Anode Replacement Procedure...???

In order to check the condition of the anode rod, it will have to be removed from the tank. The first step is to turn off power to the water heater-gas at the on/off control knob, electric at the circuit breaker box or the separate on/off switch box. Next, you will have to close the cold water shutoff valve, and open a nearby hot water tap to allow the pressure inside the tank to equalize. In addition to these steps, also draw off a few gallons of water through the drain valve, in order to clear any remaining water from the hot water pipes that are above the level of the top of the tank. The tank itself need not be otherwise drained.

Once these steps have been taken, the anode rod can be safely removed. Its connection point will be on the top of the water heater, where it is threaded into the top of the tank. It may be located under a cap that will have to be pried off first. Using a properly sized wrench or socket (the size is almost always 1 1/16 inch), turn it counter-clockwise until it clears the threads. A small amount of water may gush up from the opening when this happens. Then carefully remove the anode rod straight upward. Try not to knock it against is the inside of the tank or the sides of the opening, or parts of it may break loose and fall inside the tank, to eventually become more sediment that has to be removed during a later flushing process.

Inspect the anode rod carefully. Some pitting and surface corrosion is normal and to be expected. Large chunks of metal coating missing from the surface or portions of its length entirely missing indicate that it should be replaced. A new one, preferably one pre-cut to the proper length and intended for the particular water heater model, can be purchased at a plumbing supply house or a hardware store. Whether reinstalling an existing, still-good anode rod, or installing a new replacement for it, this can easily be done on a DIY basis. Simply wrap the threads in Teflon tape, carefully slide the rod back into the hole, and tighten it securely.

Once the anode rod is securely back in place, open the cold water supply valve, allow the water level in the tank to top off-indicated when water flows freely from the nearby open hot water tap-turn that tap off, and turn the power to the water heater back on.

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