Anode rod

[BB_TX]

The OEM anode rod in our water heater was pretty much gone in 2 yrs. I replaced it and after 5 yrs the replacement is only slightly used up. And last year began to get a bad odor from the hot water. Flushing with bleach only helped temporarily. Makes me wonder if it is doing much. From what I have found the OEM rod was magnesium. I think the replacdment I put in is zinc/aluminum.

What have y'all been putting in for replacements?

[Mr Pachu]

I have always replaced with a magnesium rod. I had watched a video years ago where they had the same results as you, where the magnesium rod lasted two years and the aluminum rod showed very little wear after one year. They began to wonder if the aluminum rod was doing anything.

[stengels]

I replaced mine with the magnesium rod the only time it needed it. Have never experienced an odor problem. I was told that you wanted a rod that was sure to deteriorate, if needed, and that the magnesium rod did this.

[dieselguy]

I'd stick with the magnesium rod as well ... lotsa discussion person to person as well as online about this. The Aluminum/Zinc rods just don't seem to be very sacrificial leading many to think the inside of the tank is more so taking the hit.

[DQDick]

I agree. If your not using a water softener and even then, something should be happening to the rod. Even on a home electric water heater. that smell tells you the rod is done.

[Phil P]

Hi

You should always use the magnesium / zinc rod.

Phil P

[brooksider]

I had an odor in the bath room basin sometimes. What I did was disconnect/bypassed the water lines going to the washer hook up. The odor disappeared. I know that if you do not use the washer some water will migrate up the line even if the valves remain closed and becomes stagnate.
Joe

[lostshakerofsalt]

At one of the National Rallies there was a presentation by Suburban (I think) and they stated that if the rod is not being sacrificed the tank is. I only use the Suburban rods now despite them being more expensive because I feel that I would rather spend $20 every two years than $1k for a new tank.

[DarMar]

I would definitely replace with the magnesium/zinc rod and feel good about replacing ours long before it is probably required.

[WaltBennett]

Don''t know what ours is - probably a magnesium/zinc stock one, but it's lasted three years with only minimal erosion. I completely drain the tank and flush it out every fall though. It's surprising how much 'stuff' will come out when you not just drain, but then turn on street water and let it flow. As to odors, the only ones we've ever had were from old water sitting in either the hot water or even the fresh water tanks. A little bleach solves that quite well.

[erictm74]

Magnesium has a higher driving potential (dc current) than the other metals therefore producing better protection for the tank.

[bigred715]

the last time I replaced the anode rod, I went to the aluminum rod and it hasn't worn down at all. Just ordered 2 magnesium rods for $28.49 off e-bay which beats the heck out of Camping World of $21 a piece. Don't think now that the aluminum rod was the way to go.

[1retired06]

I just replaced mine with a. Magnesium rod,, a suburban product. Package stated that on average,rods should last at least one year, and that if the mag rods don't last that long, go with an aluminum one,, that the aluminum react slower and should be used only when the mag rods do not last for a year.

[CVNCheng]

The anode in your water heater is for corrosion control only. It's sacrificial and is consumed before any other dissimilar metals. If it's not being consumed, something else is. Zinc or Magnesium would be better choices than aluminum.

The bad odor from your water heater is most likely Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) which can begin to form after extended idle periods. Running water through the system will eventually make it go away but it will take a LONG time. Best bet is to pull the anode, drain all the water and then flush it out the drain hole. I had this problem with my TT the first winter I had it and draining / flushing took care of the problem. In the winter, I pull the plug and put a piece of screen in its place (to keep bugs out) and any H2S that forms is vented as it appears.