A beautiful modern bathroom vanity is the center piece of any bathroom. But the joys bestowed are limited without hot water. A hot water heater is an essential element of any home.
Listed number three on the UniqueVanities.com post, “Things to Check Or Inspect Before Buying a Home,” home buyers should be “sure [the heater] is in good, working order and not 100 years old.”
But what exactly is there to check? Electric models have a 10 to 15 year lifespan. Where as gas units run 8 to 12 years. Inspect for rust, corrosion, or leaks. Leaks which come from the tank itself are clearly indicative of needing a total replacement.
The overall condition of a water heater, both gas and electric, can be determined based upon the condition of the anode rod. Also known as a sacrificial rod, the anode works as a mineral magnet. Silt, sediment, and other mineral particles are drawn to the rod. As denoted by the sacrificial title, the rod is meant to eventually corrode away to reveal the core or break from its fastenings.
The more rust on the rod, the more roughly used unit. Although the anode rod is an indicator of heavy use, it’s developed to corrode and can be replaced to extend the life of the heater. Anode rods and other replacement parts can be found online. A bad anode tube can produce water with a foul, sulfuric, odor, or discoloration.
A bad anode rod could be the culprit behind issues of low water pressure or smelly water.
To test the anode rod:
- Remove power
- Close cold water in-take valve
- Open hot faucets to drain the remaining water in the tank
- Remove anode located at the top of the tank. Sometimes, the dip tube (which transfers cold water to the tank bottom) is also the anode. If this is the case, disconnect plumbing fitting around the cold water inlet.
- Check corrosion levels. Replace if nearly six inches or more of the core is exposed.
- Install a new anode. Clean unit and properly seal (or dope) plumbing connections using Teflon tape or a similar material.
BIO
Katei Cranford is a freelance writer who requires a hot shower and strong coffee to start the day.
