If you're unsure about the replacement process, however, consider hiring a certified plumber to help. They can efficiently replace the anode rod and rule out other plumbing concerns if you've noticed performance problems.
An important part of your water heater, it moves cold replacement water to the bottom of the tank when you use hot water; otherwise, both will mix and reduce the water temperature. Anode Rod Replacement: While an anode rod costs between $20 and $50, a plumber can replace it for $50 to $150.
Anode rods are usually installed and kept in the heater for several years, so it may be a bit hard to get loose. You can try using a "breaker bar" for better leverage or you can also try tightening the rod just a little to loosen up the threads.
The frequency of anode rod replacement depends on several factors, such as water quality, usage patterns, and the type of anode rod installed. In most cases, we recommend inspecting and potentially replacing the anode rod every 3 to 5 years.
Your sacrificial anode may last longer, but if it's been more than 5 years since a human being even set eyes on it then you're long overdue for an inspection. That's because, in some cases in particularly mineral-rich water, the anode rod will last less than a single year – although 3-5 years of life is about average.
Visual inspection. Check your water heater and water anode rod for corrosion and rust at least once per year. If the rod appears heavily worn and degraded to its core wire, it's ready for replacement.
If you suspect your water heater is more than 10 years old—it is time to consider replacing it before you're left with an emergency decision. To determine the age of your water heater, you'll need to identify the Brand Name and Serial Number for your unit.
Over time, the metal in the anode rod will corrode away itself, leaving only a protective coating around the metal walls and bottom of your hot water tank.
Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every 6 months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply.
Without a functioning anode rod, the tank itself would start to corrode, leading to leaks and system failure. This is why the condition of the anode rod is often a good indicator of the overall health of the water heater.
Magnesium rods offer better protection and water quality, while aluminum rods are more durable and ideal for hard water. Powered anode rods are the very best option for those seeking a long-term, low-maintenance solution.
Most anode rods are sacrificial, meaning they are designed to corrode (instead of your water heater lining). Because they are meant to break down, they wear out every few years and need to be replaced.
Aluminum Zinc Anode Rods
Zinc, unlike aluminum or magnesium, is not conducive to producing hydrogen sulfide. Therefore, when you replace the existing rod with an aluminum zinc alloy rod, it helps reduce the hydrogen sulfide gas, thereby mitigating the smell.
Step 3: Drain Water From the Tank
To make the old anode rod easier to remove, empty some of the water in the tank.
Expect a pro to charge you between $75 and $200 to come to your home to flush your water heater, depending on where you live. While this cost deters many homeowners from performing this annual maintenance, it can extend the water heater's lifespan by years, making it worth the additional cost.
Sometimes, you'll just need repairs, but serious issues call for replacement. For example, a 30-year-old water heater certainly needs to be replaced, but a younger one with a minor problem may be able to get by with some simple repairs.
-Reduced Efficiency: As scaling collects at the bottom of the tank, your water heater will become less effective at heating the water in the tank. -Corrosion: If your water heater goes long enough without a proper flush, you could also have corrosion attacking the tank itself, weakening its structural integrity.
If neither you nor a professional have flushed your water within the last five years, Water Heaters Now recommends not flushing it yourself.
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. Typically, it takes one to two hours to flush a water heater. The size of your tank will impact the amount of time it takes to drain.
The Impact Wrench: An Effective Tool for Anode Rod Removal
This tool stores energy in a rotating assembly. Then releases it to the output shaft, enabling it to remove even the most stubborn anode rods.
In any case, water heater anode rods are essential for protecting your tank from corrosion, but they eventually wear out after around 3-5 years, depending on many factors including the hardness or softness of your water.
The life expectancy of a hot water tank varies depending on its size, how often it is used, and how well it is maintained. A standard 40-gallon tank will last between 10 and 15 years while larger tanks (50 gallons) have a lifespan of up to 20 years.
Because tankless water heaters are more efficient, they cost less money to operate. This can save you money in the long run since utility bills are lower than with a tank water heater. Many people find that the cost savings in energy usage eventually makes up for the higher initial cost of a tankless heater.