Anode rods, also known as sacrificial rods, are metal rods that help protect your water heater from corrosion. These rods work by attracting corrosive elements in the water which would otherwise corrode your water heater and cause it to fail. As a homeowner, replacing the anode rod every 4 years can help extend the life of your water heater. If you live in an area with hard water (water with a high mineral content), consider replacing the anode rod more often. Most manufacturer’s recommend inspecting the condition of the anode rod every 1-2 years to ensure the rod is in good condition.
Another great benefit of anode rods is that they help reduce the rotten egg smell of water with a high amount of sulfur. Homes that experience this problem can also benefit from installing additional anode rods. Most residential water heaters have 1-2 anode rods while commercial water heaters can have up to six.
Magnesium or Aluminum Anode Rods
Most anode rods are made of magnesium although aluminum anode rods are more effective in areas with hard water. The downside of aluminum anode rods is that aluminum rods collect a buildup of corrosive materials that make it difficult to take them out for inspection or replacement. Some people are also concerned about aluminum in their water supply. Research has suggested that aluminum may be a contributing factor to Alzheimer’s disease. For this reason, it is not recommend that people drink or cook with water containing aluminum.
The majority of plumbers recommend using magnesium anode rods as they produce a stronger current which makes them more effective in most situations.
Costs
The cost of replacing an anode rod depends on whether you do the work yourself or hire a handyman or plumber. Expect to pay between 10-30 dollars for the rod itself plus the cost of tools or labor. If you are interested in doing the work yourself, check out the video below for step by step instructions.