If you suspect a problem with your water heater, contact a professional right away. If you want to replace the anode rod post back and we'll tell you how to. The anode rod will start to corroded and once it gets to 1/2 of it's normal shape then I would replace it. It is crucial to understand what is happening behind the scenes and internally of the unit. They are Atwood and Suburban and the big difference between them is Suburban uses an anode rod and At… We doesn't provide how often replace anode rod products or service, please contact them directly and verify their companies info carefully. When there’s no sacrificial metal left on the anode, the tank can rust out, eventually causing it to burst. Rods are made from magnesium, aluminum or aluminum/zinc alloy. 4. We can even install leak detection equipment to alert you to a water leak before it causes more damage. When you do change it, make sure you flush the tank to remove all the debris that's left over from the previous rod. Among one of the most important parts of the water heater is the anode rod. Changing the Anode rod every four years is a great way to extend the life of your water heater. When we checked, our anode rod had about 50% of it’s original mass. However, the anode rod should be replaced if you smell a sulfur or rotten egg odor to your hot water. Thus, if you soften your water, consider replacing your sacrificial anode with an electrical anode, which will not corrode in response to softeners. Anode rods generally can last about three to five years but it really depends on the manufacturer, quality of your water, and how much water travels through your water heater. This is a simple process and only requires you to open up the tank and assess the rod visibly. 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. In most cases, you will need to change your water heater anode rod approximately once every 6 years so long as it operates under normal working conditions. They assume that if a tank is producing hot water, then it is working fine. Surburban brand water heaters have an anode rod. Water from your faucets is gritty, sandy, smelly, or discolored. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Turn the ratchet counterclockwise to remove the anode rod. You may freely link Which anode rod do I need? All information is provided "AS IS." Before performing any work on a water heater, you should always turn off the circuit breaker or turn off the thermostat on gas models. If the anode is located on the side, drain the tank until the water is below the anode rod port. A corroded tank must be replaced as soon as possible. how often replace anode rod. 3 Locate the anode rod on the water heater; if necessary, unscrew and lift off the cover from the top of the heater. We welcome your comments and Water softeners can accelerate anode rod corrosion. The rod is submerged in the water and due to the aggressive water action is eaten away over time. Because of this, you should frequently and regularly check your anode rod to make sure that it is in good shape. Most water heater tanks are steel with a thin glass lining to protect the metal from corrosion. Aluminum replacement rods are sold at home centers. For example, if you have soft water that has a great deal of salt in it, the water heater anode rod could corrode very quickly. Watch Richard Trethewey of This Old House explain more about anode rods and how to replace them: Nobody wants to deal with a burst water heater which can destroy your home and belongings. Replacing Your Anode Rod Since the anode rod is vital to protecting your hot water heater tank from rust, it is important that it be regularly checked. 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. To be on the safe side, we replaced it with a new one. How often do I need to replace the anode rod? Replace the anode rod(s) with a less reactive material (magnesium to aluminum, or aluminum to aluminum alloy) Water chemistry frequently changes, be sure to understand current water conditions. At this point I wouldn't mess with it I would just plan on replacing the water heater. When this happens, you should know how often to change the anode rod in a water filter. First, watch the helpful video below to get an overview of the entire project from start to finish. Anode rods also help reduce the amount of sediment that collects at the bottom of the tank. Anode rods generally can last about three to five years but it really depends on the manufacturer, quality of your water, and how much water travels through your water heater. Plumbing experts recommend checking the anode rod at least once a year. It costs a lot less to replace an anode rod than an entire water heater. Luckily, there are only three main water heater maintenance activities: Unfortunately, the step most people forget is checking the anode rod. Similarly one may ask, how often should you replace anode rod? Hope this helps some. Most manufacturers recommend inspecting the anode rod every two years. You should check your anode rod once a year, more in areas with hard water. In most cases, you will need to change your water heater anode rod approximately once every 6 years so long as it operates under normal working conditions. The anode