The short answer to this question is, “yes.” But perhaps a better question to ask is, “Why does the anode rod inside my water heater matter? And why should I care?”
Let’s face it, your water heater is pretty much the most important appliance in your home. At least it’s the one we all rely on most heavily in our living spaces. It’s a true workhorse, providing us with all the heated water we need to shower, bathe, wash dishes, do the laundry, etc. And if you’re using a tank water heater to do all this, then you’re utilizing an anode rod, perhaps without even knowing it.
The anode rod isn’t exactly a household name, but considering it needs to be replaced every 3-5 years, long before the water heater itself would otherwise need to be replaced, it’s an important component to understand. Keep reading to learn more about this water heater component, and why you should care about the condition of yours.
One of the most important plumbing components in your home is one that you likely don’t think about very often—your water heater. This system provides safe, hot water for cooking, cleaning, bathing, and more. Most water heaters do their jobs reliably and quietly, but when problems do crop up they can do so without you noticing. And by the time you notice something is amiss, the problem can progress to the point that your water heater will need replacement.
Storage tank water heaters are the conventional water heater, found in most homes throughout the country. They’re large, noticeable, and depending on their location can be pretty noisy too. That being said, it’s fairly easy to remember that this big system needs service and maintenance from time to time. During that maintenance, the water heater is often flushed, as mineral buildup (scaling) occurs and threatens the integrity of the system. Scaling is noticeable in a tank water heater because it leads to a clanging noise, and causes issues with pressure, temperature, and corrosion.
