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.