One of the most important parts of your home’s water heater is one that you can’t see, and you might not even know what it is. It’s the anode rod, and without it, your water heater wouldn’t last nearly as long, and the quality of your hot water would be significantly poorer. 

Here, we put our experience as the leader in trusted water heater repair in Arlington, TX, to work to explain what this important component is, what it does, and how often to replace the anode rod in a water heater for maximum performance. 

The Basics of Anode Rods and Why They’re Important for Arlington Water Heaters 

Anode rods are metal rods, usually made of aluminum, zinc, or magnesium, that run the length of the water heater’s steel tank. They essentially act as magnets, attracting particles in the water like sediment and hard water minerals, via the process of electrolysis. This prevents the contaminants from accumulating on the sides of the tank lining and causing corrosion, which can lead to leaks and other issues with the water heater. 

Anode rods do a great job of protecting your water heater, but over time, the materials they collect build up on the surface, eventually corroding the metal and reducing effectiveness and water heater longevity. 

When To Replace an Anode Rod 

Although the average water heater will last up to 15 years with regular maintenance, an anode rod’s life expectancy is significantly shorter. But many homeowners wonder how often to replace the anode rod in a water heater.

As a general rule, most plumbers recommend an anode rod replacement frequency of every three to five years. If you have a large family or otherwise have a lot of water flowing through the tank, you might need a new rod more frequently. Hard water, a common issue in Arlington, can also shorten the rod’s lifespan.

Plumbers inspect the component as a standard part of annual water heater maintenance, looking for signs of anode rod wear. You can expect to invest in a new rod if: 

• The current rod is over a decade old, regardless of whether it or the tank shows signs of corrosion.
• A visual inspection of the rod shows extensive corrosion.
• The rod is less than half of its original thickness. 
• You have discolored water coming from the taps, or the water contains sediment or rust particles. 
• Your water has a sulfur (rotten egg) odor, which comes from the rod producing hydrogen sulfide gas. 
• The water has a metallic taste or smell. 

The purpose of an anode rod is corrosion prevention in water heaters, so seeing some buildup on the rod is normal; it means the part is working as it should. It’s only when deterioration reaches a point where it impedes the rod’s ability to do its job that you need to think about a replacement. 

Why You Must Maintain Your Arlington, TX, Water Heater 

Whether you have a gas or electric water heater, an annual professional maintenance visit is critical to preserving its lifespan and supporting maximum efficiency. No matter how often you replace the anode rod in water heaters, the appliance needs additional attention to ensure it works safely and reliably. 

The typical maintenance visit includes an anode rod inspection, as well as:

• Inspecting the tank for signs of deterioration or damage 
• Draining and flushing the tank to remove sediment 
• Testing the drain and pressure valves 
• Checking the thermostat 
• Inspecting the burners
• Inspecting the insulation 
• Securing the electrical connections 
• Securing the water and gas line connections 

Let Minuteman Heating & Air Keep Your Arlington Water Heater in Good Condition 

Whether you have a problem with your water heater that needs attention, want to schedule a maintenance appointment, or it’s time for a new appliance, Minuteman Heating & Air has the expertise you need. We can help you determine how often to replace the anode in a water heater and provide water heater care tips that will help you get the maximum longevity and efficiency from your investment. 

At Minuteman Heating & Air, we’re proud to be Arlington, TX’s first choice for every HVAC and plumbing need. Whether you’re looking for winterizing tips to help keep your home comfortable in the colder months or any other service, our trained and experienced team of technicians can take care of it at affordable rates. Get in touch today and let us help you keep your home in top condition in every season.