What anode rod means
An anode rod is a metal rod inside a tank water heater that corrodes on purpose, protecting the steel tank from rust.
Where it matters on a plumbing job
Replacing the anode before it is gone can add years to a tank. It is a good maintenance plan item. Rotten egg smell from hot water is often the anode reacting with the water, and a different rod material can fix it.
What it costs
Jobs that involve anode rod are priced in the water heater repair cost guide: about $530 typical, usually $190 to $880. The guide shows its sources and what moves the price. The water heater replacement cost calculator prices a job line by line.
Work it out
- Free calculator: Water heater replacement cost calculator
- Cost guide: Water heater repair cost
- Licensing: Plumbing license rules by state
- Tools, templates and guides: Free plumbing resources