An anode rod is a metal rod that is inserted into a water heater to protect the tank from corrosion. The anode rod corrodes instead of the tank, which extends the life of the water heater. Checking the anode rod regularly and replacing it when necessary is an important part of water heater maintenance.
Most manufacturers recommend checking the anode rod every three to five years, or once a year if the water in your area is particularly corrosive. To check the anode rod, you will need to turn off the water heater and drain the tank. Once the tank is drained, you can remove the anode rod and inspect it. If the anode rod is more than half corroded, it should be replaced.
