Replace anode rod

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2012

Replace Anode Rod

Anode rod prevents water heater tank from rusting

Two different types of anode rods:
Illustration above shows anode located in separate anode port. Uses regular hex-head anode rod
Some anode rods are connected to hot water nipple See/ Read. Uses 'combo' anode rod.
Owner's manual can show anode location: list of water heater manufacturers and brands to find manual.

How to replace anode rod:
Tank water must be cool or scalding water will spew out when anode is loosened.
1) Turn off gas or electric to heater, 2) Close water shutoff valve, 3) Open drain valve near bottom of tank, 4) Open bathtub tap to let air into water line, and drain 2 gallons of water What if tank won't drain? 5) Remove, inspect and replace anode rod 6) Fill tank and Open TP to bleed last air before Turning on gas or electric power.

Rod will be rusted in place, use impact wrench if needed. Wipe WD40 off anode opening before unscrewing rod so WD40 will not enter tank. Loosen rod slowly and check that water does not seep up because hot water can spew out hole. Some anode rods are too tight and cannot be removed.

Install new anode rod: Use 6 wraps teflon tape. Caution, tank metal and anode metal must meet, so rod will work. Test if anode is electrically connected to tank by testing continuity between anode head and pipe nipple. Current must be able to pass between steel tank and anode rod or anode will not work.

Replace anode rod and extend life of water heater

Life-expectancy of steel water heater tank depends on anode rod. Water softener shortens life of anode rod. (read more at bottom)

How anode works:
When two metals are connected, water reacts with lower noble metal first. Anode rod is made from lower noble metal than steel tank. Water dissolves anode rod instead of rusting water heater.

Once anode rod dissolves, water quickly rusts water heater.

Reasons to replace anode:
1) Odor: Harmless bacteria reacts with anode to cause rotten-egg smell.
2) Maintain water heater payback $5-10 per month: Replace anode rod when inspection shows exposed core is visible at top or bottom, or more than 6" of exposed core along length.
Rod that is covered with white calcuim must be replaced.

When to inspect: Water softener or acidic water <> inspect anode every 1-2 years
No softener <> inspect anode 3-5 years

Lifespan of tank: Tank with dual anode rod lasts longer. For example, 6-year tanks have one rod. Generally, 12-year tanks have larger diameter rod or two anode rods. Both rods are made of same metal to achieve longer life.

Read more
Video of anode replacement
Read more
Read about adding extra anode rod
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Loosening anode rod on 30 gallon gas water heater. Larger image

Photo shows 3/4" pipe nipples and 2x4 holding water heater while anode is loosened

Anodes are standard 1-1/16"

Test if anode is connected correctly to tank by testing continuity between anode head and pipe nipple. Continuity test should show current.
Broken anode rod that falls into tank will not protect the tank since it does not have electrical continuity to tank.

Notes: Test continuity

Read about dip tubes
See parts list for this model

Insert 5/8" carriage bolt into nipple so it will not collapse when removed with pipe wrench.

Anode rod location
If tank has 2 anode rods, one will be located in the anode-rod port and have hex head as shown above, and other will be attached to hot water outlet, or in second port.

Some tanks do not have anode-port and have factory-installed anode rod on hot nipple. This is called combo anode. Check manual for parts diagram.

Two anode rods: Tanks with longer warranty have thicker anode or 2 anode rods. With 2 anodes, one or more anodes will be in separate anode-ports, or one anode in anode port and other anode on hot water nipple. For odor problems, both anodes must be identified and replaced.

Adding second anode rod can prolong life of water heater. If tank has anode in anode-port, then add combo anode rod in hot port. Not all tanks can have combo anode added.
If tank does not have the anode-port, then move TP valve to side port if available -or- move cold water inlet to drain valve, and add 2nd anode to cold water port if cold nipple is removeable.

