Your water heater is a rather expensive appliance. You’ll want to protect the investment you made in it, which means keeping an eye on the anode rod. This component is sacrificial, but that doesn’t mean it is insignificant. By understanding the importance of the anode rod, you will be able to better care for your water heater and potentially extend its lifespan.
What an Anode Rod Is
An anode rod is a metal rod inside your water heater’s tank. It’s usually located near the hot water outlet or the cold water intake. Its primary job is to prevent corrosion in the water heater’s tank through a process called sacrificial corrosion.
The anode rod is made of a more active metal than the tank itself. While tanks are typically made of steel, the anode rod can be constructed with an outer layer of magnesium, aluminum, or a zinc blend. It attracts and neutralizes corrosive elements and minerals found in your water, which helps prevent rust and leaks in the tank.
The anode rod is especially important if you have hard water. Hard water contains more minerals than soft water, which can expedite the corrosion process.
Understanding the Anode Rod
A significant part of how the anode rod works depends on the material from which it is made. Magnesium is quite effective, but it can react with sulfur bacteria, creating a rotten egg odor. To avoid this, aluminum is recommended for homes with hard water. Zinc is another excellent option for reducing unpleasant odors, especially when combined with aluminum.
How to Maintain the Anode Rod’s Effectiveness
Since the anode rod is sacrificial, it needs to be replaced periodically. Anode rods have an average lifespan of three to five years, but this can vary due to factors such as water quality and usage.
Once the anode rod is depleted, your tank becomes vulnerable to corrosion, which can lead to leaks, costly repairs, and premature failure. Signs your anode rod is failing include foul-smelling water, rusty or cloudy water, unusual popping noises, and decreased water heater efficiency or a shorter lifespan.
We can inspect your tank’s anode rod during routine water heater maintenance. Our team will visually inspect the anode rod by unscrewing the cap and checking for signs of corrosion. We typically find that the anode rod is significantly shorter than when it was new. If necessary, we can replace it, which is usually the case when the anode rod is down to 25% or less of its original size. You may also choose to upgrade or downgrade your water heater at this time. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today to schedule our water heater service in Cedar Rapids, IA.