How To Replace Your Water Heater Anode Rod

Shannon from http://www.house-improvements.com shows you how to do an easy maintenance task that will help make your water heater last longer. He shows you how to replace the anode rod.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• water
• heater
• anode
• rod
• change
• install
• replace
• hot
• gas
• electric
• valve
• drain
• maintenance
• annual diy instructional video

[jcovello]

I am very concerned about opening the drain valve on the water heater. Can I change the rod without draining the tank. I would think shutting the cold water and opening up the hot water faucets would release any pressure in the tank. Does that sound dangerous?

[HouseImprovements]

@jcovello No you need to drain off some water.By closing the cold supply and opening a hot you do relieve a little pressure but all the hot water that is in any line above the tank will want to back feed back to the tank thus creating pressure of scalding water that will over flow the tank and spray out when you loosen and remove the anode rod plug.You can get replacement drain valves, so it may not hurt to have one on hand for your make of heater. Try my forum on website in thefuture

[catherinewhelton]

The video was very helpful, but I have a hot water storage tank. It looks like an electric water heater and it is 25 years old. It has never had the anode removed. Should I try to replace the anode, or should I just buy a new tank. The tank looks new, but it is 25 years old. Please advise. Thanks. Cathy

[HouseImprovements]

@catherinewhelton Well Cathy I guess I would try to replace the anode rod first. If that does not work then the tank.

[machineman1901]

i just replaced my anode rod and im still geting dark dirty water.which was the reason that i replaced my anode rod. can you help me please!

[HouseImprovements]

@machineman1901 This is normal because all water heaters end up with a layer of sediment settling to the bottom overtime.When you change your anode rod this sediment gets stirred up and can take a few days to settle down again.

[walter636]

Good job, well done! Teflon tape should be wrapped in the opposite direction. 3 or 4 turn is sufficient.

[PlayerK90]

You should probably open a tap after draining the 5 gallons or so once your done. Heating the tank up with air in our is not suggested the extra pressure is hard on your taps

[jerk151]

Thank you Sir. I appreciate the time you have taken to put this together. You and your family have Happy Holidays.

[nylox2004]

Great video and very well explained. I had never even thought about replacing my anode rod until I notice how expensive water heaters have become. They've nearly tripled in price since I bought mine9 years ago. You really like your teflon tape though. Holy cow,! :) It should come out nice and easy next time though.

[CCWSig]

lol I was saying "that's too much" but hey if it works.

[unclematt3]

Very nice job and very helpful. Thank you!