rod is “self-sacrificing” and will continue to corrode until eventually it must be replaced. How often should you replace the anode rod in a water heater? Think of an anode rod as the Unsung Hero of your water heater: a good one enhances the performance of MVP (your water heater), and the whole system works better because of it. Your water heater is making popping and banging noises when heating, potentially signaling tank corrosion. Hidden and forgotten, water heater’s the anode rod, also known as “the sacrificial helper,” offers up its body in exchange for your water heater tank. When you check your anode rod, you'll probably see some pitting, or tiny holes; that's exactly what should be happening. How often should I replace the anode rod in my RV’s water heater? Warning Signs on Anode Rod Water heater anode rods are made of metal (magnesium, aluminum, or zinc)and generally get screwed into the top of the tank. In most cases, you will need to change your water heater anode rod approximately once every 6 years so long as it operates under normal working conditions. How to Inspect and Replace a Sacrificial Anode Rod (Every 3-5 Years) Service Champions |. How to Replace an Anode Rod. Either the sacrificial anode rod needs to be replaced or the tank itself is beginning to rust, often due to corrosion at the steel lining. keeping the tape tight as you go around the thread in a clockwise motion like in the picture Take a look at the chart below and replace the rod when 75% or more is consumed.. During frequent use, it may be as often as twice a year. Step 5- Install the new sacrificial anode- Once the old is removed and put aside grab the new rod. In most cases, the hexagonal head of the rod is visible on the top of the water heater. Most likely, you will need at least two people to remove the existing anode rod. Let’s talk about how to replace the anode rod in a hot water heater. It’s been 3 or more years since you’ve checked or changed the anode rod. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. 16360 Table Mountain Pkwy, Golden CO 80403, © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) | www.fix-it24.com, Drain and flush the storage tank (every 6 months to a year), Schedule professional inspection of the burner, temperature/pressure release valve, venting system, and other system components at least once a year, Inspect the anode rod every year; replace the anode rod every 3-5 years. If you have soft water, the anode rod will deteriorate at a much faster rate. Anode rods should be replaced every 3 to 5 years depending on your water quality. If you find the rod depleted by 1/2 of its volume or more, it is time to replace it. For instance, if your ceiling is too low, you will need to get a flexible (collapsible) rod to replace it with. Additionally, you want to make sure you have the right anode rod and that it’s properly installed. Hardness check: Overly softened water will increase conductivity. This is a medium difficulty DIY project, and you should exercise caution while working around hot water and also gas/electrical service. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". It you tire of replacing that water heater every few years then now is a good time to consider a high efficiency tankless which can last 15 years or more. Posted on November 30, 2017 by E.R. All rights reserved. How to Get Rid of Sulfur Smell in a Jacuzzi Tub, How to Eliminate Smoke Odors from a Newly-Purchased House, How to Replace Your Water Heater Anode Rod, 5 Types of Water Heater Anode Rods Explained. Services - All Things Plumbing, Appliance Plumbing Tips, Plumbing DIY Advice, Plumbing Maintenance Advice & Services, Water Heaters. Website operating Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Sometimes the anode rod breaks down or deteriorates. Copyright© Extends the lifespan of your storage water heater. Aluminum anode rods are best for places with hard water. June 5, 2018. However, depending on the composition of your water, you may need to change the anode rod more frequently. If there is a valve on the cold water supply line, turn that off, otherwise turn off the water at the meter or pump. Water test parameters to consider: pH level (7 is neutral and ideal). You may just want to forget about your water heater, but without key maintenance, the lifespan of the unit will be shortened and equipment failures may not be covered under warranty. We recommend contacting a plumbing professional such as Fix-It 24/7 when replacing the anode rod. However, depending on the composition of your water, you may need to change the anode rod more frequently. 