Water heater anode rods
Inside most tank water heaters is a metal rod called an anode. It corrodes on purpose, so the tank doesn't. When the rod is used up, the tank and its fittings start corroding instead, and that's how a water heater goes from fine to leaking.
| Situation | When to check or replace |
|---|---|
| First check | About 2 years after the water heater is installed |
| Typical replacement | Every 3 to 5 years |
| Hard water | Every 2 to 3 years |
| Softened water | More often: softened water accelerates anode wear |
| Heavy use | More often: big households and high demand deplete the rod faster |
An anode rod moves through three stages: new, partially depleted, and completely depleted (often down to the bare core wire). On a 360 visit we look for the signs of wear that show up outside the tank, like corrosion at the fittings and restricted flow.
Supply-line lifespans
Supply lines are the flexible hoses that feed toilets, faucets, dishwashers, refrigerators and washing machines. They're cheap, they're everywhere, and when one fails it doesn't drip. It runs.
| Type | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|
| Braided stainless steel | 10 to 15 years |
| Plastic / PVC flexible lines | 5 to 10 years |
| Rubber washing-machine hoses | 3 to 5 years |
If you don't know how old yours are, assume they're older than you think. Builder-installed lines in a ten-year-old house are often original.
Warning signs
- Bulging or fraying on a supply line or hose.
- Corrosion: rust, or green and white flakes at a fitting or valve.
- Discolored water from the tap.
- Frequent small leaks, especially at the same fixture.
- Low water pressure that wasn't there before.
Any of these is worth a call. None of them fixes itself.
A Northern Colorado year
Our weather does its own kind of damage. A few things worth doing on the calendar:
- Fall, before the first hard freeze: have the sprinkler system blown out, check the backflow preventer, and disconnect garden hoses from outside faucets.
- Winter: know where your main shut-off is before a cold snap. If you'll be away, keep the heat on and have someone check the house.
- Spring: look for stains or damp spots that showed up over the winter, especially in lower levels and near exterior walls.
- Every month: check your HVAC filter. (Monthly filter reminders for members are coming soon.)
- Twice a year: test smoke detectors and replace batteries.
A real catch
On an inspection we found a water heater from 2016 with restricted flow and evidence of a future failure at the fitting, caused by anode corrosion. Nothing had leaked yet. Caught on a scheduled visit, it became a planned repair instead of an emergency.
Want us to look at yours?
Every 360 visit includes the water heater, supply lines, appliances and drains. 360° for $360, or call 970-627-6185.