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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 an 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.
How long should an anode rod 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 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.
Do I need to replace anode rod?
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. Very large families, for example, may use a lot more hot water, and may need more frequent anode rod replacement intervals.
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.
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 an 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.
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 often should you flush a water heater?
Tip: To maintain the upkeep of your water heater, flush your water heater every six months or so. If you have harder water, or water that contains more minerals, you may want to flush it more often.
What are the signs your hot water heater is going out?
Delivering Rusty or Cloudy Water Rust deposits or a metallic odor coming out with hot water can signal either rusty pipes or rust inside the water heater. If corrosion is eating away the metal from the inside, leaks are inevitable. Murky water from the tap can also be signs that the water heater will fail soon.
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.
Can a water heater last 20 years?
Tank water heaters will last an average of 8 to 12 years, while tankless water heaters can last even longer, up to 20 years. There are also electric and gas water heaters that will vary in lifespan, but in general gas ones last 8-12 years, while an electric heater could last upwards of 10-15 years.
Are anode rods universal?
Anode rods are not universal. Anode rods vary in length and material. Some anode rods are installed at the top of the water heater tank, while others are attached to the hot water outlet. However, the length and type of the anode rod may not be the same.
Which is better aluminum or magnesium anode rod?
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.
Do tankless water heaters have anodes?
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. If you need help now with a water heater issue, call your local Mr. Rooter® Plumbing at (855) 591-0128 for courteous, prompt service.
Is it too late to drain my water heater?
You won’t know how often to drain your hot water tank until you actually do it to see how much sediment has built up in the meantime. In some tanks, it’s almost nothing. Some hot water heater manufacturers recommend only draining off about a gallon of water, but suggest doing so once a month.
When should you take magnesium anode?
A magnesium anode is used as a sacrificial anode in cathodic protection. Magnesium has the highest driving voltage of all the materials used for sacrificial anodes. Magnesium is low on the noble scale, and therefore corrodes easily.
