrosion starts at the top or bottom of the rod and continues on to the core. If there is more than 6 inches of deterioration, it is time to replace it.
What is the most important part of a water heater?
Among one of the most important parts of the water heater is the anode rod. To help you diagnose issues with your water heater, we have summarized the purpose of an anode rod. In addition, we have compiled a list of 3 different types of anode rod issues and steps you will need to follow to replace a deteriorated rod.
How to stop a hot water tank from spitting?
If the drain valve hasn’t been closed yet, close it and turn the cold water apply on. Open the same hot water valve you used when initially draining the tank, allowing it to flow until all air is gone from the tank. The faucet will make spitting and hissing noises as air escapes. Turn on the power or gas again and set the thermostat to the desired water temperature.
How long do anode rods last?
Anode rods are supposed to last about three to five years, but it largely depends on the quality of your water and how much water travels through your water heater. When they stop functioning, it can be due to different things. Here are 3 types of problems that occur with anode rods:
