The more minerals in the water, the harder it will be. Upon closer inspection, youll see that it is a steel core wire usually wrapped up in metal. Aluminum is the cheapest; zinc alloys are the most costly. This material is most effective for protecting the heater and is less likely to cause odors in hot water. 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). But the life expectancy of your anode rod is often far shorter than that of the hot water heater itself. When the rod itself becomes so corroded that it can no longer do its job, the tank soon rusts out, leaks and needs replacement. There are a lot of things that can affect how long your anode rod lasts, including how much hot water your household uses, what kind of water you have, how hot the water is, how well the system is maintained, and what type of rod you have. Since its what we call an open system, it does not build up pressure in the same way when the water is heated. Very large families, for example, may use a lot more hot water, and may need more frequent anode rod replacement intervals. The weight of the water in the tank is usually enough to keep the entire heater from turning. The only real difference is that the zinc used in these anode rods prevents the emergence of that rotten egg odor. As noted previously, most anode rods are near the top of the heater. Presuming that you do and that the removal goes smoothly, it can cost you as little as is the price of one new anode rod. If both sides thud, your diaphragm has failed and needs to be replaced. Some maintenance items are obvious: periodically drain the tank, inspect for any leaks, exercise the relief valve and keep the vent termination outside clear. Frustrating, I know. The color will look somewhat reddish or brownish. Theres water. They can also build up on the anode rod, causing it to stop deteriorating and protecting the tank. In fact, they also contain a good amount of aluminum. Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Metals like zinc, magnesium, and aluminum are used to make anode rods. Either way, you should prepare to pay around $200-$300. To replace it, you remove the cold water supply nipple and dig out what is left of the old one with a flat screwdriver. Its not only the smell of the water that you need to monitor because even its appearance may change. You may also have to slip a cheater pipe over the wrench handle to increase your torque. All rights reserved. Thats why routine anode rod replacement is important. This would again cause the costs to rise. A less physically demanding way of removing a seized rod is to invest in an impact wrench. Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you startyoull save time and frustration. If youre asking yourself questions like, Are anode rods universal? Anode rods may also be closer to the hot water outlet. Whether you think you need a new anode rod or complete water heater replacement. As an educator, Frank is a firm believer in teaching the fundamentals and has a gift for simplifying complex concepts. If you dont care for handy jobs, and can afford it, then calling a plumber every few years to have your anode maintenance quickly dealt with, seems like a reasonable choice. Your choice between replacing the anode yourself or hiring a plumber to do it is perhaps the one decision with the most significant impact on the final price of this maintenance job. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. The tank is the only part of the water heater that cannot be replaced. While some plumbers offer this evaluation for free, many will ask for a fee somewhere between $50-$100. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Sometimes this charge can be later deducted from the jobs overall cost. Your plumber can check and replace the anode rod. While he began his career in the plumbing trade, his passion for HVAC led him to become an Associate Professor and HVAC Program Chair, at Ivy Tech Community College. If the tank fails, you replace the entire unit. 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. In this case, the electrolyte in question is the water that has different substances dissolved in it. You should exercise maximum caution; otherwise, you could easily damage the tanks pressure release valve, inner glass-lining, or other components of the heater. There are multiple tricks for dealing with a seized anode rod. Since water heaters are vulnerable to corrosion, its important to inspect your anode rod regularly. With the anode rods exposed to water more often, its only natural for them to corrode faster. Since the lining eventually cracks, tanks have a second line of defense against rust: a long metal anode rod that attracts corrosive elements in the water. Whether you think you need a new anode rod or complete water heater replacement, G&C Plumbing is here to help in Bellingham, MA. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. As we noted earlier, they wrap anode rods in metals like aluminum, magnesium, or zinc. One of the most crucial parts of anode rod replacement happens before the replacement takes place. 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. Among the possible explanations of leakage is a busted anode rod. 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. Do you want to know more about the different components of a water heater, their functions and how to maintain them? MAP IT. 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. It could also be an indicator that the rod is bobbing around in the water after coming loose. And the final answer? When an anode rod is still in good condition, it will appear solid and even shiny as you would expect anything made from metal. If you always want a functioning water heater available, the anode rod inside of it must be in good condition. If you are having the replacement done by a plumber, seized or broken rods will increase the time taken and the jobs difficulty. 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. It would be wiser to spend money enlisting professional help instead of buying a new heater due to the errors you made. Contact G&C Plumbing! Magnesium anodes are in the midprice range, while zinc rods or zinc and aluminum (sometimes also tin) alloys are generally the most expensive anode rods. This kind of rod is designed not to rust at all. Generally, there are two types of anodes. A dip tube is a very inexpensive plastic tube that can cause a lot of trouble if it isnt working. If its less than 40 psi, pump it up and tighten up the Schrader valve and the cap that covers it. On occasion, it may hit the walls of the water tank and cause cracks to form. Most pipes and water tanks are steel. It is choosing the right anode rod. But what is the anode rod, and why is it something you need to know if you own a water heater? The other signs will make their presence felt even if youre not in the vicinity of the water heater. The technician will then make an evaluation of the heater and the anode rod and provide you with a quote that you can either accept or decline. Without further ado, lets talk more about the anode rod. 