After some length of time, there’s a reasonable likelihood that the anode rod has corroded to the threaded boss and attempting to replace will condemn the water heater. (If you’re not DIY, it’s also a $200+ trip charge and a $75 marked-up part.)
When we bought this place, the water heater was old and I decided it was a better plan to just leave it alone and replace when it leaked. (There was nothing valuable on the mechanical room floor.) A year later, we had a new heater and 15 years after that, it’s about due again.
I can definitely understand the “do nothing” approach, particularly if the rod is 10+ years in situ.
When we bought this place, the water heater was old and I decided it was a better plan to just leave it alone and replace when it leaked. (There was nothing valuable on the mechanical room floor.) A year later, we had a new heater and 15 years after that, it’s about due again.
I can definitely understand the “do nothing” approach, particularly if the rod is 10+ years in situ.