How To Check The Anode Rod In A Water Heater

The anode rod is probably the most important function in your water heater. In fact, it's one of the main factors in determining how long the unit will terminal. This anode rod protects the steel on the within of your tank from rust by a method known as electrolysis. Through this process, the anode rod volition sacrifice itself by becoming corroding instead of the metal lining on the within of your h2o heater tank.

It'due south important that you check your anode rod on a regular basis. When y'all detect that the rod has been corroded from the top to the bottom, it's no longer offering any sort of protection and will to exist replaced as before long as possible.

There are iii kinds of anode rods. They include aluminum, magnesium and zinc. If your home pumps out hard h2o, so aluminum is the best choice. On the other hand, Magnesium is improve suited for softer water, and Zinc pipes are made of aluminum with a minor bit of zinc added to information technology. The zinc is added to boxing against any sulfur odors coming from the h2o.

Steps to replacing the anode rod in your water heater

Like mentioned above, when your water heater needs an anode rod replacement, yous'll know, because it will be completely corroded. When a replacement is in order, make use of the following steps:

Before you outset, information technology'south important that yous make sure you shut off the h2o in addition to your home's circuit breaker or the thermostat on your home's gas models.
Identify the anode rods located on the top portion of your unit. Many hot water heaters have the anode rode positioned on the tiptop of the unit of measurement and continued to the hot h2o line. If you have a user'south transmission, it'south best to consult the diagrams in it.
Your next step is to bleed the h2o from your h2o heater tank. The easiest way to do this is by connecting your garden home directly to the water outlet line. This is commonly located on meridian of the water heater. When draining your tank, go along in listen that you simply have to drain the tank but below where the anode rod is positioned. It's also important that you open up the h2o heater'south drain valve and hot h2o valve as well. This volition allow the tank to drain at a much faster rate.
Apply a boxed end wrench or a socket to remove the anode rod. Yous may have to twist, bend or fifty-fifty cut this rod to get information technology out.
Install the new anode rod into your water heater using either the aforementioned wrench or a socket you used to get it off.
Turn back on the power besides as your domicile'south water power.

When removing and installing the new anode rod, it'south all-time to consult the owner'south manual to ensure you get the anode rod on correctly.

Author
Contempo Posts

He began his career in plumbing at the historic period of 14 while still in loftier school. Kevin Sharp has a bachelor'south degree in journalism from Illinois State University.