6 Lift out and discard the old anode rod. Cloudy water often indicates a sediment buildup inside the tank, and if the water remains cold, a … Anode rod problems and how to repair. Since the metal in the anode rod is more reactive, the water corrodes the anode rod instead of the steel water heater tank or other exposed metals such as electric elements. The aluminum rod will withstand harder water better than a magnesium or zinc rod. In that case, it could deteriorate in as little as 6 months. When the anode rod is depleted, it no longer offers corrosion protection for the tank. View our Privacy Policy here. Fix-It 24/7 is familiar with all types of water heaters, including tankless (on-demand), solar, heat pump, and gas water heaters. All how often replace anode rod wholesalers & how often replace anode rod manufacturers come from members. Most residential tanks have just one anode, but commercial tanks will have more. Attach a 1 1/16-inch socket onto the anode rod hex-head, then attach a ratchet onto the socket. An anode rod is a sacrificial steel core wire that is wrapped with aluminum, magnesium, or zinc. Then close the outlet and remove the hose. In order for the anode rod to work correctly, the material must possess a lower, more negative, electrochemical potential than that of the water heater’s steel composition to be useful. Rods are made from magnesium, aluminum or aluminum/zinc alloy. Top 10 Signs You Should Replace Your Anode Rod. suggestions. However, depending on the composition of your water, you may need to change the anode rod more frequently. The most common complaint related to the water heater anode rod is the rotten egg smell. If you have soft water, the anode rod will deteriorate at a much faster rate. Completely softening, over a period of six months or less, can cause an anode rod to corrode. When there’s no sacrificial metal left on the anode rod, your water heater tank can rust out, eventually causing it to burst. If the water heater is set up in such a way that makes removal of the corroded anode rod impossible, you may need to completely move the storage tank to a new area. Check your anode rod more frequently if you have a water softener (about once a year). With a few tools, a warm sunny afternoon and a little know how it’s easy to do it yourself. Waiting a long time is not a good idea: having a depleted anode rod will shorten the life of your water heater. Fortunately, anode rods are relatively inexpensive, usually last a couple years, and are easy to replace. In addition, we have compiled a list of 3 different types of anode rod issues and steps you will need to follow to replace a deteriorated rod. If you have a water softener or particularly hard water, your anode will deteriorate more quickly. The frequency with which you should replace your water heater anode rod in your hot water heater can range, in the most extreme circumstances, anywhere from six months to six years depending on the composition of your water. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. There is now available a magnesium anode rod that will last much longer. Using the plumber’s Teflon thread tape go around the thread of the new anode about 16 times. 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. However, to keep protecting your tank the anode rod must be replaced when a good chunk of the cable becomes visible. If you want to replace it plan on spending maybe 25--50 bucks if you think it will help. Many people are unaware that an anode should be replaced regularly. The main thing we want to do is flush out the sediments and deposits that build up over time in the tank and replace any corrode parts.There are two big manufactures of HW tanks for RVs. 5 If the anode rod won't budge, slip a steel pipe onto ratchet wrench handle for extra leverage. In this article, we will discuss this process, including how an anode rod functions and how to inspect one. How to replace the anode rod in your hot water heater.Do you have stinky water. home improvement and repair website. Some water heaters do not use them they just have a plastic plug where the anode would screw into the tank, it is a good idea to use one. Note: If your anode rod is on the top of the heater, you will only need to allow the tank to drain about a quart or 1/2 a gallon of water. RV water heater maintenance is pretty straight forward. Anode rods are expected to last up to 3 or 4 years but should be changed when 1/2 of the rod has corroded away. Anode rods work by attracting corrosive particles found inside your water heater tank to protect the tank liner and reduce the risk of explosion. To help you diagnose issues with your water heater, we have summarized the purpose of an anode rod. How often should I replace the water heater anode? If your gas water heater has a “Vacation” setting, that will allow you to work on the unit without relighting the pilot afterward. Most manufacturers recommend inspecting the anode rod every two years. You want to extend the lifespan of your water heater and maintain your manufacturer’s warranty. An anode rod is a special metal element that’s meant to slowly dissolve so that the tank itself doesn’t corrode. Many manufacturers recommend water heater anode replacement every two to four years depending on the hardness of the water that passes through the tank and the quality of the water heater lining. Drawbacks of Using an Aluminum Water Heater Anode Rod. We recommend inspecting the anode rod every year, which we will do for you during our annual plumbing inspection. Without a sacrificial anode rod, your steel water tank will begin to rust and corrode, leading to leaks and bursts. When an anode rod has lost approximately 75% of it’s original mass, it is time to replace the anode rod. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent
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