What external symptoms prompted you to replace the anode?
175174
The sacrificial anode takes the place of the tank and elements for electrolysis. If you notice any external symptoms (usually leaking), then it's probably too late to replace your sacrificial anode. I'd say check it one year prior to expiration of the tank life. If the sacrificial anode is almost used up, replace it. If you still have 1/2 remaining, then wait another year and check it again. It really depends on your water properties (hardness, acidity, etc), usage, and how much anode rod was installed at the factory (length, and how many rods (some have multiple anode rods)). Also the make of the anode rod (usually aluminum or magnesium) can affect the lifespan. The sacrificial anode takes the place of the tank and elements for electrolysis. If you notice any external symptoms (usually leaking), then it's probably too late to replace your sacrificial anode. I'd say check it one year prior to expiration of the tank life. If the sacrificial anode is almost used up, replace it. If you still have 1/2 remaining, then wait another year and check it again. It really depends on your water properties (hardness, acidity, etc), usage, and how much anode rod was installed at the factory (length, and how many rods (some have multiple anode rods)). Also the make... » Read More The sacrificial anode takes the place of the tank and elements for electrolysis. If you notice any external symptoms (usually leaking), then it's probably too late to replace your sacrificial anode. I'd say check it one year prior to expiration of the tank life. If the sacrificial anode is almost used up, replace it. If you still have 1/2 remaining, then wait another year and check it again. It really depends on your water properties (hardness, acidity, etc), usage, and how much anode rod was installed at the factory (length, and how many rods (some have multiple anode rods)). Also the make of the anode rod (usually aluminum or magnesium) can affect the lifespan. « Show Less
175175
Couldn't use this anode rod wouldn't fit my State 510E electric water heater, reason for installing an anode rod, hot water smelled like a rotten egg!!!
175176
If original anode was aluminum 3 years , magnesium 5 years. A lot has to do with water quality and mineral content. Cost is so small that you can justify replacing the anodes more frequently to maximize protection from corrosion. My experience aluminum 90 percent gone in 4 years magnesium 15 percent.
175177
Since the hardness of the water determines how much of the magnesium rod is eaten away the only sure way to determine when the rod needs to be replaced is to remove them after several months and see how much is left that remains useful.When the rod is used up entirely only a central wire remains.It should be replaced before that does occur.
175178
No external symptoms prompted me. DIY shows and This Old House show and website show cut-aways showing the importance of replacing anode rod before it completely dissolves so metal in tank doesn't start to corrode. Little teflon tape on thread of replacement rod will make it easy to pull up to check it every few years to determine when it should be replaced.
175179
The sacrificial anode takes the place of the tank and elements for electrolysis. If you notice any external symptoms (usually leaking), then it's probably too late to replace your sacrificial anode. I'd say check it one year prior to expiration of the tank life. If the sacrificial anode is almost used up, replace it. If you still have 1/2 remaining, then wait another year and check it again. It really depends on your water properties (hardness, acidity, etc), usage, and how much anode rod was installed at the factory (length, and how many rods (some have multiple anode rods)). Also the make of the anode rod (usually aluminum or magnesium) can affect the lifespan.
175180
Did hear rumbling in water heater but not sure if this was due to a corroded anode, replaced it due to age.
175181
There are no external symptoms. This is a purely preventitive measure. The Anode draws corrosion away from attacking the heater thereby extending te life of the Water Heater. The Anode is a"Sacrifical Lamb". It should be replaced yearly.
175182
Had problem with heater elements not lasting and notice the anode was used up. The elements seemed to be acting as a anode and after replacing this they have lasted three times as long as they did before and still going strong. This could have been a coincident but seem to be working right now. Just be carful that you don't cross thread as you install as I had to reach down inside a small hole to get it started with two fingers to make sure it was lined up properly.
175183
Anode rods get consumed slowly to protect the steel tank, the anode rod being sacrificed. Service technicians recommend changing every 5 years. I elected to change mine at 10 years. It was nearly consumed.
2094626
New batteries, flush it out. Or maybe that part of it just burnt out. Sorry..
1906906
Hi, Haven't had ours for long enough to have any problems. However, knowing what little I know about electrical heating elements, if it's making noise that's probably not a good sign. Would take the time to send it in either for repair or replacement. These aren't complicated devices, but the potential for fire is always lurking the background. Don't want to overkill, but wouldn't take any chances... Jay Miller
2235005
Sounds like you have an electrolosis problem,have a plumber check this out for you
549230
Sorry. I replaced an old one, and there was a plate there already. It looks like a standard electrical hole and thread (like conduit), though.
1865199
I haven't tried. But it's not s trough it's the heating element. Apparently they are not very helpful with replacements according to other reviews. personally, when mine dies completely I'm getting rid of it.
748870
It was awhile after installing mine that I had the burning smell and finally found that the light was degrading the plastic water tray for the A/C's condenser coil. The smell went away a couple months after un-plugging it. I moved it to a main duct away from the furnace as the light is small, but very powerful and remember NOT to look at the blue light!
1085270
None I just removed the old one and plugged the new one in. You might want to have a poolman do the work.
705714
Time to replace it. That's what mine did a few months before self-destructing (smoke, heat, etc). Probably a capacitor going bad, but that's just a guess...
381063
The anode is designed to prevent the tank from rusting inside. You need to filter the water before it gets into your tank to get the smell out.
453321
We have had the same problem with the rod being eaten away after serveral months (six months or longer) it may be caused by the lack of continous use of the water heater. We only use our water heater about one month a year. Also, if the water in your campground is extremely hard, that may lead to the anode rod being eaten away.
438774
The magnesium anode rod is in there to control electrolysis. It is supposed to burn out. Depending on your water it could happen in as fast as a year. So changing it twice in six years is actually pretty good. I check mine every two and it is usually eaten away pretty good so I just change it since I have the unit out and apart.
805960
sorry haven't had to replace, but it's a hole in tube I would get a patch kit, or call manufacture.
1264802
Umm... No. Any type of spark from an electrical device is generally not a good sign. Due to the design of the heater there's likely minimal immediate risk (however, I am not an electrician; don't take this as gospel). I recommend replacing the unit as soon as possible.
2039818
I ended up replacing mine. It was noisy and would stop on its own. I'd simply replace it!
229308
It depends on the way & where it is installed. You really need to take the heater down to drain it, which means you need to un-install it. If it was installed with unions or flex lines to the water supply, then I would call it a moderately easy job. Replacing the anode rods is important, or you void the warranty. The first time doing this may be a little un-nerving, but once you did it, it's not really that hard.
1157190
Honestly, I am not sure. Possible cause could be build up of calcium, lime, etc. but that may have effected the regulator. It's a cheap fix so might be worth it to try. It's an easy switch.