W/H tank longevity and anode rod replacement?

Users who are viewing this thread

Billy_Bob

In the Trades
Messages
419
Reaction score
0
Points
0
If I were to replace the anode rod in an electric water heater every so many years, would the water heater tank last forever?

How often should I replace the anode rod in my electric water heater?

(BTW I used an impact wrench as suggested and my anode rod came right out! Thanks.)
 

Jimbo

Plumber
Messages
8,918
Reaction score
18
Points
0
Location
San Diego, CA
The condition of the rod you took out will give you a hint about how often to replace it. If it is totally eaten up, you're late! If it still has some meat left on it, then this is a good time.


The tank will not last forever! But plenty of tanks which never had the anode changed last 20+ years. Beyond that, you have other things such as bad threads on an element boss, or H/C boss, general deterioration of the wiring, etc. In theory, at least, it could out last you!
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,600
Reaction score
1,037
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
rod

By the time the anode rod is eaten up, any defects on the tank's interior should be coated. Therefore, it may be like a common cold. If you treat it, it only lasts a week, but if you don't it will last seven days. If you change the rod and the heater lasts 12 years, you will never know if it would have lasted that long, or longer, if you had not touched it.
 

Master Plumber Mark

Sensitivity trainer and plumber of mens souls
Messages
5,533
Reaction score
354
Points
83
Location
indianapolis indiana - land of the free, home of
Website
www.weilhammerplumbing.com
changeing the rod....

to change a anode rod is not usually an easy task....

they are usually installed at the factory with an impact wrench
....and they literally imbed themselves to the heater


you need a special sized socket and extra large sized
wrench.....

if the plug has been in the heater for a long time
their is a good chance you are not going to get it out ......

if you are going to attempt it, it might be wise
to have some extra hands holding the heater in place cause you
can literally turn the whole heater on the floor,
before that stubborn plug will budge...


I have had to change a water heater after only
one year becasue of the smell comming off the tank from the rod,

and we simply could not get the rod to budge out of the Rheem gas heater...

if you do get one out, be sure to grease up that
new rod with both tape and pipe dope. so it is easy to do again.....


also , FYI
if your wrench and cheater bar slips
when you are trying to get that rod out.....,
you can get cold-cocked in the jaw pretty good...
 
Last edited:

SteveW

DIY Senior Member
Messages
1,282
Reaction score
22
Points
38
Location
Omaha, NE
If I were to replace the anode rod in an electric water heater every so many years, would the water heater tank last forever?

How often should I replace the anode rod in my electric water heater?

(BTW I used an impact wrench as suggested and my anode rod came right out! Thanks.)

Check out www.waterheaterrescue.com .

They believe that if you do replace the anode before it is eaten up, and keep the tank flushed out, they should last a long, long time.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,600
Reaction score
1,037
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
anode

if your wrench and cheater bar slips
when you are trying to get that rod out.....,

you can get cold-cocked in the jaw pretty good...

two rules when using a wrench.
1. do not put your fingers underneath the handle when pushing on it.
2. Do not pull the wrench towards you.
 

Redwood

Master Plumber
Messages
7,335
Reaction score
13
Points
0
Location
Connecticut
I have never had a problem removing an anode rod!
In fact I take them out with one hand...
I also never have a water heater try to spin on me either!

153394_lg.gif
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks