What is the purpose of the anode rod in a water heater?
The sacrificial anode is an essential component of your water heater. It’s a long metal rod, made of magnesium or aluminum, which extends through the tank’s interior. It attracts particles of iron, limestone or other minerals present in the water through an electrochemical process and corrodes in place of the tank.
Why does anode rod make water smell?
Many anode rods are made of magnesium or aluminum. When these rods corrode, the metals react with the sulfates in the water, turning the sulfate into stinky hydrogen sulfide.
How often should I Change my anode rod in my water heater?
Take care not to over-soften water, and make sure to check your anode rod more often if you have a water softener (at least every six months). Change your anode rod right away if any of the following apply to your situation:
What causes an anode rod on a water heater to corrode?
The negatively charged electrons create a higher voltage to flow from the anode rod to the steel tank causing the anode rod to corrode instead of the steel water heater tank, or other exposed metals such as electric elements. The anode rod is “self-sacrificing” and will continue to corrode until eventually it must be replaced.
Can you add another anode rod to a hot water outlet?
Pro Tip: Even if you install a new anode rod on the separate inlet, you can add another anode rod to your hot water outlet as a backup for even more protection. If you have low ceiling clearance or difficult access points for installing your new rod, there are flexible rods available.
Which is the best material to replace an anode rod?
There are several options for replacing your anode rod, with magnesium, aluminum, or a combination of aluminum, zinc and tin being the most common anode rod materials.
Can you remove anode rod from well water tank?
The anode is sacrificial….. once it is gone the only thing left to sacrifice in electrolisis is the tank. Fairly common problem with well water around here, usually eliminated with anode rod removal.
How much does it cost to replace an anode rod?
Fairly common problem with well water around here, usually eliminated with anode rod removal. At $200 – $300 for a WH replacement, I don’t give a hoot about a year or two shorter life. There is also an anode rod with a different metal available where there is sulfer problems.
Can a depleted anode rod shorten the life of a water heater?
This will cause cracks in the glass lining of the water heater radically shortening the life of the water heater. Having a depleted anode rod and not replacing your water heater anode rod in a timely fashion WILL shorten the life span of your water heater.
What kind of wrench do I need to remove an anode rod?
As mentioned there, removing a water heater anode rod generally requires considerable, umm, persuasion. I used a 12-point socket wrench, as I didn’t have a 1-1/16″ impact wrench on hand. Now I do…
