Water Heater Anode Rod Replacement

Rods are made from magnesium aluminum or aluminum zinc alloy.

Water heater anode rod replacement.

3 locate the anode rod on the water heater. Water heaters use an anode rod to attract and remove sediments from the water being heated. We recommend that you keep a spare on hand. 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.

4 use a ratchet wrench and 1 1 16 inch deep socket to unscrew the anode rod from the heater. Suburban s magnesium anode rod is perfect for use in rv water heaters. Need to hire a plumber. 2 partially drain the water heater.

The anode rod absorbs the corrosive effects of hot water to extend the life of your water heater s tank. Find anode rod water heater parts at lowe s today. If necessary unscrew and lift off the cover from the top of the heater. This old house plumbing and heating contractor richard trethewey shows a simple way to add years to your water heater by swapping out the sacrificial metal.

In most cases the hexagonal head of the rod is visible on the top of the water heater. 1 turn off water and fuel supply gas or electricity to water heater. An anode rod will corrode and deteriorate over time until it s no longer capable of functioning and has to be replaced. Aluminum replacement rods are sold at home centers.

After about a minute turn off the hot water faucet then check for leaks around the new anode rod. Next turn on a hot water faucet somewhere in the house. Remember to replace worn anodes to insure consistent protection. Replacing your anode rod at regular intervals may increase the life of your water heater saving you money time and the inconvenience of having to replace your water heater.

If space above your water heater is tight a flexible replacement anode rod makes the installation easier. Turn the cold water supply to the heater back on and let the tank fill.