Simple steps to replace a water heater anode rod
Water heaters are essential appliances for homes. They provide hot water for bathing, cooking, cleaning and laundry. The main components of a water heater are the tank, heating element, thermostat, and anode rods.
The anode rods are placed inside the tank to reduce corrosion. If you don’t have them, then the water heater won’t last long.
Anodes are also known as sacrificial anodes. They are used to prevent corrosion from occurring on metal surfaces. Anodes are usually made of zinc or copper.
What happens when you don’t replace your water heater anode rod? The answer is simple – it corrodes and eventually breaks off, leaving the tank vulnerable to corrosion. This means that you’ll need to spend more money replacing the entire unit.
Water heaters are designed to last between 15 years and 20 years, depending on the size of the tank. If you haven’t replaced your anode rod in at least five years, then it’s time to get one installed.
Replacing the anode rod is a straightforward procedure that takes less than 30 minutes. All you need is a wrench and some basic tools.
Simple Steps To Replace A Water Heater Anode Rod
1. Remove the cover plate first. It will be held in place by two screws.
2. Then remove the bolts holding the top cap in place.
3. Next, unscrew the three nuts that hold the bottom of the tank together.
4. Once they’re removed, lift up the tank and set it aside.
5. Now take out the old anode rod. You can either use a pair of pliers to pull it out or simply break it off with a hammer.
6. Be sure not to lose any pieces of the broken anode rod.
7. Clean the area where the new anode rod will go using soap and warm water.
8. Use a rag to wipe away any dirt and grime.
9. Apply a coat of grease to the threads before screwing in the new anode rod.
10. Tighten the nuts back onto the tank.
11. Put the cover plate back on and tighten all the screws.
12. Turn the water heater back on and test its operation.
13. Enjoy your newly-installed anode rod!
How To Install A Replacement Water Heater Anode Rod?
Step 1: Remove the cover plate first ( it will be held in place with 2 screws).
Step 2: Unscrew the 3 nuts that hold the bottom part of the tank together (they should come loose easily).
Step 3: Lift up the tank and set aside.
Step 4: Take out the old anode (you can use a pair of plier to pull it out or just break it off with a small hammer).
Step 5: Clean the area where the replacement anode goes (use soap and warm water)
Step 6: Apply a coat of grease on the threads of the new anode (before screwing it into the tank).
Step 7: Screw the new anode into the tank (tighten the nuts carefully).
Step 8: Put the cover plate back and tighten all the screws (make sure to put the washer under the nut that holds the cover plate in place).
Step 9: Turn the water heater back ON and test its operation. Enjoy your newly installed anode rod!
Can I replace anode rod myself?
Yes, you can do this yourself. However, if you try to install a new anode rod without professional help, there is a chance that you could damage your water heater.
You need to know how to properly handle the water heater so that you won’t cause any damage to it.
You also need to have the proper equipment. For example, you need a wrench for removing the old anode rod and a hammer to break it off.
If you are unsure about doing this job, call a technician who specializes in plumbing services. They will be able to show you how to safely replace the anode rod.
What happens when my water heater needs replacing?
If your water heater has been leaking for more than 12 months, then it’s time to replace it. This is because the metal parts inside the water heater may have corroded over time.
The corrosion can weaken the joints between the pipes and tanks. As a result, these joints might leak and allow water to escape from the system.
When this happens, the water heater cannot heat water as efficiently as it used to. It may even stop working altogether.
The best way to prevent this problem is by having regular maintenance checks done by a qualified service provider.
How much does it cost to repair a water heater Anode Rod?
Repairing a damaged anode rod can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on what type of work is needed.
It costs less to fix a broken anode rod than to buy a whole new one.
However, if you want to save money, you can get a cheap replacement anode rod instead of repairing the existing one.
Is it safe to leave the water heater running while I’m fixing the anode rod?
No, it’s not safe. If you don’t shut down the water heater before making repairs, you may end up causing serious problems.
For example, if you don’t turn off the power supply to the water heater, you may overload the circuit breaker.
This causes electrical sparks which can start fires.
Also, if you don’t drain the hot water from the tank, you may burn yourself when you touch the exposed pipe.
Do I need to hire a plumber to replace the anode rod? Why?
A plumber is trained to handle situations like yours. They’ll know exactly what tools they need to use and how to make the necessary repairs.
They’ll also know how to avoid damaging the water heater during the process. A plumber will also be able to tell you whether or not you should replace the entire water heater. In most cases, you only need to replace the anode rods.
If you’re concerned about hiring a plumber, ask your friends and family members for recommendations. You can also look online for companies that offer plumbing services.
Should you use Teflon tape on anode rod?
Teflon tape is designed to protect the surface of the anode rod. The tape prevents rust from forming on the surface of the rod.
However, some people recommend using duct tape instead of Teflon tape. Duct tape is cheaper and easier to find.
Can I install a new anode rod myself?
Yes, but it takes expertise and experience. You must first remove all the old anode rod so that you can cut out the section that needs replacing.
Then, you must drill holes into the top of the tank where the new anode rod will go. Next, you must insert the new rod through the holes and secure it with screws.
You must also ensure that there are no leaks around the anode rod. Finally, you must fill the tank with cold water until the level reaches the bottom of the anode rod hole.
How long will it take to replace water heater anode rod?
It depends on several factors such as the size of the water heater, the number of holes in the anode rod, and the condition of the existing rod.
In general, it takes between 2 hours and 4 hours to complete the job. However, it could take longer depending on the complexity of the repair.
What do I need to replace a water heater anode rod with?
The following items are required:
• Replacement anode rod
• Drill bit
• Screws
• Pliers
• Wrench
• Safety goggles
Replacing a water heater anode can be done by anyone who knows how to change a light bulb.
How long will water heater last without anode rod?
Anode rods help prevent corrosion in the water heater tank. Corrosion occurs when minerals in the water combine with oxygen in the air to form metal oxides.
When these metals dissolve in the water, they create deposits called scale. This scale builds up inside the tank over time. Eventually, this buildup makes the water heater inefficient.
When the water heater stops working properly, it’s important to have the anode rod replaced.
Why does my water heater stop heating water after a few minutes?
Sometimes, the problem is caused by a clogged drain line. If the drain line has been blocked for a while, then the heaters won’t work well.
To fix this issue, you must clear the blockage. Then, you must clean the drain line. Finally, you must check if the drain valve is open.
If you still don’t get hot water, then you may need to replace the thermostat.
Conclusion
Water heater anode rods are very important parts of the water heater system. When they fail, the whole system fails.
Therefore, it is vital to replace them regularly. It’s also beneficial to hire a professional plumber to perform the replacement.