Water heaters are an essential part of keeping your home comfortable and sanitary, providing hot water to take soothing showers and washing utensils in the dishwasher. To prolong the life of the device and avoid untimely water heater repair services, you’ll need to be knowledgeable about the proper maintenance of the unit and its replaceable parts, such as the anode rod.

What Is an Anode Rod & Why is it Important?

An anode rod is a metal device inserted into the water heater to prevent the unit from rusting. Through a process called electrolysis, an anode rod attracts ions that cause rust, making it corrode in place of the exposed steel in the water heater.

Because of its use, this part is also called “sacrificial anode rod.” When a rod is corroded, it can no longer protect the steel lining of the unit, and it becomes susceptible to damage that may necessitate water heater repairs.

How Long Is an Anode Rod’s Life Span?

An anode rod typically degrades within three to five years, depending on the water it’s exposed to. Inspect your water heater’s anode rod according to the manual instructions once a year. A rod that’s doing its job would look chewed up and partly corroded. If the rod shows six inches of the steel core wire underneath, it’s time to replace it, or you’ll be needing water heater repairs soon.

Several factors affect the life span of an anode rod, the most important of which is the quality of water in your area—soft water could corrode metal faster than hard water. The material composition of the anode rod also matters. Anode rods made of magnesium give better protection than aluminum options, but they are relatively more expensive and have a shorter life span. On the other hand, aluminum rods last longer and cost less, but they also offer less protection compared to magnesium ones.

If you find yourself needing water heater repairs or other plumbing services, get in touch with King's Plumbing. Servicing clients around West Chester, OH, this fully licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing contractor is skilled in water heater installations, water heater repairs, and water line replacements. They also offer 24-hour plumbing emergency services. Get a free estimate by calling (513) 683-9935 or visiting their website.