Tank odor is caused by harmless bacteria reacting with anode rod. (read more below)
Adding two anode rods may worsen odor problems
Sulfer-Smell in water heater .pdf

Many water heaters today come with facory-supplied heat-trap nipples, inserts, and rubber washers.
These things are supplied so manufacturer can claim higher efficiency.
Down-side is these can constrict water flow and are location for clogs and noise.
Make your own heat traps instead. Read: Low water pressure

Notes about heat traps:
Heat traps installed in hot and cold inlet ports can clog, and whistle and make noise

Power vent might cover anode rod

Check product manual
Remove power vent to access anode.
If unit has power vent, you also might be able to install a combo anode to replace hot water nipple.

Note: If water heater has odor problem, then old anode must be removed before installing new anode.

Note: Power vent will probably interfere with installation of power anode rod

Using impact wrench to remove anode rod works when space is limited.
1-1/16" impact drive at Amazon
Use WD40, but wipe away excess WD40 when anode is loose so oil will not drip into water.
Wrenching water heater will not break anode port unless tank is rusted away.
Sometimes the anode will not come out.
Anode extractor
How to install new gas water heater

Buy anode rods at Tank

But anode rods at Amazon

Magnesium anode at Amazon
Bradford White anodes

Insert carriage bolt in combo anode rod
Prevent water heater nipple from collapse

Which anode rod?
Anode rod heads

Combo screws into Hot water port on top of tank.
Hex screws into anode port on top of tank

Flexible anode rods: Combo and Hex head

Combo anode installed in hot water port

Combo anode is installed in hot water port
On some water heaters, a 2nd anode can be installed by using combo anode.
If odor is problem, then all anodes must be removed.
Buy combo anode rods and regular anode rods

Dip tube installed on Cold side of tank.
Routes incoming cold water to tank bottom
Read about Dip Tubes

Remove drain valve, and connect cold water inlet to drain port. Use vacated cold water port for anode rod.

Use impact wrench to remove anode rod.
If water heater has Combo anode, then insert bolt so nipple does not collapse when removing

Notes: Impact wrench

Anode rod with resistor

Some Rheem water heaters year 2012 have magnesium anode with resistor.
Some Rheem/GE anodes can only be replaced by another Rheem anode.
Don't fall for this gimmick. Ordinary anode rod works FINE.

When resistor is added to Magnesium anode rod, the rod improves performance to match performance of aluminum anode rod without the potential health concerns over aluminum. Difference is 1-2 years.
Health concerns and aluminum anode rods?

Anode rod with resistor
Ordinary anode will work fine.
Anodes at Amazon
Rheem anode rods pdf
Rheem Ruud anode rods pdf
2011 Rheem anode rods/ pdf

6-year tank will have .75-inch diameter anode rod; 9-year, .84-inch; 12-year, .90-inch.
Some longer-warranty tanks have two anode rods.
Waterheaterrescue sells larger diameter anodes Buy anode rods

Notes: Diameter

Larger image

Anode rod is 44" to 51"
Buy at local plumbing supply, or on-line.

Rod should not touch bottom of tank
Cut anode rod to size using hack saw.

Put 6 wraps teflon tape on threads.
If water heater has no water, then anode will not work.

Cut anode rod with hack saw

Combo anode rod fits into hot port and replaces hot side nipple

Combo anode will not work in all water heaters

Combo anode rod replaces hot side nipple
For water heaters with 2 anode rods, or water heaters with anode connected to hot nipple.
Also you can sometimes add second anode rod to lengthen life of water heater.
Both anodes should be made of same material

You can cut notches in anode rod so it will bend. Then re-straighten as anode is inserted into tank
Store anode rods laying flat. Anode rod stored angled against a wall will bend.

Notes: Bend anode

Sausage-link anode rods

Sausage links for 12" space above water heater
If space above heater is limited, buy anode rod with sausage links or flexible links
Rheem Flexible at Amazon
Rheem water heater parts list pdf
Rheem anode rods pdf

Sausage-link combo rod replaces hot side nipple

Sausage link combo anode rod for Hot water nipple.
Replace hot water nipple with combo anode rod.
Buy anode rods
Buy anode rods at Amazon

Add second anode rod to water heater to prolong life of heater. Add a combo anode to hot water port.
Not all water heaters have anode port for installing 2 anode rods. Install thicker anode rod. Buy
Both anode rods should be made of same material.
If tank has odor problems, then 2 anode rods will make problem worse. Install power anode rod. Buy

Notes: 2 anode rods

Ariston 'under counter' water heater.
Anode rod is threaded into bracket attached to element plate.

