It is an essential component of a water heating system. Not only does it keep the storage tank running smoothly, but it also significantly lengthens the unit’s lifespan!
Part of your water heaters maintenance includes the replacement of the anode rod about every 3 years. Many people do not even know what an anode rod is, not to mention that they need to replace it.
An anode rod is a sacrificial steel core wire wrapped with aluminum, magnesium, or zinc. Anode rods work by attracting corrosive particles found inside your water heater tank to protect the tank liner and reduce the risk of explosion. Depending on your water quality, anode rods should be replaced every 3 to 5 years.
If the anode rod in your water heater looks like this, it’s time to replace it to protect your water heater’s longevity.
Are Water Heater Anode Rod Sizes Universal?
Anode rods are not universal. Anode rods vary in length and material. Some anode rods are installed at the top of the water heater tank, while others are attached to the hot water outlet.
The diameter of residential water heater anode rods is universal at 3/4 inches. However, the length and type of the anode rod may not be the same. Also, some anode rods are attached to the top of the water heater, while others are connected to the hot water outlet.
Some anode rods are 33 inches in length, while others are 44 inches in length. You may need to cut it down to fit your water heater if you have a smaller unit (often referred to as a ‘low boy’ or ‘stubby’) that is only 30 or 40 gallons.
Now that you know, anode rods are still universal in diameter but vary in length and type; let’s take a closer look at this in more detail below. We’ll discuss the different types and sizes of anode rods and explain how to cut one down to fit your specific water heating unit properly. We’ll also discuss how often you should change them, whether (or not) all heating units require anode rods, and which one to purchase in the future, should the need arise.
So, if you’re ready to learn more about anode rods, then let’s get started!
What are the Different Types of Anode Rods?
There are 5 types of anode rods. However, most water heaters will have an aluminum, magnesium, or zinc anode rod. Let’s look at each below:
Magnesium Anode Rods
Magnesium anode rods are the most common type of anode rod used in residential water heating units. Magnesium rods are not recommended to be used in homes with hard water as they will corrode quickly, reducing the effectiveness of the anode rod to almost nothing in a short time.
If you live in an area with hard water and your water heater has a magnesium anode rod, you should check your water heater lining to be sure it is not corroded. You should not install a magnesium anode rod in a corroded water heater tank. It could cause an electrochemical reaction that produces hydrogen gas inside the tank, causing water leaks from the tank lining.
Insiders Tip: If you have a water softener system installed on your house, the magnesium anode rod is recommended because the sodium ions will attack the magnesium anode rod easier than the aluminum anode rods.
Aluminum Anode Rods
You more commonly found aluminum anode rods in older water heaters. They are no longer widely used due to the risk of metal poisoning in the hot tap water supply. Aluminum anode rods are the cheapest and longest-lasting type of anode rod available.
Aluminum anode rods can be easily identified because it is very flexible. Homes with hard tough water problems may find they need to use aluminum rods because they corrode very slowly, providing greater protection for the tank.
Zinc Anode Rods
This type of anode rod is made of both zinc and aluminum. It is made up of one part zinc and 10 parts aluminum. Although it doesn’t come standard on most water heaters, it’s a great upgrade option, particularly if you have hard water and a sulfur “rotten egg” smell from the water heater. It provides long-lasting protection for your tank and controls the growth of bacteria, which can cause that nasty ‘rotten egg’ or sulfur smell.
Combination Anode Rods
The combination anode rod is an anode rod attached to the hot water outlet. Most water heaters do not have this setup as it’s difficult to access and service. The combination anode is installed inside the pipe, which makes it hard to reach. Often you have to break the pip to access and remove it for replacement.
Powered Anode Rods
Powered anode rods use electrical pulses to remove corrosive electrons from the water inside the tank and prevent them from attaching to the inner lining, which will eventually rust the tank from the inside out, causing it to leak. Powered anode rods are not sacrificial and do not require replacement.
