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If you currently experience smelly hot water, it’s a must. Step 1 – Shut Off the Power and Water. Step 2 – Locate the Anode Rod. Step 3 – Drain Some Water Out of the Tank. Step 4 – Remove the Anode Rod. Step 5 – Install the New Anode Rod. Aluminum vs Magnesium Rods. Step 6 – Restore Water and Power.
Can you run a water heater without an anode rod?
Without a working anode rod, your water heater tank will be vulnerable to rust, corrosion, and other damaging effects of chemicals and minerals in your water supply.
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%. This is especially true if you have hard water or use a water softener.
How much does it cost to replace a water heater anode rod?
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 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.
Are anode rods universal?
In most cases, water heater anode rods are universal. The only exceptions are : Buderus : They use another type of threading to install the magnesium anode. All other water heater brands use a regular magnesium anode with 3/4 ” NPT threads.
How do I know what size anode rod to buy?
As a rule you want the anode to be “tip to toe” running the full height or length of the tank. If you cant see your brand on the chart then just measure the length of the tank and pick the closest length of anode. If the anode is too long they can be simply cut to length with a hack saw.
Do all water heaters have anodes?
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). Tankless water heaters don’t have anode rods, but all standard tank-style water heaters do.
Do stainless steel water heaters have anode rods?
Unlike glass lined water tanks, stainless steel tanks do not need a “sacrificial anode” in order to prevent corrosion on its surface. This means there is no need for inspection or replacement of anodes, saving time and cost in maintenance over the life of the water heater.
Is it too late to replace anode rod?
Anode rods are relatively cheap, usually costing between $30 and $40, and a plumbing pro can install them safely and quickly. The downside is that if you wait too long to replace the anode rod, it may be too late. If more than five years has passed, it may be too late to save the water heater.
Is it OK to remove anode rod?
Yes, you can cut your sacrificial anode rod, whether it is magnesium or aluminum, to replace it. To do this, use a pair of gloves and a saw and cut as you remove the old anode.
Can anode rod causing rotten egg smell?
The most common cause of smelly water is anaerobic bacteria that exist in some water and react with the magnesium and aluminum sacrificial anodes that come with most water heaters to produce hydrogen sulfide gas, making the classic rotten egg odor.
How long will water heater last without anode rod?
Diminished 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.
How long does an anode rod in a water heater last?
When there’s no sacrificial metal left on the anode rod, your water heater tank can rust out, eventually causing it to burst. Anode 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.
Which anode rod is better aluminum or magnesium?
For harder water an aluminum anode rod is the best choice for your heater and if you live in an area with soft water then a magnesium anode rod is your best choice. Aluminum anodes tend to be cheaper than magnesium anode rods. A magnesium rod will generally last less than an aluminum rod.
Should you use Teflon tape on anode rod?
Yes, teflon tape may reduce the effectiveness of the anode rode by electrically insulating the rod from the water heater chassis. The chances of it completely isolating it are nearly impossible though. Use pipe joint compound if you have it, and use teflon tape if you don’t.
Are anode rods standard size?
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.
Do Bradford White water heaters have anode rods?
The anode rod in your Bradford White water heater is located at the hot water outlet of your tank. Unfortunately, it is not easily accessible. You must remove the hot water outlet to access it.
