If Your Water Heater Makes a Crunching Noise When Heating Up, You Might Still Be Able to Prolong it’s Life.
Water heaters have what’s referred to as an anode rod—and it plays a crucial role in preventing your tank from rusting out from the inside.
Let’s break it down in plain terms, and I’ll also show you how to know when it needs to be replaced.
🔩 What Is an Anode Rod?
Inside your water heater tank is a long metal rod, usually made of magnesium, aluminum, or zinc-coated aluminum, called the anode rod (sometimes called a “sacrificial” anode rod).
Its entire job is to corrode in place of your tank. Over time, water and minerals would normally attack the steel tank walls, but instead, they go after the softer metal of the anode rod. It’s like putting bait out for corrosion—so your tank doesn’t become the main course.
🔧 How Do I Know If It Needs Replacing?
Here’s the deal: if your anode rod is gone, your tank starts rusting—plain and simple. The problem is, you can’t always see that happening until it’s too late.
Signs It Might Be Time:
- Your water smells like rotten eggs (especially hot water)
- Your water heater is more than 4–5 years old and has never had the rod checked
- You notice small rust flakes or orange tint in your hot water
- You hear popping or rumbling inside the tank (this could also be sediment buildup, but it often goes hand in hand with a depleted anode rod)
🛠️ How to Check It
If you’re handy, you can inspect the rod yourself—just know it’s a bit of a project.
- Turn off the gas and shut off the water supply to the heater.
- Open a hot water faucet and let the tank drain down a few gallons to relieve pressure.
- Locate the anode rod—usually screwed into the top of the tank, sometimes under a plastic cap.
- Use a socket wrench (often 1 1/16″) to unscrew it.
- Inspect the rod:
- If it’s less than ½ inch thick or coated in calcium, it’s time for a new one.
- If it’s completely eaten away, you waited too long (but better late than never).
⚠️ Tip: The rod might be really tight—don’t be surprised if you need a breaker bar or impact wrench to get it loose.
⏳ How Often Should It Be Replaced?
Most manufacturers recommend checking the anode rod every 3–5 years, depending on your water quality. In areas with hard water, it might need to be replaced sooner. In softer water areas, it could last longer—but waiting too long is a gamble.
If your water heater is 10+ years old and has never had a new rod, it’s almost guaranteed to be gone.
💰 Why It Matters
A new anode rod usually costs $20–$50. A new water heater? Around $1,500–$2,500 installed.
Replacing the rod could easily double the life of your tank. It’s one of the few real maintenance items that pays off directly.
🏁 Final Thought
If you haven’t thought about your anode rod since the heater was installed… well, you’re not alone. But this small, often-overlooked part is one of the only things standing between your tank and an early grave.
Check it, change it if needed, and your gas water heater will thank you by not rusting out prematurely.
Premier Mechanical – www.claimyourcomfort.com – 720.207.6812