Replacing Sacrificial Anode Water Heater

How to replace a sacrificial anode rod.

Replacing sacrificial anode water heater.

4 use a ratchet wrench and 1 1 16 inch deep socket to unscrew the anode rod from the heater. Protect your water heater from corrosion by learning how to replace the anode rod. 2 partially drain the water heater. With this one tho we don t have to straighten the rod as we are lower and install it into the tank as there will be room overhead.

That s why it s important to replace or at least check your anode rod every three years. When the rod itself becomes so corroded that it can no longer do its job the tank soon rusts out leaks and needs replacement. That s why it s also referred to as a sacrificial anode. Without it the water tank would start corroding from the inside out which would eventually result in a severe leak at the bottom.

The length is the same as a flexible rob and install is the same. Once the anode is gone the tank begins to. For gas heaters you should turn off the gas supply. Turn off water and fuel supply gas or electric.

Rods are made from magnesium aluminum or aluminum zinc alloy. First turn the power off to the water heater at the circuit breaker. Possibly a helper or two replacement sacrificial anode rod. These anode rod replacement instructions presented here are generalized to work with a wide selection of brands and heater.

A high quality 6 point 1 1 16 impact socket. Most water heater manufacturers will recommend inspecting the condition of the sacrificial anode every one 1 to three 3 years and replacing it when consumed more than 50 1. Close the shut off valve at the cold water inlet line. Removing the sacrificial anode rod.

3 locate the anode rod on the water heater. When the anode rod has rusted away the water heater s tank may begin to rust which will cause the water heater to fail and you ll end up paying hundreds for a brand new water heater. This part literally sacrifices itself to keep the tank in optimal condition. 1 turn off water and fuel supply gas or electricity to water heater.

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. Bucket or hose to remove a couple gallons of water. This rod protects the tank from corrosion by corroding first before the tank. 6 lift out and discard the old anode rod.

If necessary unscrew and lift off the cover from the top of the heater. In some cases replacing your water heater s anode rod yourself could void the appliance s warranty. 5 if the anode rod won t budge slip a steel pipe onto ratchet wrench handle for extra leverage. Inside every water heater is a long metal rod called an anode rod made of various metals.

A replacement anode rod a socket wrench a 1 and 1 16 inch socket a 24 inch cheater bar or pipe a flat blade screwdriver teflon tape a garden hose and a hacksaw.