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3580 Polaris Ave #17, Las Vegas, NV 89103
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Anode Rod Inspection & Replacement for Tank Water Heaters in Las Vegas, NV
Inside every tank-style water heater is a sacrificial anode rod—a metal rod designed to corrode instead of your tank. In Las Vegas’s hard water, that rod can be used up quickly, leaving your tank unprotected and more likely to rust, leak, or cause rotten-egg (sulfur) odors. Active Plumbing provides anode rod inspection and replacement for tank water heaters in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, and nearby communities—helping your heater last longer and perform better.
✓ Hard-water aware: Service tailored to Las Vegas water conditions.
✓ Extend tank life: A healthy anode rod helps delay tank rust and leaks.
✓ Licensed local pros: Trusted water heater service plumbers in the Las Vegas valley.
✓ Help fight odors: Replacing a spent rod often helps with “rotten egg” hot water smells.
✓ Hard-water aware
✓ Extend tank life
✓ Licensed local pros
✓ Help fight odors
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What Is an Anode Rod - and Why Does It Matter?
An anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod (usually magnesium, aluminum, or an alloy) installed inside your tank water heater. Its job is to:
Corrode instead of the tank, protecting the steel from rust
Help reduce internal corrosion and extend the life of the heater
Sometimes influence hot water odor, depending on water chemistry
Over time, the anode rod wears away. In hard-water areas like Las Vegas, this can happen faster than many homeowners expect. Once the rod is mostly gone, the tank is far more likely to rust through and leak.
Regular inspection and replacement of the anode rod (when the tank is still structurally sound) is one of the best ways to help your water heater last longer.
Why Choose Active Plumbing
Hard-water specialists: We work on water heaters all over the Las Vegas valley, where anodes are used up faster than in soft-water areas.
Protective mindset: We see the inside story on failed tanks—so we take prevention seriously when it still makes sense.
Odor-aware approach: We know how worn anodes and certain water conditions can drive sulfur/rotten-egg smells and how to help.
Honest “is it worth it?” guidance: If your tank is too old or too far gone, we’ll tell you plainly when replacement may be smarter than more repairs.
Clean, careful work: We protect surrounding finishes, break loose stubborn anode plugs correctly, and keep the area tidy.
Licensed & insured: Nevada License #0047021, trusted for water heater maintenance and upgrades.
Immediate Actions (What to Do Now)
Think about how old your water heater is and whether the anode rod has ever been checked or replaced.
Note any rotten-egg or sulfur smells from the hot water only (not the cold).
Look for signs of rust, discoloration, or seepage around the tank or fittings.
Take a photo of the data label (brand, model, and serial number) and the top of the heater.
Call Active Plumbing at (702) 438-3357 and ask for anode rod inspection and replacement for your tank water heater, and let us know if you’re dealing with hot water odor or an older tank.
Common Situations for Anode Rod Inspection & Replacement
Water heater is 5+ years old and has never had the anode checked
Rotten-egg / sulfur smell on the hot water side only
Water heater in a rental or investment property, and you want to get more life out of it
You’re already doing a water heater flush & maintenance and want extra protection
You’re not ready to replace the heater yet but know it’s not brand new
A plumber, inspector, or friend has mentioned anode rods and you’ve never had yours looked at
If your heater is still in decent shape, anode rod service can be a smart preventative move.
Call & Heater Background
You call (702) 438-3357 and share your heater’s age, fuel type, and any odor or rust issues you’re seeing. We schedule an appointment, and, if possible, note the brand/model to anticipate anode access.
On-Site Assessment & Access Check
Your plumber verifies age, condition, and accessibility of the anode rod location (often on top of the tank or combined with the hot outlet). We also take a quick look at overall tank condition, venting (gas), and connections.
Anode Removal & Inspection
With water and power/gas set appropriately for safe work, we loosen and remove the existing anode rod (or attempt to, if it’s extremely seized). We inspect the rod’s condition—how much metal is left, signs of unusual corrosion, and whether it’s effectively used up.
Replacement (When Appropriate)
If replacement makes sense and you approve, we install a new anode rod (often a segmented/flexible type if clearance is tight), properly tightened and sealed. If the tank’s condition suggests imminent failure or not worth investing in, we’ll explain that and discuss options.
System Reassembly & Check
We restore water and power/gas, check for leaks around the anode port and fittings, and verify the heater is heating normally. If odor was a concern, we’ll discuss what to expect and any additional steps that may be needed.