Ariston manual with part numbers
Bosch anode and element instructions
How to install under-counter water heater

Ariston GL6

Minimum is 12". Powered anode rod must be installed from top of tank.
Stablizing weight is insulated, so if it touches bottom of tank that is OK.
Metal anode rods cannot touch steel tank or anode will not work.

Power anode rod
Stretch spring to length of tank at time of installation
Anode life: 100 yr for coated tanks
Lifetime warranty for tanks with glass liner that is intact and not broken or cracked.
Solution for tank odor.

Visit seller's web site
Sellers product line
Combo power anode rod for hot water port
Visit seller's pro water heater forum
Powered anode rod discussion: protects against rust and odor
How power anodes work

Tanks with recurring odor problem:. Cleaning tank with 2 pints hydrogen peroxide also solves problem H₂O₂.
Change plumbing so hydrogen peroxide can be added easily.

Odor is caused by anodic metal reacting with bacteria. Power anode rod does not react with bacteria. Your tank might have 2 anode rods. Tanks with long warranties, and lifetime warranties have more than one anode rod. Read water heater manual. Replacing 1 anode with power anode rod leaves other anode rod inside tank that can react with bacteria and create odor.

Power anode rod is for tanks up to 75 gallons
Power anode rod can be re-installed in new heater, when old heater is replaced.
Installing power anode will void tank warranty. So re-install old anode rod for warranty claim.
Water heater warranties
Power anode rod has LED showing when anode is working. Customer must inspect water heater each 6 months for leaks and periodic maintenance. If power anode is not working, then tank will rust.

Notes: warranty

AO Smith Effex gas water heater
Has powered anode rod for 'trouble-free operating life'
40,000 BTU
Sealed unit and flue baffle slows hot combustion gas to recycle heat as it travels through water heater.
Review AO Smith Effex water heater
Read Kenmore Elite/Sears manual
See other high efficiency water heaters

Whirlpool sells this water heater

Reliant heat pump
Made by AO Smith also has powered rod

Intelligent anode rod warns when anode rod needs to be replaced
Read review of product and company

Anode rod depletion leads to rusted tank and possible water heater rupture ... the cost of water heater failure may not be fully covered by insurance .. home may be uninhabitable until water damage repaired.
Intelligent anode rod warns homeowner before tank begins to rust
Alarm warns of water leak
Insurance data on water heater failure chart

Larger image

Marathon electric water heater by Rheem requires no anode rod since tank is not metal.
Tank will not rust.
Marathon use and care manual
Review Marathon water heater
Wiring diagram
Web site
Marathon water heater parts pdf
Video

Odors in water are not fully prevented by using non-metallic tank.
BUT rotten-egg odor problems are caused by bacteria reacting with anode rod.

Watch video of anode replacement

'Glass Lined' water heater
Image shows enamel coated steel -or- glass liner inside all steel tanks.
Water heater tanks and water well tanks have same enamel coating.
Once the anode rod is depleted, water quickly rusts the tank. The enamel coating helps stop tank from rusting.

Flexing tank can chip enamal.

Water heater Odor / method to control odor

Larger image

Control odor by adding Hydrogen Peroxide regularly

Install water heater service valve on Hot side.
Install so shut off handle is above water hose connection, and not below.
Hot side will allow peroxide to enter top of tank. (cold side will put peroxide at bottom)
Applies to gas and electric heaters.
How to use the service valve:
Turn off cold water to tank.
Turn off power to electic heater, or turn gas water heater valve so pilot is ON but heater is off.
Open bathtub hot side to release pressure.
Leave bathtub valve open until finished. This will tell you when tank has refilled and ready to apply power.
Open TP valve momentarily to release pressure inside tank.
Open water heater drain valve and drain 1-2 gallons. This will empty hot water pipe.
Rotate service valve perpendicular across water line.
Remove service valve cap
Connect water hose
Add 2 pints harmless Hydrogen peroxide to water heater
H2O2 is easy to flush out, and generally harmless to people
Do not use clorox.
Open water heater drain valve until hydrogen peroxide enters tank.
Close drain valve, and let stand for 1 hour.