However, they do require some routine cleaning to maintain an electrical charge. These anode rods are not found in residential water heaters when purchased. These are after-market improvements that can virtually double the lifespan of your water heater.
Powered anode rods are particularly good for controlling smelly water. They do this by killing anaerobic bacteria in the water, leading to the water having a “rotten egg” smell.
Our pick for the best-powered anode rod today is Corro-Protec CP-R Water Heater Powered Titanium Anode Rod. This powered anode rod comes in 3 different sizes to fit the size of your water heater.
Powered vs Sacrificial Anode Rod – Which is Better?
A powered anode rod is well worth the cost, mainly if your newer water heater and the tank’s inner lining is still in good condition. However, I do not recommend them for older water heaters. If your water heater anode rod has never been replaced, the inner lining has likely already started to corrode.
Anode rods must be replaced every 3-5 years (less if you have very hard water). If your water heater is over 5 years old and you check the anode rod, you find it is completely corroded; you’re probably better off replacing it. You can use a cheaper aluminum, magnesium, or zinc anode rod because you’ll likely need to replace the tank in the next 3-5 years regardless.
What are the Different Sizes of Anode Rods?
Magnesium anode rods are straight. They are usually around 33 inches long with a ¾ inch diameter.
Aluminum anode rods are about 33 inches long and a ¾ inch in diameter. They can bend in the 2 joint areas, making them more adaptable.
Zinc anode rods are also straight and a bit longer than magnesium rods, about 44 inches in length with a diameter of ¾ inch. They can be easily cut to fit different size heaters and dissolve more completely than pure aluminum rods.
Can You Cut an Anode Rod?
You can cut an anode rod to fit your specific water heating unit. You only need a hacksaw and a file to smooth the cut edges. You could consider using a flexible anode rod or simply bending rather than cutting it.
You will not need to cut a powered anode rod. These can be purchased in 3 different lengths to fit your size water heater.
How to Cut an Anode Rod?
If you have an anode rod that doesn’t fit your water heater perfectly, you can cut it down. The correct way to do this is to place it into the water heater (without screwing it in), so you can see how high it is. Then, measure the distance that the rod protrudes out of the top of the tank and add an extra inch. Use a hacksaw to cut the excess off and place the rod back in the tank. Screw it into place, and you’re done!
How Often Should You Change Anode Rods in Water Heaters?
Water heater anode rods should be changed approximately every 3 to 5 years, provided the unit is functioning correctly. If you live in an area with extremely hard water and a higher composition of calcium and magnesium minerals, you may need to change it more frequently, around once every 3 years. The quality of the water is the real determining factor here.
It’s worth mentioning that investing in a water softener will also help keep your storage tank running smoothly, thus reducing the number of anode rod changes required. A water softener significantly reduces calcium and limescale build-up that, over time, can affect your heating unit and damage your taps, pipes, and other water fixtures.
What is the Best Anode Rod?
Buying the right anode rod can be tricky. There are so many different brands and styles available to choose from. A good one to consider available online through Amazon.com is the About Fluid Aluminum/Zinc Flexible Anode Rod Complete Kit. It comes with everything you need, including step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions, and is guaranteed to fit almost all water heating units!
This anode rod ‘wins the war on smelly water’ by eliminating hydrogen sulfide gas that gives off a yucky, rotten egg smell! You can install it in even the smallest spaces and, best of all, preserves your tank while saving you money!
How to Replace the Anode Rod in Your Water Heater
Insider’s Note: the directions below are for most models of water heaters. However, if you have a Bradford White water heater or another brand that has an anode rod located on the hot water outlet, replacement can be difficult. As you’ll see in the video above, replacement of these anode rods can be tricky. If you are unsure you can complete the job, you should contact a licensed plumber for assistance.
