If you’re a DIY-type you might have heard the term water heater anode–and wondered what the heck is it and what does it do in a water heater.
Here is a beginner’s guide to water heater anodes, and how to know when it’s time to replace them.
What is a Water Heater Anode?
Although a water heater anode is a very simple device, it does a lot of work on a daily basis during the cold season. (Just imagine it locked into position somewhere inside the top portion of the home water tank.)
Every time the water-heating switch is on, it has to accomplish the task of increasing the temperature of the water to boiling point.
Without it, the homeowner will need to use an external burner to heat the bottom of the tank, which is not only impractical or time consuming; it is also unsafe.
When Something Goes Wrong
Anode rods are made of magnesium or aluminum. With its simple construction akin to a walking cane or sometimes a baseball bat, it is hard to imagine how it accomplishes its task very quickly.
After all, no individual in the house has to wait for hot water to be dispensed. If he or she has to, then there is something wrong. A plumber needs to be called quickly, or the lack or absence of hot water can cause a catastrophe especially during the peak of winter.
When to Replace a Water Heater Anode
Surprisingly, it only takes one rod to heat up a residential tank. Indeed, there is no Plan B, or spare rod. For industrial purposes, tanks normally have two anodes, but neither one of these is a spare.
Both have to perform the task of heating the water efficiently. Generally, the water heater anode needs to be replaced every three to four years, although this time frame can depend on a lot factors just some of which are the hardness of the water and its level of salinity.
Do It Yourself
For best results, it is best to check the condition of the rod every couple of years. Extreme corrosion of the metal would dictate contacting a trusted plumber immediately.
When one has the time and the handyman capability, however, it should be safe to try to replace the mechanism on one’s own. Just follow the general rules of electricity to avoid electrocution, such as turning the machine off completely or never touching the water.
Photo:ncffcnr
A water heater anode is very cheap, with the most expensive kind being in the range of forty US dollars. The homeowner can worry more about the plumber fee, which could be as high as $300.
Given enough time and handyman training, industrious people should be able to accomplish the task without fail.
Other articles you might like;
- Indirect Water Heater Buying Guide – How Indirect Water Heaters Work | Water Heater Installation
- How To Fix A Water Heater Anode | Hot Water Heater
- How to Fix a Water Heater Anode | Plumbing Information
- DIY Guide to a Water Heater Anode | ProfitEdition
- The DIY Guide to Fixing a Water Heater Leak | Articleuzr.com
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