Imagine you’re out to dinner with friends when one of them asks “Hey, how’s your water heater  anode rod doing?”.

Not your typical dinnertime conversation, but an important question, nonetheless.

You see, your tank-style water heater works tirelessly to provide you with hot water when you need it. But inside that tank, water and sediment can attack the walls causing them to rust and ultimately shorten the lifespan of the appliance. That’s where the anode rod comes in.

Today, we discuss what an anode rod is, what it does, and how it can extend the life of your water heaters. Read on to learn more.

What Is an Anode Rod?

An anode rod is a metal rod that runs through the length of the water heater tank. Typically made of magnesium, aluminum or a zinc/aluminum alloy, the anode rod can significantly impact the performance and longevity of your water heaters.

Types of Anode Rods

• Aluminum: Aluminum acts as a barrier against high concentrations of minerals such as magnesium, calcium commonly found in hard water.
• Magnesium: A magnesium anode rod is a good choice for households with soft water since it doesn’t hold up to hard water minerals like aluminum does.
• Zinc-Aluminum Alloy: If your water smells like rotten eggs, you likely have hydrogen sulfide gas in your water supply. Swapping out an aluminum or magnesium anode rod for one that’s made of a zinc-aluminum alloy can get rid of the odor.
• Powered Anode Rod: Powered anode rods can last for the life of your heater since they don’t degrade like other materials. However, they cost more. They work by sending waves of electricity that zap and scatter corrosive electrons.

What Does an Anode Rod Do?

A water heater anode rod prolongs the life of a tank-style heater by a process known as electrolysis. The anode rod attracts and absorbs harmful particles, such as sediment buildup, to its surface so that corrosion, rust, hard water sediments, and heat adhere to the rod rather than the tank lining.

How Often Should You Replace the Anode Rod?

Typically, an anode rod needs to be replaced every three years or so to protect your water heaters from premature failure. The exception is a power anode rod that can last the entire lifetime of a heater. However, the frequency of replacement can also depend on the following factors:

• Water quality
• Anode rod material
• Whether or not the house has a water softener
• Household water usage
• The pH level of the water
• Water heater maintenance

Signs an Anode Rod Needs to be Replaced

The best way to determine the condition of your water heater’s anode rod is to have it inspected by a licensed plumber. However, here are some warning signs that indicate an anode rod may need to be replaced:

• There is a rusty smell coming from the water because the anode rod is rusted or has come loose.
• Smell of rotten eggs due to aluminum or magnesium reacting to the water.
• Rusty colored water coming out of the faucets.
• A gel-like substance coming from the heater or out of the faucets.
• The water heater is leaking.
• The water heater is making popping noises because the anode rod is loose and hitting the sides of the heater.
• The water heater is nearing or at 5 years of age.

At P.C. Plumbing, we provide fast and dependable water heater repair and maintenance services so   restore the distribution of warm water in your house. Give our team a call by phone at (703) 991-4675 to discuss your water heaters problems.