--72.188.xxx.xxx

I just drain mine yearly and replace anodes as needed. However, the longer they are in, the harder they are to remove. --216.23.xxx.xx

Never have, never will. Way too much time and energy....I had a friend who wanted to try and replace his and couldn't. He eventually replaced his water heater and had to use a torch to cut into it to see the anode..... could not break the thing free.... .. I dont mess w Emma --174.234.xxx.xxx

Draining the tank is another (unrelated) issue. That is to remove sediment build up from the bottom of the tank. That sediment reduces efficiency and can interfere with the lower heating element on an electric tank. Depends on the sediment load of your water, unrelated to the corrosivity that eats the anode rod (and tries to corrode the tank interior). --71.212.xxx.xxx

Is there a standard length for anodes? The overhead clearance space is a good point. --72.188.xxx.xxx

You can buy an anode rod that goes into the hot water outlet. Way easier to install. Leave the original anode in place. Google " hot water outlet anode rod " for info --96.234.xxx.xxx

I am a plumbing contractor and almost no one replaces their water heater anodes. In one rental I replace the anode every 3 to 5 years, depending on my annual inspection. I have a full port drain valve, 3/4", and drain then camera the insides to view the anode. Since I drain it every year and replace the anode when needed, it lasted me just over 32 years! --47.156.xx.xx

I have tried multiple times to remove one of those anodes. Never have had any luck with it. --24.20.xxx.xxx

thanks del, I will look into that! --72.188.xxx.xxx

Just got home from a turn key. The bulbs-- you know the ones that last 1000 hrs were at 990 so we replaced them all as a precaution along with the electric stove elements-- they were old also-- oven and bake also. --99.103.xxx.xxx

So changing the anode can potentially SHORTEN the tank life. --173.233.xxx.xx

We lived in an area with hard water. It was commom for us to notice a change in our hotwater, we replace those anodes often without much trouble. Often meaning every two years or so. It was much easier than getting a new water heater and now permits are required and all the "up to code" requirements. Cost saving too. It was hard at times to get them loose but still easier than dragging in a new water heater and dragging out the old. We did it successfully for as long as we owned that house. --99.203.xx.xx

Thanks Gevans...good to know. --72.188.xxx.xxx

use handiman common sense, heat then allow to cool, loosen with turning force, as Gevans pointed out the impact will kill the tank lining, just use the element tool, they are made with 6inch segments, measure inside - go back to rod and break off so it fits - it also folds so you can get it in, tighten up and refill tank before turning on the power, top element heats before lower element (sequencer on bottom element) waits for temp at 110 then switches back and forth. --76.188.xxx.xx