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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.
When should anode rods be replaced?
Check The Anode Rod Once a Year & Replace It Every 5 Years As a general rule, anode rods need to be replaced about every 4-5 years. However, this can vary depending on how much water flows through your gas water heater or electric water heater.
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.
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.
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.
What happens if you don’t replace anode rod?
The anode rod is “self-sacrificing” and will continue to corrode until eventually it must be replaced. When there’s no sacrificial metal left on the anode, the tank can rust out, eventually causing it to burst.
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.
How often should you replace your water heater anode rod?
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.
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.
How do I know if my hot 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 do you test a water heater anode rod?
Open the spigot and drain a little water to relieve some pressure and heat inside the tank before opening the top for the anode rod. Next, go to the top of your water heater and look for a hex head bolt. If you don’t see the hex head, it’s likely built into your water heater system.
Do hot water heaters come with anode rods?
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. Tankless water heaters don’t have anode rods, but all standard tank-style water heaters do.
Do glass-lined water heaters have anode rods?
Anode Rod. Built into all A. O. Smith glass-lined tank water heaters will be an anode rod to protect the tank and extend its life. The anode rod produces a low resistance electrical current to establish an electrical circuit in the water heater that controls corrosion through cathodic protection.
Does a gas hot water heater have an anode rod?
Inside the Tank In glass-lined tanks, there will be a metal rod in the tank, usually magnesium or aluminum, called a sacrificial anode. The anode rod is bolted and fastened to the top of the tank and extends deep into the tank.
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.
Can you cut an anode rod to fit?
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. If you don’t have enough space and you are tired of changing the anode rod, you should install a powered anode.