Project materials:
Garden hose, service valve, hydrogen peroxide, and 5 gallon bucket shown below
Buy individual Water heater service valve
Sets of service valves for flushing tankless

Larger image

Use 5 gallon bucket to add hydrogen peroxide

Add 2 pints hydrogen peroxide to 2 gallons water
Hydrogen peroxide is oxygen and hydrogen, and can be used to gargle and treat wounds
Safe for people, easy to flush out of water heater.
Do not use clorox bleach.
Connect hose to service valve
Open water heater drain valve until bucket of water and peroxide is empty.
Close drain valve.
Let sit for 1 hour.
Drain and then flush water heater.
Repeat if needed.
Fill tank completely with water until coming out of tub spout. Open TP valve to release last of air. Turn water heater ON.

Project materials:
5 gallon bucket, 1" bulkhead fitting. 1" drill bit, bit of silone caulk, 3/4" male adapter, short garden hose, 1" hose clamp
1" Bulkhead fitting
Hose barb/ 3/4-3/4" male adapter insert

Causes for smelly water:
A. A concentration of sulfate in the supply water.
B. Little or no dissolved oxygen in the water.
C. A sulfate reducing bacteria which has accumulated within the water
heater (this harmless bacteria is nontoxic to humans).
D. An excess of active hydrogen in the tank. This is caused by the
corrosion protective action of the anode.

Read more about smelly water

Both aluminum and magnesium rods cause smelly water

Often replacing with aluminum-zinc anode will solve problem, unless water is softened.
Use power anode rod to solve problem if water is softened.

Rotten egg odor in water heater is caused by bacteria reacting with anode rod:
These bacteria are harmless to health.
Remove anode rod and smell goes away, but tanks rusts. Install magnesium-aluminum anode to help control problem. Install power anode rod to help stop problem. If water heater has odor problem, then best not to install 2 anode rods since that gives twice the surface area for anodes to react with. Many tanks with longer warranty have larger anode rods and/or two anode rods.
Rheem says: "Rotten egg odor or black water in hot water lines is due to the reaction of sulfates and micro-organisms in the water that create Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)."
This is water chemistry condition caused by several factors, including the anode rod
H2S is one of the few water contaminants that human senses can detect at low concentrations, as low as 0.5 parts per million (ppm). The odor is most noticeable when water is first turned on or heated.
Actual source of odor is in the cold water supply, such as untreated rural water systems or well water; but does not present itself until heated.
Some waters have excessive sulfate content along with various strains of sulfate reducing bacteria.
The bacteria react in stagnant water that has been depleted of oxygen. This reaction produces hydrogen sulfide gas by utilizing the hydrogen ion from the anode cathode reaction. In other words, the water condition reacts with anode rod inside the water heater.
Problem is more prevalent in softened water containing sodium in place of calcium and magnesium. The anode may have some affect because the greater activity of the anode, the greater amount of the hydrogen ion and hydrogen sulfide gas.

Water heater odor bacteria can be killed with adequate additions of clorine: such as installing continuous chlorine feeder. This will usually eliminate the odor problem.

Steps showing how to get rid of odor inside water heater
Best to do this late in day so tank can sit overnight.
1. Turn off the manual electrical switch -or- shut off main gas supply.
2. Shut off water to heater.
3. Open tub faucet and the T&P valve to relieve tank pressure.
4. Drain enough water to compensate for the bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Two pints hydrogen peroxide per 40 gallons water or 1 gallon bleach per 30 gallons water.
Drain water by opening drain valve at bottom of heater.
How to open clogged water heater that will not drain
5. Pour the bleach or hydrogen peroxide into relief valve opening, anode rod opening or hot water outlet pipe opening.
Check anode rod for serviceability; replace anode with a new anode rod if there are signs of deterioration.

