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30
ANODE ROD MAINTENANCE
Each water heater contains at least one anode rod, which will
slowly deplete (due to electrolysis) prolonging the life of the
water heater by protecting the glass-lined tank from corrosion.
Adverse water quality, hotter water temperatures, high hot water
usage, hydronic heating devices, and water softening methods
can increase the rate of anode rod depletion. Once the anode
rod is depleted, the tank will start to corrode, eventually develop-
ing a leak.
Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between the an-
ode rod and the water. The most common complaint associated
with the anode rod is a “rotten egg smell” produced from the
presence of hydrogen sulfi de gas dissolved in the water.
IMPORTANT: Do not remove this rod permanently as it will void
any warranties. A special anode rod may be available if water
odor or discoloration occurs.
NOTE: This rod may reduce but not eliminate water odor prob-
lems. The water supply system may require special fi ltration
equipment from a water conditioning company to successfully
eliminate all water odor problems.
Artifi cially softened water is exceedingly corrosive because the
process substitutes sodium ions for magnesium and calcium
ions. The use of a water softener may decrease the life of the
water heater tank.
The anode rod should be inspected after a maximum of three
years and annually thereafter until the condition of the anode rod
dictates its replacement.
NOTE: Artifi cially softened water requires the anode rod to be
inspected annually. The following are typical (but not all) signs of
a depleted anode rod:
• The majority of the rods diameter is
less than 3/8 in..
• Signifi cant sections of the support
wire (approx. 1/3 or more of the an-
ode rod’s length) are visible.
If the anode rod show signs of either or
both it should be replaced.
NOTE: Whether re-installing or replacing
the anode rod, check for any leaks and
immediately correct if found.
FIGURE 29
To replace the anode:
1. Turn off gas supply to the water heater.
2. Shut off the water supply and open a nearby hot water faucet
to depressurize the water tank.
3. Drain approximately 5 gallons of water from tank. (Refer to
“Draining and Flushing” for proper procedures). Close drain
valve.
4. Remove old anode rod.
5. Use Tefl on
®
tape or approved pipe sealant on threads and
install new anode rod.
6. Turn on water supply and open a nearby hot water faucet to
purge air from water system. Check for any leaks and imme-
diately correct any if found.
7. Restart the water heater as directed in this manual. See the
Repair Parts Illustration for anode rod location.
EXPOSED
SUPPORT
WIRE
PITTED
ANODE
ROD
EXPOSED
SUPPORT
WIRE
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