Inspect water heater anode rod
Why it matters
The anode rod is intentionally corroded to prevent the steel tank from rusting. Once it's depleted, the tank itself starts corroding — and a corroded tank can fail suddenly, flooding your home.
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How to do it
- 1
Turn off the water heater and cold water supply.
- 2
Locate the anode rod hex head on top of the tank (sometimes under a plastic cap).
- 3
Use a 1-1/16" socket to unscrew it.
- 4
If it's less than ½" diameter or heavily pitted, replace it.
- 5
Apply plumber's tape to threads of new rod and reinstall.