If your household relies on a water heater to supply all the hot water you need for bathing, doing laundry, and cleaning dishes, keeping it in good working condition should be a top priority. To do this, you must familiarize yourself with a vital component of the appliance known as the anode rod. When doing its job correctly, this part will need to be replaced every few years. As such, it’s important to have it checked regularly by a water heater repair professional. Here’s some further insight into what the anode rod does for your water heater.

What to Know About Water Heater Anode Rods

The anode rod is a metal rod that is designed to fit inside the top of the water heater tank. Its primary purpose is to attract the corrosive elements that are present within the water, so they don’t harm the interior of the tank itself. While it’s in contact with the water, it will continue to degrade. Without the anode rod to keep these rust-causing ions away from the tank, it would quickly begin to corrode and eventually rupture. Replacing the anode rod is much more cost-effective than having to purchase a new water heater.

Signs You Need a Replacement 

Once the anode rod deteriorates to a certain point, it can no longer protect your water heater. To determine if a rod needs to be replaced, a water heater repair expert will look to see how close it is to degrading all the way down to the core steel wire. After inserting a new rod, you should also check after a couple weeks to make sure it’s deteriorating. If it looks untouched, it probably isn’t working and needs to be replaced.

Factors That Affect Its Life Span 

The longevity of an anode rod depends on different factors, such as the material it’s made out of and the quality of the water. Anode rods are either made from magnesium or aluminum. Magnesium rods tend to be more expensive but offer better performance. Aluminum rods are more likely to break off into pieces. Anode rods typically have a lifespan of around five years, but if you have soft water, they can corrode in as little as six months. For this reason, it’s vital to have a water heater repair service inspect it annually.

The best way to keep an eye on your anode rod is to schedule water heater maintenance with Oehl Plumbing, Heating, Electric, & Air Conditioning at least once a year. They will help keep your appliance running at optimal performance by checking your anode rod carefully and replacing it when necessary. Over the last 70 years, they have provided countless residents throughout Amana, Coralville, North Liberty, and Iowa City, IA, with high-quality and affordable water heater repairs. Call (319) 339-9490 to request a job estimate, or visit their website for more information on the services they offer.