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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Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Change a Water Heater Anode Rod | This Old House
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