The anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod inside the water heater that corrodes instead of the tank. It is the cheapest insurance a water heater has.
The sacrifice
The rod, usually magnesium or aluminum, sits inside the tank and attracts the corrosion that would attack the steel. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Chicago, the rod corrodes first.
The chemistry
Different metals in the tank create a small electrical reaction, and the anode is the one that gives up. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Chicago, the water's chemistry decides how fast.
The protection
As long as the rod has material left, the tank walls stay protected. A depleted rod leaves the steel exposed and rust begins.
The lifespan
The rod lasts several years in soft water and far less in hard or treated water. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Chicago, checking it every few years is the rule.
The check
A pro can inspect the rod through the top of the tank and measure how much is left. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Chicago, a rod worn to wire is the sign to replace.
The replace
Swapping the rod is a small job that extends the tank's life. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Chicago, doing it with the yearly flush is easy.
The call
Protect the tank from the inside. Call 888-217-3585 and Chicago Home Plumbing Co will match you with a Chicago pro for the check.
Plumbing in Chicago: what to know
In Chicago, freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across Cook County — from Cicero, Stickney and Berwyn to ZIP codes like 60608, 60623, 60609 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Chicago?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Chicago Home Plumbing Co will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Chicago.