Available on Project MUSE and JSTOR. Online access to Contemporary Literature is available as part of the Project MUSE collections. All back issues of Contemporary Literature beginning with Vol. 1, 1960 are available online through the JSTOR digital archive.
Many manufacturers recommend water heater anode replacement every two to four years depending on the hardness of the water that passes through the tank and the quality of the water heater lining.
Clue #1: Age. The older the water heater, the more likely it is to break down. As a general rule, a tank type water heater will last, on average 8 to 12 years. With proper maintenance and a little luck, you may be able to nearly double the lifespan of your water heater. But sometimes even with the best care, a water heater will need to be replaced after only a few years.