How often should I replace my Bradford White anode rod?

How often you should replace your Bradford White anode rod is typically every 3 to 5 years, depending on water quality, which is standard for extending water heater lifespan from 10 to 15 years. Bradford White Corporation, founded in 1881 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, now headquartered in Ambler, Pennsylvania, makes Bradford White water heaters with anode rods that protect tank from corrosion by sacrificing themselves. Anode rod is magnesium or aluminum rod inside tank that corrodes instead of tank. You should check anode rod every 2 to 3 years by draining some water and removing rod, and replace when it is heavily corroded, less than half inch thick, or coated with calcium. In areas with hard water or softened water, replace every 2 to 3 years because hard water and softeners corrode rod faster. In areas with soft water, replace every 4 to 5 years. Replacing anode rod costs $20 to $50 for part plus labor, and can double water heater life from 6 years to 10 to 15 years. Bradford White recommends checking anode rod annually after warranty expires. So replace anode rod every 3 to 5 years, check every 2 to 3 years, more often with hard or softened water, to extend Bradford White water heater life and prevent tank corrosion and leaks.