water heater anode rod

cavie wrote:

Lynnmor wrote:
It all depends on water quality and the quantity used. I replace when it is about half depleted or the wire looks weak near the fitting.

Weak at the fitting is not a problem. When it all looks a think as a pencil it's time to change.

The electrolysis action is more aggressive next to the fitting consuming the anode and, to some degree, the supporting core. Look at the illustration posted above and you will see what I mean. If you want to bounce down the road with an anode that is heavy outboard from the mounting point, fine. I just don't want to fish a broken part out the drain hole.

I wonder how often home owners change the anodes in their house water heater. Due to lack of sales, many big box stores quit stocking them and only offer a limited selection online. I think that few have a clue about the need for that maintenance. I need to replace those about every three years.