How and Why to replace the Anode rod of a Water Heater

This is a short description of how I changed the anode rod of my water heater. The second part of the seminar describes the theory behind how an anode rod may prolong the life of a water heater, by using a natural galvanic reaction to slow rust formation.

On a related topic, consider reviewing my other video describing how to replace the dip tube of a water heater. These two might be conveniently replaced at the same time.

Maintenance of a water heater involves risk of personal injury and possible damage to personal property. Done improperly, there is a significant risk of scalding injury, and if the new rod does not seal properly you could be witness to secondary water damage to your home. If the anode replacement does not go as planned, your water heater and your home could be permanently damaged. This is not a comprehensive instructional video, and I am not a professional plumber. If you decide to replace your anode rod, you do so at your own personal risk.

Here are a couple of links that describe the science behind the anode rod in more detail

http://www.waterheaterrescue.com/pages/WHRpages/English/Longevity/water-heate...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanic_anode

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathodic_protection

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Repair
• And Operations Educational
• anode rod
• Rod (god)
• no hot water
• water heater
• water tank
• cold water
• cold shower
• water heater maintenance

[robinsonsauto]

great video very informative. thank you for sharing

[spelunkerd]

@robinsonsauto

And likewise, I always find your automotive channel worth a look.

Dave

[outdoorsman310]

interesting i didnt even know water heaters had these it seems similar to the zinc pieces in boats and outboard engines

[spelunkerd]

@outdoorsman310 And likewise, I didn't know about the zinc anodes on boats until I took this on as a little project. I find that interface between science, engineering, and every day life to be fascinating. Thanks for watching!

[Jafromobile]

I was considering picking up a Zinc block from a marine supply store, they're shelf items... but I was going to try out using it as a sacrificial anode for my steel bodied/iron block cars. I've heard it's possible to apply this techniques to cars to prevent them from rusting, FWIH, you have to put the zinc block in an insulated box and make 1 electrical contact to the zinc, and attach the other contacts to the metal parts you want to save.

Sound plausible?

[spelunkerd]

@Jafromobile Having watched many of your videos, I'm not surprised to see a thoughtful comment. I have seen examples of electrolytic reactions in cars, but there must be some reason that manufacturers don't use them routinely. Maybe it's the lack of continuous exposure to water. Reviewing this topic, I wonder if there was a reason that almost all modern manufactures use a negative battery ground, which could theoretically inhibit rust on the chassis.....

[Turbo231]

Wow, that was a very neat video. I had no idea those rods even existed in a water heater.

[spelunkerd]

@DJDevon3 You're too hard on yourself. Thanks again for participating here.

Dave

[DJDevon3]

@spelunkerd haha worth a look if you want a good laugh. i'd hardly call my videos automotive repair.  more like attempted repairs. i do have some good knowledge but my execution leaves a lot to be desired. your videos are highly educational coming from experience. mine are 1st timer stuff from a 1st timer perspective which usually doesn't end too well. :P

[spelunkerd]

@DJDevon3 Thank you. And likewise, your automotive repair videos are always worth a look.

Dave