Replacing Sacrificial Anode Hot Water Heater

A few newer plastic lined tanks have no anode rods to replace before you get started close the shutoff valve turn on the hot water at a faucet to relieve pressure and turn off the electricity or gas to the heater.

Replacing sacrificial anode hot 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 consumed more than 50 1. Next turn on a hot water faucet somewhere in the house. After about a minute turn off the hot water faucet then check for leaks around the new anode rod. Bucket or hose to remove a couple gallons of water.

Turn the cold water supply to the heater back on and let the tank fill. Turn off water and fuel supply gas or. Hot water outlet anodes. One of the most important parts of a water heater is the sacrificial anode rod and how to replace the anode is easy to do.

Without it the water tank would start corroding from the inside out which would eventually result in a severe leak at the bottom. That s why it s important to replace or at least check your anode rod every three years. The rod may be under the water heater s sheet metal top or connected to the hot water outlet nipple. A high quality 6 point 1 1 16 impact socket.

Protect your water heater from corrosion by learning how to replace the anode rod. Since these will be connected to the outgoing plumbing the removal and installation is slightly different. These anode rod replacement instructions presented here are generalized to work with a wide selection of brands and heater. If space above your water heater is tight a flexible replacement anode rod makes the installation easier.

What a anode does is it sits inside the unit and attracts the bad particles that s in the water that could otherwise attack and corrode the tank shorting the life of the heater system. How to replace a sacrificial anode rod. In some cases replacing your water heater s anode rod yourself could void. These will usually need to be replaced at the same time as regular anode rods.

This part literally sacrifices itself to keep the tank in optimal condition. That s why it s also referred to as a sacrificial anode. This is especially true if you have hard water or use a water softener.