How often should you check a water heater anode rod?

Every 2 years.

How to do it

Unscrew the anode rod from the top of the tank. Replace it if it is worn to the core wire or thinner than a pencil.

Why it matters

The anode rod corrodes so the tank does not. A $30 rod can add years to a tank.

Recommended interval: every 2 years, per Bradford White.

General guidance for a typical home; the manufacturer's instructions come first.

Get reminded when it is due

Paper works until it goes on the fridge and stays there. The Househand app keeps the same checklist and tells you when each job comes due, based on when you last did it.

  • A reminder when a job is due, not on a fixed date
  • A history of what you did and when
  • The same schedule as this site, optional tasks and all

The app is not in the stores yet. Until it is, track your house in the browser: same schedule, same rules.

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