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The purpose of an anode rod is to attract the sediment and corrosive elements (like minerals in the water) so that they corrode the anode rod rather than the inside of your water heater tank. In essence, an anode rod works to protect your water heater from corrosive elements that can damage your water heater.
Can you run a water heater without an anode rod?
Without a working anode rod, your water heater tank will be vulnerable to rust, corrosion, and other damaging effects of chemicals and minerals in your water supply.
How does water heater anode rod work?
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.
How long will a water heater last without an anode rod?
Diminished Water Heater Lifespan: Without a sacrificial anode rod replacement, the average tank water heater will last a maximum of 8-12 years. However, your water heater may start failing as early as 5 years old without this essential care.
How does an electric anode rod work?
Powered anode rods work by neutralizing bacteria inside your water heater to preventing a “rotten egg” smell in your hot water coming from the tank. Powered anode rods work well at protecting the water heater tank against corrosion as well as controlling the bacteria inside your water heater tank.
Are anode rods universal?
In most cases, water heater anode rods are universal. The only exceptions are : Buderus : They use another type of threading to install the magnesium anode. All other water heater brands use a regular magnesium anode with 3/4 ” NPT threads.
Do stainless steel water heaters have anode rods?
Unlike glass lined water tanks, stainless steel tanks do not need a “sacrificial anode” in order to prevent corrosion on its surface. This means there is no need for inspection or replacement of anodes, saving time and cost in maintenance over the life of the water heater.
How do you check the anode rod on a water heater?
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.
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.
Does every water heater have an anode rod?
Anode rods are an essential component of tank-style water heaters. Most anode rods are sacrificial, meaning they are designed to corrode (instead of your water heater lining). Tankless water heaters don’t have anode rods, but all standard tank-style water heaters do.
Can a water heater last 20 years?
Tank water heaters will last an average of 8 to 12 years, while tankless water heaters can last even longer, up to 20 years. There are also electric and gas water heaters that will vary in lifespan, but in general gas ones last 8-12 years, while an electric heater could last upwards of 10-15 years.
What are the signs your hot water heater is going out?
Delivering Rusty or Cloudy Water Rust deposits or a metallic odor coming out with hot water can signal either rusty pipes or rust inside the water heater. If corrosion is eating away the metal from the inside, leaks are inevitable. Murky water from the tap can also be signs that the water heater will fail soon.
Does the length of an anode rod matter?
The length of the anode rod is important in the case of a sacrificial anode. Indeed, as its name suggests, it sacrifices itself to protect your tank from corrosion. As a result, the more magnesium or aluminum there is on the anode, the longer the protection time of your water heater will be.
Are anode rods 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.
Why does my hot water stink?
This smell is typically caused by sulfate bacteria that can develop within the tank. This issue usually happens when warm water is left too long in the tank and bacteria builds up in the water. The soft water breaks down the magnesium and creates sulfate gas within the water heater.
What size socket do you need to remove an anode rod?
4 Use a ratchet wrench and 1 1/16-inch deep socket to unscrew the anode rod from the heater.
Can you cut down an anode rod?
Yes, you can cut your sacrificial anode rod, whether it is magnesium or aluminum, to replace it. To do this, use a pair of gloves and a saw and cut as you remove the old anode. In confined spaces, cutting the anode rod technique is often used.
How do I know what size anode rod to buy?
As a rule you want the anode to be “tip to toe” running the full height or length of the tank. If you cant see your brand on the chart then just measure the length of the tank and pick the closest length of anode. If the anode is too long they can be simply cut to length with a hack saw.
