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.)
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse

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

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

About This Old House TV:
This Old House is the No. 1 multimedia home enthusiast brand, offering trusted information and expert advice through award-winning television, a highly regarded magazine, and an information-driven website. This Old House and Ask This Old House are produced by This Old House Ventures, LLC and are presented on PBS by WETA Washington, DC.

Follow This Old House and Ask This Old House:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
http://bit.ly/AskTOHTwitter
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
http://bit.ly/AskTOHIG
Tumblr: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTumblr

For more on This Old House and Ask This Old House, visit us at: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseWebsite

How to Change a Water Heater Anode Rod | This Old House
https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/

(Visited 2,956 times, 1 visits today)

ADVERTISMENT – become one of us and contribute knowledge


You Might Be Interested In

Comment (0)

  1. I add a 2" nipple and a coupling on top of my water heater and then installed my new 39" anode rod. It should make it easier to remove it the next time I replace it. IF YOU HAVE TIME, use LIQUID WRENCH and let it soak for 1 or 2 days. I only let it soak for 12 hours and NOTHING, but when I STARTED TO JERK THE CHEATER BAR BACK AND FORTH I got it loose. Some say if you tighten a locked in place nut it will break it loose so you can loosen it. Why LIQUID WRENCH? Saw a test video on oils to use to break nuts loose and LIQUID WRENCH was better and cheaper. If your water heater moves, watch this 2 minute video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuvFLBTY6gc

  2. Is there a general guidance on how often to replace the anode? I last did mine 5 years ago. Plan to do it again this weekend. I bet this one comes out easier than the original.

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.