When is it too late to change the water heater anode?

[Snorp]

Good day to all - thanks for all of the help you provide to us undereducated.

I have an old 40 gallon water heater that's been working fine for many (12?) years. The warranty on it is for 9 years.

My question is - is it worthwhile to replace the anode? It's never been replaced before.

Comments?

Regards,

Andy Fern

 

[GReynolds929]

Generally before 9 years. If it was me I would check at 4-6 and see how bad it is and go from there.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[John Gayewski]

Depends. I changed the anode on my 35 year old water heater. Mainly because I want to see how long it'll work.

I would pull the anode and see how corroded it is. Change it while your there and based on corrosion you might get a clue as to how much longer the tank will last.

Worth it depends on you. Id just be aware that once you start messing with it you could end up replacing it.

 

[Sarg]

Just info .... I installed a new electric 30 gal unit in 2020. When doing my regular maintence last fall I discovered the anode already had to be changed.