What you’ll need:
- A second person to help you
- 1-1/16″ Socket
- Garden hose
- Bucket
- Teflon tape
- Plumbers Pipe Dope
- New anode rod
- New hot water outlet nipple (for anode rods connected to the hot water outlet only)
If you have a top-mounted anode rod, I recommend the About Fluid Aluminum/Zinc Flexible Anode Rod Complete Kit found on Amazon. I used this kit to replace the anode rod in my water heater. It comes with or without the 1-1/16″ socket.
Prep Steps
Look at your data tag to determine the model number of your water heater. Using a Google search, type in “anode rod ‘water heater brand and model number’.” If you have a hot water outlet connected to an anode rod, you’ll likely damage the nipple, so plan to purchase a new one.
Turn off the power or fuel supply
Before you begin working on the water heater, you’ll need to turn off the power supply. If you have a gas water heater, turn the thermostat to the vacation or pilot setting. You’ll need to turn off the breaker located inside the electrical panel box for electric water heaters.
Turn off the water supply
You’ll need to locate and turn off the cold water supply coming into the water heater. The cold water supply should be within reach of the water heater on the cold water supply pipe.
Drain the water heater
You’ll need to drain a minimum of 10% of the water from the tank. You’ll need to connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater and direct the garden hose into a bucket, floor drain, or to the home’s exterior.
You’ll need to open the hot water tap on the nearby sink and then open the drain valve to allow water to drain from the water heater.
Now you only need to drain a little water to change the anode rod. You’ll need the weight of the water inside the tank to help hold the water heater in place.
Upon completion of the water heater draining, close the drain valve and remove the garden hose. We will later address the open hot water tap and the cold water supply shut off.
Locate and Remove the Anode Rod
The anode rod is located on the top of the water heater. You can identify it by the hex head bolt top. You’ll need a 1-1/16 inch socket to remove the anode rod. As stated earlier, some anode rods are connected to the hot water outlet. If this is the case, you’ll need to disconnect the hot water supply to access the anode rod for replacement.
- Removing the anode rod is a two-person job. It’s a good idea to have someone help hold the water heater tank (especially if it’s drained) to keep the water heater from shifting and breaking the supply pipes.
- If your water heater is located in an area with limited height clearance, you may need to bend the anode rod to remove it.
- Never hit or hammer the tank to remove the anode rod as this could damage the inner tank causing it to leak.
- If you have difficulty removing the anode rod, try using a breaker bar to break the rusted seal. I do not recommend using lubricates like Liquid Wrench or WD40 as they could leak into the water heater and contaminate the water supply. Apply firm pressure and slowly twist to loosen the anode rod.
- Once loosened, pull out and examine the anode rod to determine if a replacement is needed. If the anode rod still has its full length and is only lightly corroded, the anode rod is still functional, and you can reinstall it. Be sure to apply new Teflon tape and pipe dope to the threaded end of the anode rod before reinstalling it to create a watertight seal.
Install the New Anode Rod
After you remove the old anode rod, you’ll need to install the new anode rod. If you have a limited height clearance over the water heater, you may need to install a flexible anode rod instead of a solid one.
Apply Teflon tape to the threaded end of the anode rod. Secured the anode rod with the 1-1/16 inch socket. Reconnect the hot water outlet piping if needed.
Turn on the Water Supply
Once the anode rod is installed, it’s time to turn the cold water supply back to refill the water heater.
Once the water heater tank has refilled and water passes through the open hot water tap, close the hot water tap.
Turn on the Power/Fuel Source
Restore power to the water heater for gas water heaters to set your thermostat back to the on position and adjust to your chosen temperature. Turn the breaker back on for electric water heaters at the electrical panel box.
Allow approximately one hour for the water heater to recover. Periodically check the anode rod connection to be sure it is not leaking. If leaking is observed, tighten the connection with your 1-1/16 inch socket.
Conclusion
The anode rod is the most important component of your water heaters’ longevity. It protects your water heater from rusting out and leaking from the bottom of the tank. Whether you choose a standard anode rod or a powered anode rod, by servicing your water heater and replacing your anode rod as needed, your water heater will last for many years to come.
