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Most water heater manufacturers will recommend inspecting the condition of the sacrificial anode every one (1) to three (3) years and replacing it when it has been consumed more than 50%. This is especially true if you have hard water or use a water softener.
How long do anode rods last?
When there’s no sacrificial metal left on the anode rod, your water heater tank can rust out, eventually causing it to burst. Anode rods generally can last about three to five years but it really depends mostly on the quality of your water and how much water travels through your water heater.
How do I know if my anode is bad?
A bad anode rod can cause discolored water, a rotten egg smell, air in the lines and intermittent hot water. The anode rod protects the tank of electric water heaters & signs it should be replaced are a rotten egg smell, no heat & strange sounds.
Is it too late to replace anode rod?
Anode rods are relatively cheap, usually costing between $30 and $40, and a plumbing pro can install them safely and quickly. The downside is that if you wait too long to replace the anode rod, it may be too late. If more than five years has passed, it may be too late to save the water heater.
What happens if you don’t replace anode rod?
The anode rod is “self-sacrificing” and will continue to corrode until eventually it must be replaced. When there’s no sacrificial metal left on the anode, the tank can rust out, eventually causing it to burst.
Can anode rod causing rotten egg smell?
The most common cause of smelly water is anaerobic bacteria that exist in some water and react with the magnesium and aluminum sacrificial anodes that come with most water heaters to produce hydrogen sulfide gas, making the classic rotten egg odor.
How do you test an anode rod?
Open the spigot and drain a little water to relieve some pressure and heat inside the tank before opening the top for the anode rod. Next, go to the top of your water heater and look for a hex head bolt. If you don’t see the hex head, it’s likely built into your water heater system.
How do you know if anode rod is magnesium or aluminum?
A magnesium rod will generally last less than an aluminum rod. One issue with aluminium rods is that the corrosive material that is formed on the anode tends to harden and sink to the bottom of the water tank.
Is an anode rod necessary?
Yes, an anode rod is necessary. It protects your water heater from corrosion and extends its life. However, once the magnesium or aluminum from your anode is dissolved, the steel walls of your water heater will start to rust.
Are anode rods universal?
Anode rods are not universal. Anode rods vary in length and material. Some anode rods are installed at the top of the water heater tank, while others are attached to the hot water outlet. However, the length and type of the anode rod may not be the same.
What is the expected life of a hot water heater?
The type of water heater and where you are located: While many say 8 to 12 years is the expected life for a standard gas-powered water heater, this range can change and be very dependent on where you are located. The level of sediment in your tank affects the lifespan of your water heater.
Does a tankless water heater have an anode?
Tankless water heaters don’t have anode rods, but all standard tank-style water heaters do. Read on to learn how to troubleshoot anode rod issues and replace bad anode rods, if needed. If you need help now with a water heater issue, call your local Mr. Rooter® Plumbing at (855) 591-0128 for courteous, prompt service.
When should you take magnesium anode?
A magnesium anode is used as a sacrificial anode in cathodic protection. Magnesium has the highest driving voltage of all the materials used for sacrificial anodes. Magnesium is low on the noble scale, and therefore corrodes easily.
How often should you flush a water heater?
Tip: To maintain the upkeep of your water heater, flush your water heater every six months or so. If you have harder water, or water that contains more minerals, you may want to flush it more often.
How do I fix my hot water smell like rotten eggs?
To get rid of the bad odor, you’ll want to contact a plumber to flush and disinfect your tank. Doing so will remove the bacteria and particles that create hydrogen sulfide. During a water heater flush, a plumber can replace your anode rod if it is corroded to prevent the smell in the future.
Why does only my hot water smell like sulfur?
If the odor is present only in your hot water, it is usually created by the presence of sulphate-reducing bacteria (sulfur bacteria) in your hot water tank. In some cases, it can also be caused by a chemical reaction between your magnesium rod and the hot water.
Why does my bathroom sink smell like rotten eggs?
If you are noticing the smell of rotten eggs, it is possible that your water or sink drain is contaminated. It could also be that the drain is clogged or partially drained. When sinks are clogged, they drain slowly, which can cause bacteria to build up in the p-trap and create the hydrogen sulfide gas.
Do Dometic water heaters have anode rods?
Atwood (Dometic) water heaters are made of light-weight aluminum tanks and do not have an anode rod.
How long do boat anodes last?
The aluminum anode would last between 130 and 150 days.
