From This Old House.
In this video, the anode rod is a key player in your water heater’s defense against corrosion. By design, the anode sacrifices itself to protect the steel tank from corroding.
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Want to get the longest possible life out of your water heater? Then you have to change your anode rod. If you don’t know what an anode rod is or how to change it, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey is here to guide you.
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Where to find it?
Drain Water Tank
Flathead screwdriver [https://homedepot.sjv.io/kOnLjN] – to open drain valve
Utility bucket [https://homedepot.sjv.io/EKWnEP]
Short hose [https://homedepot.sjv.io/QjY7xA]
Removing Anode Rod
½ in. Drive Ratcheting Socket Wrench [https://homedepot.sjv.io/YR5mqm]
½ in. Drive Breaker Bar [https://homedepot.sjv.io/Z64JvQ]
½ in. Drive 1-1/16 in. 6-Point Deep Impact Socket [https://homedepot.sjv.io/nXbjB9] – A regular socket is fine for a hand tool like a breaker bar, but an impact socket will be more durable. But if you use an impact wrench, always use an impact socket with an impact tool. A regular socket is only designed for lighter tasks with hand tools.
Optional: Metal Pipe – for more leverage with a socket wrench.
Optional: Ratchet Strap [https://homedepot.sjv.io/vPb19O] – can help stabilize water heater when loosening anode rod.
For extremely stuck anode rods:
½ in. Mid-Torque Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring [https://homedepot.sjv.io/xLbXjd] – Make sure to use an impact socket with an impact tool. A regular socket is designed for lighter tasks with hand tools.
Install Anode Rod
Flexible Anode Rod [https://homedepot.sjv.io/BnAe9x] – Use for low ceilings with little clearance. Richard used an aluminum 42 in. flexible rod. Magnesium and zinc are other options.
OR Standard Straight Anode Rod [https://homedepot.sjv.io/vPb1vO] – Only use if you have enough ceiling clearance to insert the anode rod into the water tank.
PTFE Thread Seal Tape [https://homedepot.sjv.io/YRo4Ym]– wrap around the threads of the new rod before inserting.
About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
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How to Replace an Anode Rod on a Water Heater | Ask This Old House
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