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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 long do water heater anode rods 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 do I know if my 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.
When should I replace my anode rod?
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.
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.
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 happens if you don’t change your 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.
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 you know if anode rod is magnesium or aluminum?
A magnesium rod will generally last less than an aluminum rod. One issue with aluminium rods is that the corrosive material that is formed on the anode tends to harden and sink to the bottom of the water 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 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 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.
Should I replace my 15 year old water heater?
Anyway, you should consider replacing your water heater if it’s about 6-12+ years old and when you start running out of hot water faster. However, age and lack of hot water aren’t everything. You could have a 15-year-old water heater that works just fine and wouldn’t need replacing.
How many years does a water heater last?
It would be nice to know when the time is right to replace your water before it springs a leak and causes an inconvenience or worse yet, damage to your home. Typically a residential hot water heater lasts between 6 and 13 years. Beyond 12 years, you are on borrowed time!Apr 19, 2012.
How much does a zinc anode rod cost?
This item Aluminum Zinc Water Heater Anode Rod; Outlet/Nipple Style (Brad White); 3/4 NPT x 48-inch; Stops Sulfur/Rotten Egg Smell (Solid) EZ-FLO 60296 45 in. Eastman Flexible Magnesium Anode Rod, Chrome Price $5785 $52.00$52.00 Shipping FREE Shipping. Details FREE Shipping. Details Sold By Water Connection Amazon.com.
How much does a water heater flush cost?
How much does it cost to flush a water heater? If you’re not confident doing the job yourself, expect to pay around $100. This is really a minimal expense considering how damaging sediment can be for your water heater.
Should I drain my water heater annually?
It’s generally a good idea to drain your water heater at least once a year, according to both BobVila.com and The Family Handyman. Water heaters are typically a fairly low maintenance appliance, but remember to drain yours regularly. This may help keep it running efficiently and the hot water flowing.
What happens if you don’t flush water heater?
What Happens if I don’t Flush My Water Heater? Leaving sediment build up in your water heater can not only cause it to work harder, but also lead to some serious problems. Things such as pipe bursting, loss of water pressure, or even the break-down of the tank itself.
