Do you know how to replace anode rod in water heater? Anode rod replacement is a simple task that doesn’t need a plumber. However, you may have to rent or buy an implications screwdriver since the factory clamps the rod inside the container very firmly, and attempting to remove it with strength alone might lead the tank to shift and damage a water line.
The procedure’s most challenging component is taking the damaged rod out. Installing a replacement rod is simple, but the process will become much faster and easier if you do not clamp it securely as the manufacturer did.
It’s critical to change the anode rod regularly, yet only a few people know what an anode rod in the water heater is and how to replace it. Replacing a water heater may extend the life of a water heater by many years. Let’s have a deep look at it!
What Is An Anode Rod In Water Heater?
An anode rod is a metal rod that lies in the water within the water heater tank and thus is Three or even more feet long with a diameter of around 1 1/4 inches. On one end, it seems to have a screw cap that matches the threading of a hole on the head of the tank. Many rods are rigid, but others are elastic and break into multiple portions, allowing you to enter and remove them from tanks beneath cabinets or with a low roof.
Steps To Replace Anode Rod In Water Heater
An aperture at the top of the water heater tank allows the anode rod to be inserted. A hex head nut is obvious over most versions, while some companies cover this nut beneath a hinged lid that must be removed first. Below, we have discussed a detailed step-by-step guide that will assist you in replacing the anode rod in the water heater. Here are the steps on how to replace anode rod in water heater:
Step #1. Turn off the water heater
Turn off the breaker in your home’s main panel if you possess an electric water heater. Cut the gas supply control on the water heater, then close the valve connected to the gas piping if you’re using a gas water heater. To alleviate pressure in the water heater, turn off the supply of cold water pipes and then turn on a hot water tap in the house. Here’s how to turn off water heater.
Step #2. Drain the tank partially
Drain about 5 liters of water by opening the drain valve on the hot water tank’s lowest part. Drain no farther since the volume of the water would serve to balance the container while you loosen the anode rod. Because the water in the tank is warm, tie a hose pipe on the drain valve and allow the water to flow into a washing basin or outside to avoid scorching. A bucket is another option.
Step #3. Loosen the anode rod
This is the most challenging portion of the method, and it may be done in two manners. Use an impact wrench or one 1/16-inch socket if you possess them. Put the socket on top and turn the screwdriver backward to release the hex nut. A mechanical jaw screwdriver with a one 1/16-inch socket could also be used, but you’ll likely require greater torque than the small handle provides. Fit a 2-foot piece of 1-inch steel tubing to the handle to increase leverage.
If indeed, the heated water heater isn’t fastened to the wall, you’ll probably have trouble bracing it to keep it from shifting and damaging one of your water lines.
Step #4. Pull the old anode rod
You must be capable of removing the previous anode rod out from the container after the screw connection has been loosened. Cut it using a hacksaw if you may not have enough space just above the container to get this entirely out. To keep the bottom portion from going back to the reservoir when cutting, make sure you hold it tightly.
Step #5. Place the new anode rod
Enclose thread seal adhesive over the replacement anode rod’s threads in a clockwise direction, passing the anode rod through the tank’s aperture, and securing the screw connection. If you may not have sufficient room for a firm rod, get an elastic one that can be broken down into many portions.
Step #6. Activate the water heater and turn it on
Once you replaced the anode rod in the water heater, now it’s time to turn on your water heater. Switch on the cold water inflow faucet towards the water heater after turning off all the hot water taps in the home. To turn on your electric water heater, turn the circuit breaker on. Turn on the gas supply valve and relight the water heater’s pilot light if you have a gas water heater.
It’s A Wrap!
We hope that reading this article is just fun for you, and after reading it, you all will get a better understanding of how to replace anode rod in water heater. Above, we have discussed six quick and easy steps that help you replace the old water heater anode. Thank you, friends, for being with us at the end! It may also be a good idea to read about how to turn on water heater and simple steps to replace a water heater anode rod.