6) Re-pipe the heater and close the T&P valve.
7. Fill the tank with water. Open tub spout and wait for water to run full stream, and then open TP valve for a moment to bleed last of air.
9. Run taps until water begins to warm.
THEN let sit over night.
9. After one hour, or in the morning, open all the hot water faucets and allow the bleach or peroxide to clear
hot water supply pipes.
10. Turn off water heater and drain the tank. Then fill tank with fresh water for 15 minutes.
11. After 15 minutes, purge the hot water supply lines again, and drain the water again.

12. Fill tank with fresh water. Open tub spout and wait for water to run full stream, and then open TP valve for a moment to bleed last of air.
13. Check for water leaks at all fittings used; repair as necessary.
14. Turn water heater ON for normal operation.
How to test water heater elements
15. Check for normal water heater operation.
How to troubleshoot electric water heater
How to troubleshoot gas water heater

Water heater failure data from Insurance industry
Larger image

Prevent rusted tank failure with anode rod
Inspect tank each 6 months to prevent other failures
Set water heater in drip pan to help prevent loss
How to maintain water heater
9-ways to save with water heater

When recurring odor is problem, change plumbing so hydrogen peroxide can be added easily. Use hydrogen peroxide and NOT clorox. Clorox can be hard to flush out of system, while hydrogen peroxide is easy to flush. Flush water heater with two pints of hydrogen peroxide, and then drain tank. Repeat if needed.	How to open clogged water heater	How to replace drain valve How to flush tank each 6 months
		Dip tubes Curved dip tubes of correct length can help prevent sediment from forming at tank bottom.

	Correct installation can prevent water heater from rusting out 1) Use di-electric connections Prevent pipes at top of water heater from deteriorating 9 ways to save with water heater 2) Jumper #6 ground wire between hot and cold pipe Water heaters that rust out quickly or need frequent anode rod replacement might be connected to water pipes that are not grounded. Read Pdf To get 'rid of stray current corrosion, jumper between hot and cold pipes with #6 solid copper wire. And then check that cold water pipe is grounded to outdoor ground rod.' Read1 Read2
	3) Make your own heat traps with 6" minimum instead of using constricted nipples and constricted inserts that can clog and cause low hot water pressure Larger image
Flush each 6 months to prevent build-up	How to flush tank each 6 months to prevent sediment build-up

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Research: about water-softening / anode rods / water-heater-efficiency

Hard-water WITH water-softener
Efficiency of gas and electric water heaters is unchanged over time when hard water is softened, however soft water corrodes anode rod and will reduce life of water heater unless anode rod inspected and replaced every 2 years.
Read more

Hard-water with NO water-softener:
> Gas: Efficiency of storage-type gas heater drops 6-8% after two years > cleaning tank of sediment build-up will not restore full efficiency since burner surface at bottom of tank cannot be completely cleaned > however, regular flushing to prevent sediment does maintain efficiency
> Gas: Tankless gas heater will fail when pressure sensor clogs with sediment within 2-3 years depending on hardness of water > regular de-liming will not restore efficiency > softener is required
> Electric: Efficiency of electric heater stays at 99% until sediment reaches bottom element > cleaning tankand replacing lower element restores full efficiency since lower element is located several inches above bottom of tank where sediment debris remains > regular flushing to prevent sediment build-up also maintains efficiency

Water-softener reduces life of anode rod in gas and electric water heaters
Whirlpool water heater manual says: "Artificially softened water is exceedingly corrosive because the process substitutes sodium ions for magnesium and calcium ions. The use of water softener may decrease life of water heater tank."

Read pdf: water-softener/water-heater efficiency comparison

Water heater efficiency:

Electric storage-type water heaters operate at 99% efficiency

Gas storage-type water heaters operate at 69% efficiency

Tankless gas heaters operate at 80% efficiency

High-efficiency storage-type gas heaters up to 96% efficiency

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