Inspect Water Heater Anode Rod
Plumbing
medium
15-30 min
Why It Matters
The anode rod protects the tank from rusting. Once it's gone, the tank corrodes.
What Happens If You Skip This?
Premature tank failure and potential flooding.
Time Required
15-30 min
Cost
Free
Difficulty
medium
Priority
should
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1 Turn off water heater
- 2 Locate anode rod on top of tank
- 3 Use socket wrench to loosen
- 4 Inspect rod - replace if less than 1/2 inch thick
- 5 Replace with magnesium or aluminum rod
What You'll Need
- Socket wrench (1 1/16 inch)
⚠️ Safety Notes
- Turn off power/gas first
- Water is hot
🔧 DIY Friendly
Medium - Some DIY experience helpful. Most homeowners can complete this task successfully.