How to Replace A Water Heater Sacrificial Anode Rod

A quick video showing how to replace the sacrificial anode rod inside a typical hot water heating tank. This procedure is essentially the same for most if not all gas and electric water heaters. The anode rod (typically made from aluminum/zinc or magnesium) slowly dissolves away due to galvanic corrosion that exists within the water and the steel water tank. As the rod depletes the steel tank is left alone until there is no more sacrificial metal to eat away at. Anode rods typically will last anywhere between 3-15 years depending on water conditions. The tank in the video is over 14 years old and the original anode rod was surprisingly intact! Anodes can be found at Home Depot, Lowes or other home improvement stores at a cost of about $20-25. They can vary in length and composition but the key thing to remember is that you don't want to buy a rod that is tool long and you don't want to leave the service interval of the rod to be too long. If there is no anode then there is no protection for your water tank against corrosion. Just replacing the anode on a regular basis can add years to your water heater.

Typical tools you'll need include:
Flat bladed screwdriver (to open water tank drain valve).
1 1/16" or 27mm 6 point socket to remove anode
1/2" drive ratchet or breaker bar
Pipe to put onto end of ratchet or breaker bar to give you more leverage
Plumber's teflon tape or paste
Drain hose to attach to tank drain spigot
New anode rod (length and material used is dependent on height of tank and type of water conditions in your area)
Matches if you need to re-light your tank's gas fired pilot
A helper to hold the water tank while you break the anode rod loose

Good luck!

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