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According to Angies List, youll need specialized tools to extract the anode rod from its position, and it can also be tough to reach. Lets talk about how they differ from one another. The anode rod is a metal rod, normally no longer than 44 inches (sometimes 53 inches), that protects your water heater from rust and corrosion. One of the first things youll learn during plumbing training is that maintenance on water heaters is vital to preventing breakdowns and prolonging the life of the equipment. Hint: The hex head may be under a plastic cap. 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. 6 Signs Your Water Heater Is About to Fail. anode magnesium rod heater water replacement suburban camper rv

anode rod water heater replacement rods replace magnesium aluminum steps vs Frank is Interplays resident plumbing and HVAC expert. If you allow the metal pipes and the metal tank to sit in the water continuously, they will eventually rust and break. This would again cause the costs to rise. The advantage of this is they are fairly easy to remove and inspect, as long as you have an 18 pipe wrench and strong biceps. rod water heater anode replacement magnesium suburban rv camper Lastly, the material is the most price-defining factor of the anodes. anode magnesium rod heater water replacement suburban camper rv Most tanks come pre-charged to 40 psi, and this is great for most systems. It will likely become discolored and rusty as well. As we noted earlier, they wrap anode rods in metals like aluminum, magnesium, or zinc. This isnt generally something you should attempt on your own, though, because removing the rod requires special tools that most people dont have. It may be rattling around inside the tank now that it has broken loose. This video will walk you through all the safety tips, removal, and installation of an anode rod. Systems that require a thermal expansion tank are rare. Copyright 2022 Interplay Learning | Powered by Interplay Learning, SkillMills Introduction to Water Heaters, Building Trade Skills on My Own TimeDespite a Hectic Work Schedule, 5 Ways Rheem Uses Training to Drive Business Growth, The Benefits of Online HVAC and Plumbing Training, What Netflixs Hard Cell Got Right: Why Preventative Maintenance Work Is Vital For Government Facilities. Thats why you must check it regularly and replace it every few years. heater anode rv rod tank trailer travel water magnesium motorhome replacement How long it will take for that to happen depends on a variety of factors. Sacrificial anode rods can be made from different materials (aluminum, magnesium, zinc), from which some are more costly than others. If you are changing the rod yourself, you will likely need to buy additional equipment to complete the job. As the rod erodes, it releases electrons into the water heater tank, which helps slow or prevent corrosion in the tank. Whether youve encountered problems related to the anode rod or other issues affecting your plumbing, we at San Diego Plumbing & Pipelining are ready to help. heater water rheem anode rod magnesium Your first option is to stick with the same type of rod the manufacturer used for the heater in the first place. All these factors will affect the exact type, size, and dimensions of the anode rod that you need and ultimately affect the price you need to pay for the rod itself. Very large families, for example, may use a lot more hot water, and may need more frequent anode rod replacement intervals.

With both of these options, you will most likely need to call an extra person to help you out by holding the tank in its place. The material your rod is made of also determines how long it lasts. 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. Basically, the anode rod will be sacrificed so that the tanks and pipes will remain intact longer. The question now is: Which type of anode rod should you get? To loosen the rod, youll need an air compressor, a 1/2-in.-drive impact wrench and a 1-1/16-in. anode rod water heater magnesium replacement compare list rheem anode Its not only the smell of the water that you need to monitor because even its appearance may change. I recommend a drive, 1 1/16 socket and a breaker bar. All anode rods are made to fit in a NPT socket. If you dont see the hex head, check your owners manual. Sometimes this charge can be later deducted from the jobs overall cost. anode replacement anode magnesium anodes magnesio batang anodo howah anoda sifat mg2 If its less than 40 psi, pump it up and tighten up the Schrader valve and the cap that covers it. anode rod water magnesium heater rheem parts plumbing replacement heaters Most anode rods are made of magnesium, which corrodes quickly. Another hidden component on every tank-type water heater is the dip tube. Schedule time with a training consultant to learn how you can make online skilled trades training faster, better, and easier. Contact G&C Plumbing! An anode rod is a major component of your water heater that runs down the center of your tank. anode heater water rod replacement ge magnesium upgraded parts flash sorry player lowes Even on the high end, anode rods only remain functional for about five years. 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. Aluminum rods are the best-suited sacrificial rods for hard water. Corrosion is the #1 killer of water heaters. On occasion, it may hit the walls of the water tank and cause cracks to form. The best way to make sure your anode rod is in good shape is to have a plumber maintain your water heater every year. Upon closer inspection, youll see that it is a steel core wire usually wrapped up in metal. 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. 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. 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. Tighten with a socket and ratchet by hand. Loosen the hex head with the impact wrench, but unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. Anode rods wont last forever inside your water heater. When you tap on the side of the tank with your fingernail, or a screwdriver in case youve chewed them off, (not recommended for plumbers) you will hear a hollow pinging noise on the airside and a low thud on the waterside. Some anodes are threaded into the top of the tank with a large, visible hex head, while others are hidden under a knockout plug stamped into the outer jacket. Water heaters leak for different reasons.

In addition, the rods require a lot of overhead clearance.

