Unusual sounds may also start emanating from your water heater if theres something wrong with the anode rod.
Learn the warning signs of a water heater on the fritzand what to do about it. Thats quite a bargain considering that the average cost to replace a water heater can range from $800 at the low end to more than $1,500 at the high end, according to HomeAdvisor, depending on the condition of your plumbing and the type of water heater you choose. Unscrew it by hand once its loose. There is an easy way to tell if the tank has failed, you just have to have the right touch. Loosen the hex head with a short burst from your impact wrench. In most cases, the hexagonal head of the rod is visible on the top of the water heater. People with heater models that have a rod going into the hot water outlet (such as Bradford White heaters) can check out this video. A third possible option, is where a manufacturer provides an anode that is an extension of the steel pipe nipple on the hot water outlet of the heater. This isnt generally something you should attempt on your own, though, because removing the rod requires special tools that most people dont have. Testing the pressure is easy to do, but first, you must turn off the water and drain down the system to at least below the level of the expansion tank. Refill the system and you are good to go. Dont use tape, since it can reduce the effectiveness of the rod. I did a little research and reached out to a few plumbers to determine how much they charge for anode replacement.
And if your hot water heater already has a magnesium rod, youll want to inspectand replaceit more frequently in hard water conditions, potentially as often as every few years. For one, they protect your water heater from corrosion by attracting damaging elements like minerals and sediment. Aluminum/zinc rods anode are cheaper and are recommended if you have smelly water. In addition, the rods require a lot of overhead clearance. Where are dip tubes? Buy a new anode rod at a home center or online (see sources below). What Is the Optimal Temperature for a Greenhouse? (A few newer plastic-lined tanks have no anode rods to replace.). You can find aluminum anode rods easily. Take that a sign that somethings wrong. Whether you think you need a new anode rod or complete water heater replacement, G&C Plumbing is here to help in Bellingham, MA. And the final answer? If youre asking yourself questions like, Are anode rods universal? However, there are circumstances when people need to change their anodes much more frequently. Theres heat. This kind of rod is designed not to rust at all. Dual Hex Element & Anode Rod Water Heater Wrench Removal Tool 1-1/16 inch x 1-1/2 inch x 10 inch Length, Camco 11563 - 9-1/2"L x 3/4"Dia Aluminum Water Heater Anode Rod for Suburban & Morflo Water Heaters, Dumble RV Anode Rod Magnesium Anode Rod Camper Water Heater Anode Rod 1-Pack, Camco Magnesium Anode Rod - Fits Atwood RV Water Heaters, Metal, Silver (11533), Camco 11593 RV 9.5" Magnesium Anode Rod - Fits Atwood 10-Gallon Hot Water Heaters, Quick Products QP-MAR9 Magnesium Anode Rod for Suburban and Mor-Flo Water Heaters 9, 3/4" NPT ( Replaces 232767), AnodeRod-Mag1/2"-14NPTx4-1/2"Lx0.600"OD w/DrainV(Atwood). It could even happen that the cost of replacing the same type of rod on the same model of water heater will differ significantly, depending on who does the job and what condition is the old rod in. Well get into how these different materials affect performance later in this article.
Anode rods wont last forever inside your water heater. If both sides thud, your diaphragm has failed and needs to be replaced. Most pipes and water tanks are steel. Instead of enjoying hot water coming from your heater, youll be lucky if it remains operational for a couple of years. Bigger rods will naturally be more expensive than their smaller but identical material counterparts. They become corroded, and when the anode material completely dissolves, there is nothing left to protect the tank. That unusual substance is aluminum oxide. Whether they charge you per hour or per task, your expenses automatically grow. Home House & Components Systems Plumbing System Water Heaters, By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine. The water heater is not an appliance you can do without for an extended period of time. You need it working to shower comfortably. And periodic anode rod replacement is the best way to protect your heater, maintain it, and get the most out of your investment. Depending on the type of your water heater and the anode rod and what condition they are in, the time it takes to replace it varies anywhere from 20 minutes up to a few hours. If the diaphragm ruptures, the tank fills with water. The process involves one metal corroding preferentially to another metal as they both sit submerged in an electrolyte. Some of them require you to inspect the anode rod and/or the heater itself. Theyre relatively inexpensive and tend to last longer than the standard magnesium rod. Last up are the magnesium anode rods, and these are the ones you want to have inside your heater if your home has soft water. It can prevent you from accidentally causing any damage to the tank, plus it will undoubtedly save you a lot of time. The foul-smelling water is not dangerous or anything, but you probably dont want to wash your body using something with that odor. If its acting up, you will likely want to repair it right away, but know that doing so will be a challenge. Most anode rods are made of magnesium, which corrodes quickly. Anode rods are designed to attract corrosive elements in the water, thereby diminishing corrosion in the vulnerable steel liner. A dip tube is a very inexpensive plastic tube that can cause a lot of trouble if it isnt working. If you test it and its less than 40 psi, some of the air has leaked out, maybe because the Schrader valve is loose or maybe someone keeps messing with it. Youll know the time is right to replace the anode rod when it appears thin and rusted over. Collecting hot and cold water samples in a clear glass so that you can compare the two for signs of rust and sediment will help you detect signs that your tank may be beginning to erode. It would be wiser to spend money enlisting professional help instead of buying a new heater due to the errors you made. Frank is Interplays resident plumbing and HVAC expert. There are multiple tricks for dealing with a seized anode rod. If you pass the ping test you can take one more step to ensure the air pressure in the tank is correct. 2022G&C Plumbing & Heating| Privacy Policy. If those cracks become big enough, they will spring leaks. You should also routinely visually inspect your anode rod and your hot water itself. Whether you think you need a new anode rod or complete water heater replacement. Drain some water from the tank to check for rust. Its not only the smell of the water that you need to monitor because even its appearance may change. Its a steel wire with aluminum, aluminum/zinc alloy, or magnesium wrapped around it. However, once the anode rod has fully corroded, the steel tank will start to rust and corrode. This is its purpose. How to Extend Your Water Heaters Lifespan, How to Install a Power-Vented Water Heater, Water Heater Repair: How to Replace the TPR Valve, How to Replace a Water Heater Thermocouple, How to Repair or Replace Defective Water Heater Dip Tubes, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). Need A New Anode Rod or Hot Water Heater? Tighten with a socket and ratchet by hand. Then when you buy a new rod, choose a flexible, segmented version. Douse the head with a spray lubricant such as WD-40 and give it a few minutes to penetrate. Even with a breaker bar, it can be nearly impossible to break the anode rod free. The greater threat to the integrity of the metals in the system is soft water. Interplay Learning Plumbing & HVAC Expert. The fact that it is also often referred to as the sacrificial anode rod or the sacrificial lamb should tip you off to its role. As noted previously, most anode rods are near the top of the heater. Most water heater tanks are steel with a thin glass lining to protect the metal from corrosion. Another factor that will determine how long the anode rod will remain functional is how often you use the water heater since heating the water speeds up the corrosion process.