Findings, Expectations & Next Steps
We review the old anode’s condition, what it tells us about your tank, and set realistic expectations for remaining life. We’ll recommend a future inspection or replacement interval, and, if the heater is near end-of-life, help you plan for replacement timing.
Anode Rod Inspection and Replacement for Tank Water Heaters Active Plumbing fix now
A typical anode rod inspection & replacement visit includes:
On-site evaluation of your water heater’s age, condition, and anode access
Safe shutdown and preparation for anode removal
Removal and visual inspection of the existing anode rod (when accessible and removable)
Installation of a new anode rod (when approved and appropriate for the heater’s condition)
System reassembly and leak check around the anode port and nearby connections
Summary of findings about tank condition and recommended future maintenance or replacement
Costs & Timelines (What to Expect)
Most anode inspections and replacements are completed in a single visit, barring extreme corrosion or access issues.
You’ll get upfront pricing for inspection and, if applicable, replacement, before we proceed.
Main cost factors: accessibility of the anode, heater location (easy garage vs. tight closet/attic), and whether additional work (like flushing or code upgrades) is requested at the same time.
An anode rod is typically far cheaper than replacing the entire water heater—and can help delay that larger cost when done at the right time.
Insurance & Claims Help
Anode rod work is primarily a preventative service, but it can matter in water damage situations:
If a tank later fails, having documentation that you maintained and inspected the heater (including the anode) can show you weren’t neglecting the system.
When we see advanced tank corrosion, we can document it and help you plan replacement before a leak becomes a bigger issue.
(Any insurance claim decisions are up to your insurer and policy; this is not financial or legal advice.)
Risks of Waiting (Why Act Now)
Earlier tank failure: Once the anode is gone, the tank itself becomes the next thing to corrode.
Leaks and water damage: A rusted-through tank can leak suddenly, causing damage to floors, walls, and belongings.
Rotten-egg / sulfur odors: Certain anode conditions can exaggerate odor issues in specific water chemistries.
“Looks fine until it doesn’t”: From the outside, a tank can look okay while the inside is severely corroded.
Shortened heater lifespan: Ignoring the anode often means your water heater doesn’t last as long as it could with basic maintenance.
Checking the anode is one of the simplest ways to protect your water heater investment.
Methods, Materials & Quality Standards
Proper tools and techniques: We use appropriate wrenches, extensions, and methods to remove stubborn anode plugs without abusing the tank.
Quality anode rods: We install appropriate replacement rods (including flexible/segmented when needed for low clearance), suited to your heater and conditions.
Hard-water informed recommendations: Our advice on inspection intervals and future service is grounded in Las Vegas water reality.
Safety-conscious shutdown and restart: We handle water, gas, and power properly during the work and test operation afterward.
Transparent communication: We show you what your old anode rod looks like and explain what that means, in plain language.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my anode rod checked?
In hard-water areas like Las Vegas, many tanks benefit from checking the anode every 2–3 years, sometimes more often for older units or certain brands.
Will replacing the anode rod stop my rotten-egg smell completely?
It can help a lot, especially when the old rod is spent or reacting with your water chemistry—but in some cases, additional steps may be needed. We’ll discuss options based on what we see.
Is it worth changing the anode rod on an old heater?
If the tank is very old or already showing signs of advanced rust, it may not be worth it. We’ll inspect and give you honest guidance.
Can I change the anode rod myself?
Some homeowners try, but anode plugs are often very tight and corroded, and it’s easy to damage fittings or create leaks. Having a pro do it keeps things safer and cleaner.
Do all tank water heaters have an anode rod?
Most modern glass-lined steel tanks do, but some specialty or stainless models may not. We’ll confirm on site.
Do you offer anode rod inspection and replacement near me in Las Vegas?
If you’re in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, or nearby communities, yes—Active Plumbing provides anode rod inspection and replacement for tank water heaters.
More Active Plumbing Water Heater Services
Proudly Serving All of Las Vegas
Address: 3580 Polaris Ave #17, Las Vegas, NV 89103
Phone: (702) 438-3357
Hours: Open 24 hours
Email: service@activeplumbinginc.com
Active Plumbing is Las Vegas–based and available 24/7 for residential and commercial plumbing across Southern Nevada. We handle emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, slab leaks, water heater repair and installation (including tankless), water softeners and filtration systems, leak detection, gas line installation, and full bathroom and kitchen plumbing upgrades—fast, professional, and backed by strong warranties.
Serving Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Paradise, Spring Valley, Enterprise, Sunrise Manor, Boulder City, and the surrounding neighborhoods.
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3580 Polaris Ave #17, Las Vegas, NV 89103