The anode rod is the unsung hero of the traditional hot water heater. Experience plays an important role as well. Such frequent visits of a plumber could present a serious hit to your wallet. anode heater water rod rods whirlpool heaters replace leaks kenmore smelly fix change corrosive various diy sacrificial popularmechanics tanks relationship But the life expectancy of your anode rod is often far shorter than that of the hot water heater itself. 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). However, finding how much it costs can be challenging, and so many people are left wondering whether it is worth the money to hire a plumber for the task or whether they should pick it up themselves and go the DIY route. If the water flowing through your home is naturally soft, expect your anode rod to have a shorter shelf life. The last hidden maintenance trick is diagnosing an expansion tank. And then theres the electrical, or non-sacrificial, anode rod. The anode rod is one of the most essential parts of a standard hot water heater because it helps to prevent tank corrosion and rusting. Hardness is a quality that refers to the amount of mineral content in the water. 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. rod anode water replacement heaters heater That way, you will avoid having to cut the new anode or install an overly long rod that could potentially damage the fragile bottom of your tank. In the worst-case scenario that the rod caused damage or got stuck somewhere, you will need to pay a plumber for any required repairs. anode rheem But what is the anode rod, and why is it something you need to know if you own a water heater? The process of replacing the anode rod will be slightly different depending on the type and model of your water heater. This foul odor is likely the result of the water reacting with either the aluminum or the magnesium used to cover the anode rod. anode camper That unusual substance is aluminum oxide. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 8383 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Suite 3 The more minerals in the water, the harder it will be. The only real difference is that the zinc used in these anode rods prevents the emergence of that rotten egg odor. Of course, placing an aluminum anode rod can lead to your water smelling off and looking weird if you neglect it. To be fair, the cost is not the only thing you should consider when choosing between these two replacement scenarios. All water heaters experience a stratification of temperatures, with the hotter, more buoyant water at the top of the tank, and the cooler, heavier water at the bottom. If the hex head is set below the top of the heater, youll need a 1-1/16-in. Upon removal, you observe whether or not the rod is intact. There are different ways to tell if you need to replace your anode rod. Its time for a new water heater if you see rusty flakes (not just orange water, which can come from corroded pipes or well water). The dip tube is an extension of the cold water inlet that prevents the incoming water from mixing with the hot water in the tank by directing it to the bottom, where the burner is. If its acting up, you will likely want to repair it right away, but know that doing so will be a challenge. Either way, you should prepare to pay around $200-$300. These problems can affect the price in multiple ways. 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. Your plumber can check and replace the anode rod. This price included labor, materials, and tax. Caution: The water is hot! I did a little research and reached out to a few plumbers to determine how much they charge for anode replacement. 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. They become corroded, and when the anode material completely dissolves, there is nothing left to protect the tank. The average lifespan of an anode rod is between 3-5 years. The more acidic your water is, for instance, the more quickly the rod is likely to erode. Drain some water from the tank to check for rust. Home House & Components Systems Plumbing System Water Heaters, By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine. Anode rods cost anywhere from $5-$10 for short aluminum ones to $70-$80 for zinc anodes. The zinc rods function like the aluminum rods in the sense that they are for homes with hard water. If its broken off completely, let it stay in there forever, drop a new one in its place and life will return to normal again. Alternatively, you can watch the video below for other strategies on how to deal with seized anode rods. Buy a new anode rod at a home center or online (see sources below). When it comes to corrosiveness, hard water is not a concern. We recommend our users to update the browser. Unusual sounds may also start emanating from your water heater if theres something wrong with the anode rod. 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. San Diego, CA 92111 And thats also why plumbers often call the anode rod the sacrificial lamb of your hot water heater. Where are dip tubes? As a general rule, anode rods need to be replaced about every 4-5 years. Among the possible explanations of leakage is a busted anode rod. Unscrew it by hand once its loose. Contact us online or give us a call at (508) 541-8783 to get the assistance you need. This could be a sign that the rusty anode rod is now soaking into the water. magnesium anode heater socket. Douse the head with a spray lubricant such as WD-40 and give it a few minutes to penetrate. You should exercise maximum caution; otherwise, you could easily damage the tanks pressure release valve, inner glass-lining, or other components of the heater. But consult a water treatment specialist before switching to an aluminum rod. anode rod nipple heater magnesium assembly water rheem replacement The reality is that even if you have hard water at home, maintain your heater regularly, and try to protect the anode rod as much as possible since it will still succumb to corrosion after a few years. anode replacement Check the condition of your anode rod every three years. All rights reserved. If this is your first time changing an anode rod or if you are not handy with tools, it will take you longer than it would take a professional plumber or even someone with more DIY and water heater maintenance experience. In fact, they also contain a good amount of aluminum. anode camper Heres a list.

Then when you buy a new rod, choose a flexible, segmented version. rod water heater anode replacement magnesium suburban rv camper Uncover it, then pull it up and out to check its condition (Photo 1). 2022, San Diego Plumbing and Pipelining. The best way to make sure your anode rod is in good shape is to have a plumber maintain your water heater every year.