Contents
- 1 Is an anode rod necessary?
- 2 Will a hot water heater work without an anode rod?
- 3 What does the anode rod in a water heater do?
- 4 How much does it cost to replace a water heater anode rod?
- 5 What kind of anode rod do I need for my hot water heater?
- 6 How can I get the anode out of my water heater?
- 7 Why are the anode rods on my water heater so loud?
- 8 How often do anode rods need to be replaced?
Is an anode rod necessary?
Yes, an anode rod is necessary. It protects your water heater from corrosion and extends its life. However, once the magnesium or aluminum from your anode is dissolved, the steel walls of your water heater will start to rust.
Will a hot water heater work without an anode rod?
Heater tanks are glass lined and as long as that remains intact, there can not be any corrosion of the steel so no anode rod is needed but…. The problem is that all lining seems to be damaged eventually allowing bare steel in contact with water which rusts the steel.
What does the anode rod in a water heater do?
An anode rod is a temporary steel core wire with magnesium, aluminum, or zinc around it. An anode rod exists to protect the metal lining inside of your water heater tank to prevent explosion or corrosion over time. …
How much does it cost to replace a water heater anode rod?
An anode rod costs about $50. Some homeowners may feel comfortable replacing it themselves. If not, call a professional plumber, who can assist. The cost of having it replaced professionally may be around $250 or $300.
What kind of anode rod do I need for my hot water heater?
If you do have water with a lot of iron bacteria that causes a “rotten egg” smell, we recommend choosing an aluminum/zinc/tin rod as it can help to control the growth of the iron bacteria. As mentioned above, you might have a water heater with a separate inlet for the anode rod or your anode rod might be installed on the hot water outlet.
How can I get the anode out of my water heater?
Find a faucet close to the heater that has a hot water supply and turn on the hot side. This relieves pressure in the tank by allowing air into the tank, which breaks the vacuum and allows the water heater to drain. If the tank is still under pressure when you try to loosen the anode, it just might fly out like a rocket!
Why are the anode rods on my water heater so loud?
Aluminum anode rods particularly cause great annoyance with their sediment. A layer of sediment that has accumulated at the bottom of your water heater tank can cause your water heater to run loudly. Some people report that it even wakes them up during the night.
How often do anode rods need to be replaced?
However, anode rods need to be replaced every so often because they wear out faster than the lifespan of the water heater. If you have a standard tank-style heater (as opposed to a tankless model), you need to check the rod every so often and replace it as necessary.