What does the anode rod in a water heater do

The purpose of an anode rod is to attract the sediment and corrosive elements (like minerals in the water) so that they corrode the anode rod rather than the inside of your water heater tank. In essence, an anode rod works to protect your water heater from corrosive elements that can damage your 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 do you know when to replace an anode rod?

Check The Anode Rod Once a Year & Replace It Every 5 Years Very large families, for example, may use a lot more hot water, and may need more frequent anode rod replacement intervals. The best way to make sure your anode rod is in good shape is to have a plumber maintain your water heater every year.

Will a bad anode rod symptoms?

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 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 all hot water tanks have anode rod?

Anode rods are an essential component of tank-style water heaters. Most anode rods are sacrificial, meaning they are designed to corrode (instead of your water heater lining). … Tankless water heaters don’t have anode rods, but all standard tank-style water heaters do.

How much does it cost to replace anode rod in water heater?

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 do you check an anode rod?

Turn Off Water and Fuel Supply (Gas or Electric) Locate the gas line near the bottom of your water heater. …
Drain Some Water. Drain a couple gallons of water—about 10% of the tank’s volume. …
Locate Anode Rod. Now, try to find the anode rod. …
Loosen the Hex Head and Remove the Anode Rod. …
Install New Sacrificial Anode Rod.

What happens if you don't change your anode rod?

The rods can deteriorate in as short a period as 3 to 5 years, depending on many factors that include the hardness or softness of your drinking water. Without a working anode rod, the water heater tank will be vulnerable to rust, corrosion, and other damaging effects of chemicals and minerals in the water supply.

Can I remove the anode from my water heater?

We’ve heard of plumbers or handymen advising people to remove the sacrificial anodes from their water heaters as a solution to smelly water. It’s a solution all right, but one that will ensure your water heater rusts out in record time. There is a reason why removing an anode voids the warranty.

Article first time published on

Do gas hot water heaters have anode rods?

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.

How often should you flush a water heater?

It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time.

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.

What are signs that your hot water heater is going out?

Water leaking from the heating tank. …
Age of the water heater. …
Running out of hot water quickly. …
Inconsistent water temperature in the shower. …
Discolored water coming from faucets. …
Unusual noises coming from the water heater. …
Lower water pressure.

What should it cost to replace a water heater?

Hot Water System TypeAvg. Hot Water PriceAvg. Hot Water Installation CostSolar Hot Water System supported with Electric Power$3650 to $5050+$2050 to $3550Solar Hot Water System supported with Gas$4950 to $6550+$2050 to $3800Heat Pump System$3350 to $4050$1050 to $2550

What is the lifespan of a hot water heater?

How Long Do Water Heaters Last? Based on the manufacturer’s suggested service life, the life expectancy of a water heater is about eight to 12 years. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality.

Can I replace anode rod myself?

How to Remove a Water Heater Anode Rod. Water heater anode replacement can be completed by homeowners. If you’d like to inspect or replace your water heater’s anode, follow these steps: For electric water heaters: Turn off the water heater and cut power to the unit from the circuit breaker.

Why do I need to keep resetting my water heater?

When your thermostat stops working correctly, it can fail to regulate the temperature in your electric water heater properly. This, in turn, will cause your water to heat up to dangerous levels, which will cause the reset switch to trip.

Why does water heater need to be reset?

If your water heater loses power, your water heater’s reset button can be used to turn the appliance back on. However, your reset button serves as a safety device and turns the unit off when the water temperature gets too hot.

Are anode rods necessary?

Yes, an anode rod is necessary. It protects your water heater from corrosion and extends its life. However, once the magnesium or aluminum from your anode is dissolved, the steel walls of your water heater will start to rust.

What causes rotten egg smell in hot water?

Although there are several reasons why you have rotten egg smell in your hot water, the most common cause is the sulfur bacteria (SRB) in the hot water tank. They feed on sulfur and produce hydrogen sulfide gas as waste. When the gas dissolves in the water, it gives it that characteristic odor of spoiled eggs.

How much is an aluminum anode rod?

This item Camco Aluminum Anode Rod- Extends the Life of Water Heaters by Attracting Corrosive Elements, Tank Corrosion Protection (11563)Price$1277ShippingFREE Shipping on orders over $25.00 shipped by Amazon or get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon PrimeSold ByAmazon.com

Do powered anode rods really work?

Powered Anode RodNormal Sacrificial Anode RodAntibacteria EffectivenessExcellentModerate/Excellent for zinc rods

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.

How many anode rods are in a water heater?

Usually when a hot water tank has two anodes you will find one of each. Hex head anode rods have a nut on them the threads directly into the top of the hot water tank. The tank has a threaded opening built in during the manufacturing process. It is possible to have two or more anode rods installed in your tank.

How do you flush sediment out of a water heater?

Turn the Water Heater Off. …
Turn the Cold Water Valve Off. …
Let the water cool. …
Attach a drain or garden hose to the drain valve on the side of the tank. …
Place the end of the hose in a bucket or drain. …
Turn on a faucet (or two) …
Start draining the tank by turning on the drain valve.

How long does it take to flush a water heater?

On average, it takes 10-20 minutes to flush a water heater. Continue until water runs clear without any sediment. If flushing is done from the first year after water heater is installed and continued throughout, you may never see any sediment coming out of garden hose because you are not allowing it to build up.

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.

What is the best anode rod for a water heater?

Magnesium anode rods are expected to work better in a home with soft water. Aluminum anodes are appropriate for homes with hard water and a high PH. Zinc anodes work best if a home is starting to smell like rotten eggs and is best for replacing water heaters that already dissolved.

Can you use water without water heater?

Yes, with a few caveats. Is there a shutoff valve present on the cold water line to the water heater? If so, just turn it off. But be aware that if water passes through any fixture in the house you could end up with water spewing out of the hot water line where the water heater goes (known as backfeeding).

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.