You would never find this if you didnt already know it was there. If you are struggling with a seized anode rod, watch this video to see how to use an impact wrench in this kind of situation. If you see leakage, drain the tank further. Unless youre a plumber with a lot of experience, its easy to damage the new rod or the water entry lines that are usually located close to the anode rod at the top of the water heater tank. If you dont see the hex head, check your owners manual. Hiring a plumber will likely cost $200-$300, but proper estimates are only provided on inspection. 2022, San Diego Plumbing and Pipelining. As the rod erodes, it releases electrons into the water heater tank, which helps slow or prevent corrosion in the tank. If the water flowing through your home is naturally soft, expect your anode rod to have a shorter shelf life. multiple tricks for dealing with a seized anode rod, less physically demanding way of removing a seized rod, run the heater at the highest temperature, Breaker bar (optional, but highly recommended), You use a water softener the sodium in water. Either way, you should prepare to pay around $200-$300. Some people suggest slipping a steel pipe onto a ratchet handle (wrench) to create better leverage or using a hammer to hit the handle, thus applying more force. The DIY option can be radically cheaper, provided that you already own all the necessary tools. If the hex head is set below the top of the heater, youll need a 1-1/16-in. Hint: The hex head may be under a plastic cap. This seemingly simple task can determine the success of the replacement as well as the effectiveness and lifespan of the anode rod. Another hidden component on every tank-type water heater is the dip tube.
The water is very hard hard water contains many mineral components that build up in the heater and negatively affect its efficiency. The best way to make sure your anode rod is in good shape is to have a plumber maintain your water heater every year. When the anode rod is rusty, it can fall into the water and start moving around in there. Each heater should come with a user manual that includes the exact instructions on where the anode rod is located and how to replace it. If the water is clean, remove the rod to check its condition. Contact G&C Plumbing!
This article from Plumbing Supply goes deeper into the matter by pointing out that a process known as galvanic corrosion is taking place inside your water heater. If you see that its best days were in the past, replace it. 6 Signs Your Water Heater Is About to Fail. Thats why the anode rod generally fails before the water heater does. Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. The question now is: Which type of anode rod should you get? We bring you the ultimate guide and cost estimates for both DIY and professional anode rod replacements.
It makes a significant difference in the duration of the repair when the rod is seized or needs to be cut off and taken out by pieces due to its hard access. A magnesium water heater anode rod protects your tank better but doesnt last as long as an aluminum/ zinc rod. Install a flexible rod if you have less than 44 in. Regular and Appliance Bulbs: Whats the Difference? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
The other type of unusual odor that may permeate the water is a rotten egg smell. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Generally, there are two types of anodes. Those are some of the questions well be tackling in this article. Try to remove the anode rod on your own, and you could end up damaging the water heater. Setting aside the cost of the anode rod itself, which we have already covered, there are certain tools that you likely dont own and will have to purchase to complete this task. Check the condition of your anode rod every three years. What Is a Water Heater Anode Rod? If you have a water heater installed at home, its not unusual for the water flowing through your pipes to sometimes take on an unusual odor. On occasion, it may hit the walls of the water tank and cause cracks to form. San Diego's Longest-Running Original Pipelining Company, Trenchless Sewer Pipe Repair In San Diego, SEWER & DRAIN PIPELINING/TRENCHLESS SEWER LINING.
Anode rods are crucial to your water heaters performance. They can also build up on the anode rod, causing it to stop deteriorating and protecting the tank. Theres water. You may also notice that the water coming from the heater looks thicker, with a consistency comparable to a gel-like substance. Your plumber can check and replace the anode rod. This video will walk you through all the safety tips, removal, and installation of an anode rod. Dont disregard those noises when you start hearing them as they could be the signs you need to do something soon. Before you turn on the water and electricity or gas, drain another gallon out of the tank to flush out any remaining debris. If the corrosion hasnt advanced, you can probably solve the problem and extend the life of your hot water heater by replacing the anode rod. The rod springs into action as soon as the tank fills with water. So, what does an anode rod do inside the water heater?
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