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. Cheater pipe (steel pipe that fits over socket wrench handle to increase torque). Hardness is a quality that refers to the amount of mineral content in the water. Another hidden component on every tank-type water heater is the dip tube. Thats mainly because water has a corrosive effect on metal that compounds over time. socket. You would never find this if you didnt already know it was there. People with heater models that have a rod going into the hot water outlet (such as Bradford White heaters) can check out this video. 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. But the exact cost ultimately depends on the difficulty of the anode removal, which is basically the combination of how accessible the rod is, what condition it is in, and the type and state of the heater. If you decide to hire a plumber, you should prepare yourself to pay a couple hundred dollars. Turn on the water, the power or gas, and burp the air from the system. More often than not, the aluminum oxide will stay in the tank, but it can escape into other parts of your home on occasion. The greater threat to the integrity of the metals in the system is soft water. 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. Your plumber can check and replace the anode rod, drain sediment from your hot water heater, and make sure your unit is operating properly. Try to remove the anode rod on your own, and you could end up damaging the water heater. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Uncover it, then pull it up and out to check its condition (Photo 1). However, this can vary depending on how much water flows through your gas water heater or electric water heater. You should also routinely visually inspect your anode rod and your hot water itself. The water heater is not an appliance you can do without for an extended period of time. All anode rods are made to fit in a NPT socket. Homeowners who like keeping their tanks mostly full will need to replace their anode rods earlier. of clearance above your heater (Photo 2). Learn more below, and see how often you should replace the anode rod in your gas water heater or electric water heater. So if you have hard water or high levels of calcium, magnesium, or other dissolved minerals in your water, you should avoid magnesium anode rods. That unusual substance is aluminum oxide. The first type of unusual odor to worry about is a rusty smell. As it continues to corrode, the anode rod also releases electrons into the water. An anode rod is a major component of your water heater that runs down the center of your tank. The hex-type anode might be easier to find, but its usually much more of a challenge to remove for inspection. Most tanks come pre-charged to 40 psi, and this is great for most systems. Aluminum replacement rods are sold at home centers. Your homes plumbing system including your heater features a complex network of metal pipes, tanks, and of course, water. If you see leakage, drain the tank further. This seemingly simple task can determine the success of the replacement as well as the effectiveness and lifespan of the anode rod. 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. Systems that require a thermal expansion tank are rare. socket to reach it. It can prevent you from accidentally causing any damage to the tank, plus it will undoubtedly save you a lot of time. Once you get a hold of it, it will require some might to free it from its lifelong grip on the threads of the tank. They become corroded, and when the anode material completely dissolves, there is nothing left to protect the tank. 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. Keep in mind that while a regular replacement does not call for many expensive tools, their cost will gradually increase if you end up having some complications removing the anode rod. 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. Unscrew it by hand once its loose. Need professional help with your project? The process involves one metal corroding preferentially to another metal as they both sit submerged in an electrolyte. Take that a sign that somethings wrong. DIY replacement, including the cost of additional tools, can reach $100-$250. Our honest, professional, and reputable plumbers are always eager to assist you. Its usually made of zinc, magnesium, aluminum, or a combination of these metals. This foul odor is likely the result of the water reacting with either the aluminum or the magnesium used to cover the anode rod. Learn the warning signs of a water heater on the fritzand what to do about it. This video will walk you through all the safety tips, removal, and installation of an anode rod. This price included labor, materials, and tax. That doesnt sound nearly as appealing anymore. How long it will take for that to happen depends on a variety of factors. The foul-smelling water is not dangerous or anything, but you probably dont want to wash your body using something with that odor. By the end of this article, youll have a newfound appreciation for the anode rod in your water heater. Unlike boilers, not all potable water heating systems will require an expansion tank. Do you already how to install a gas water heater? But consult a water treatment specialist before switching to an aluminum rod. Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. FAST 24/7 SERVICE AVAILABLE AT NO EXTRA CHARGE, September 17, 2020 by San Diego Plumbing and Pipelining. The process of replacing the anode rod will be slightly different depending on the type and model of your water heater. You can use different kinds of metal to wrap up the anode rod, and they have a noticeable effect on the performance of this component. The water is very hard hard water contains many mineral components that build up in the heater and negatively affect its efficiency. Youll know the time is right to replace the anode rod when it appears thin and rusted over. For one, they protect your water heater from corrosion by attracting damaging elements like minerals and sediment. If the rod is seized and hard to access, you do not have much DIY experience, or you suspect that the heater needs more complex maintenance, it could be a good idea to call a professional. Though not as common as magnesium, aluminum anode rods are a solid choice, especially if you have hard water. There are many factors that affect the final cost of anode rod replacement. Lets start by defining what an anode rod is. 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. How do I troubleshoot an expansion tank? then youre on the right track for learning the maintenance of a water heater. The anode rod is a device that serves only one purpose, to extend the life of the tank. 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. The more acidic your water is, for instance, the more quickly the rod is likely to erode. 2022, San Diego Plumbing and Pipelining. How to Adjust Your Water Heaters Temperature, Do Not Sell My Personal Information CA Residents. A magnesium water heater anode rod protects your tank better but doesnt last as long as an aluminum/ zinc rod. The rod springs into action as soon as the tank fills with water. These problems can affect the price in multiple ways.
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