How to Replace the Hot Water Heater Anode Rod
How water heaters have a sacrificial anode rod inside them, which is designed to slowly dissolve first to prevent the exterior of the tank from rusting. However, this rod may deteriorate to the point where it needs to be replaced so that the shell of the water heater tank can remain in good condition. Here is what you need to know about how that rod is replaced.
Gather the Tools and Materials
There are not that many tools that are needed to replace an anode rod, which makes the process fairly straightforward. A socket wrench, flat head screwdriver, Teflon tape, and a garden hose are all you really need to get this job done. However, the anode rod itself may need to be specially ordered to ensure it is the right size for your hot water heater.
Shut Down the Water Heater
You need to make sure that the water heater is completely shut off before you replace the anode rod. Turn off the gas or electricity source that is used to power the water heater, and then turn off the water going into the tank. You should then turn on a hot water faucet somewhere in your home to relieve the pressure inside the hot water tank.
Drain Some Water
You'll want to drain a couple of gallons of water from the hot water heater at this point. You can connect a garden hose to the outlet at the bottom of the tank, open the water outlet, and let the water flow into a nearby drain. Just keep in mind that the water coming out of your hot water heater is likely very hot.
Remove and Replace the Anode Rod
Your water heater likely has a cap on the top that is covering up the anode rod. When you remove the cap, there may be insulation above it that needs to be removed as well. You'll eventually expose the anode rod, which can be loosened using a socket wrench and lifted out of the hot water tank. You'll likely see a lot of corrosion on the rod as you remove it from the tank. Place some Teflon tape around the threaded end of the new anode rod, then slide it into the tank. Secure it in place using your socket wrench, cover it with insulation, and place the cap back on the tank.
To learn more about this process, contact a water heater repair technician.
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