How to Change a Water Heater Anode Rod | This Old House

This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey shows a simple way to add years to your water heater, by swapping out the sacrificial metal rod that prevents rust inside the tank. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)

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Time: 30 to 60 minutes
Skill level: Easy. The toughest part is loosening the old anode rod.

Shopping List for How to Change a Water Heater Anode Rod:
- anode rod [amzn.to/2LnxKXa]
- steel pipe [amzn.to/2NQtUHC], used to provide extra leverage to ratchet wrench
- teflon tape [amzn.to/2HPb0Nt]
- garden hose [amzn.to/2HNkFEk], used to partially drain the water heater

Tools for How to Change a Water Heater Anode Rod:
- screwdriver [amzn.to/2N3Nlxd], used to remove cover from water heater, if necessary
- ratchet wrench [amzn.to/2LuzZqd] and 1 1/16-inch deep socket [amzn.to/2PMmQOJ]

Steps:
1 Turn off water and fuel supply (gas or electricity) to water heater.
2 Partially drain the water heater.
3 Locate the anode rod on the water heater; if necessary, unscrew and lift off the cover from the top of the heater.
4 Use a ratchet wrench and 1 1/16-inch deep socket to unscrew the anode rod from the heater.
5 If the anode rod won't budge, slip a steel pipe onto ratchet wrench handle for extra leverage.
6 Lift out and discard the old anode rod.
7 Wrap Teflon tape around threads of new anode rod; insert anode rod into water heater and tighten with 1 1/16-inch socket.
8 If limited space above the heater prevents the installation of a standard anode rod, install a collapsible type.
9 Turn on the water and fuel supply to the water heater.

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How to Change a Water Heater Anode Rod | This Old House
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