Do I need an anode rod with well water?
Aluminum/zinc anode rods work best for well water.
Well water contents vary based on your location, but well water tends to contain high levels of minerals. This makes aluminum the best option for your water heater in most cases. However, well water also comes with an unpleasant smell, which the zinc manages.
What type of anode rod should I use for well water?
Use a zinc alloy anode rod to eliminate smelly hot water. With aluminum and magnesium rods, corrosion releases free electrons that are used by sulfate-reducing bacteria in the presence of water to form hydrogen sulfide gas. Do not remove the anode rod completely, as the water heater’s life will be shortened.
Does water quality affect an anode rod?
Anodes and Water Quality
A sure sign that your water quality is affecting the anode performance the rotten egg smell. The smell comes from high sulfur content in the water. In turn, this will eat up the anode and shorten the life of your water heater. Water tainted with sulfur is very common with well water.
How long does an anode rod last in hard water?
about three to five years
When there’s no sacrificial metal left on the anode rod, your water heater tank can rust out, eventually causing it to burst. Anode rods generally can last about three to five years but it really depends mostly on the quality of your water and how much water travels through your water heater.
How often should an anode rod be replaced?
every 3-5 years
By replacing your anode rod every 3-5 years, your water heater can last well over 20 years without any risk of leaks and resulting water damage. Unfortunately, if you ignore this important water heater maintenance task, you may need to replace the entire water heater after only 10 years of use.
What causes sulfur smell in well water?
Hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) can give water a “rotten egg” taste or odor. This gas can occur in wells anywhere and be: Naturally occurring – a result of decay and chemical reactions with soil and rocks. Produced by certain “sulfur bacteria” in the groundwater, well, or plumbing system.
Is magnesium or aluminum anode rod better?
However, aluminum rods are the better choice for a water heater that heats up sulfate-tinged water. Sacrificial anodes change sulfates into hydrogen sulfides. When a magnesium anode rod is used, the level of hydrogen sulfide can get too high and cause a rotten-egg stench in your hot water.
Can you use a magnesium anode rod for hard water?
Magnesium anode rods are expected to work better in a home with soft water. Aluminum anodes are appropriate for homes with hard water and a high PH. Zinc anodes work best if a home is starting to smell like rotten eggs and is best for replacing water heaters that already dissolved.
What happens if you don’t change your anode rod?
If the rod doesn’t get replaced by the time it’s reached the end of its lifespan, the water in your tank will immediately try to corrode the tank walls. If you don’t keep up with maintenance, you may not realize this has happened until the tank rusts through and leaks on the floor.
Can you run a water heater without an anode rod?
Water heaters don’t need anode rods to function, but they help preserve the quality of the water and can double the lifespan of the heater. Without anode rods, a water tank will corrode and leak or even burst. Anode rods are designed to deteriorate, so they need to be replaced in order to remain functional.
How much does it cost to replace a water heater anode rod?
An anode rod costs about $50. Some homeowners may feel comfortable replacing it themselves. If not, call a professional plumber, who can assist. The cost of having it replaced professionally may be around $250 or $300.
How do I fix my well water smelling like rotten eggs?
Increase the water heater temperature to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for several hours. This will destroy the sulfur bacteria. Flushing to remove the dead bacteria after treatment should control the odor problem.
Is it OK to drink well water that smells like sulfur?
In rare cases, pollution can cause the gas to form. Sulfur bacteria are not harmful. In most cases the rotten egg smell does not relate to how clean the water is in a well. However, in order to make sure well water is safe to drink, it is good to have your well water tested for total coliform bacteria or E.
Does the length of an anode rod matter?
The length of the anode rod is important in the case of a sacrificial anode. Indeed, as its name suggests, it sacrifices itself to protect your tank from corrosion. As a result, the more magnesium or aluminum there is on the anode, the longer the protection time of your water heater will be.
How often should you change your anode rod?
Which is better aluminum or magnesium anode rod?
Is magnesium or aluminum anode better?
As mentioned, magnesium anode rods are used with softer water. However, they don’t last as long as their aluminum and zinc counterparts. It’s because magnesium is more reactive and receives a higher voltage from your heater unit. Therefore, a magnesium anode will wear out much faster than aluminum.
How do you know if anode rod needs replacing?
If the steel wire of the rod’s core is exposed, then it might be time for a new one. Anode rod corrosion starts at the top or bottom of the rod and continues on to the core. If there is more than 6 inches of deterioration, it is time to replace it.
How long will hot water tank last without anode rod?
The longevity of water heaters without anode rods is about: 5-8 years. The actual lifespan depends on water hardness, water heater type and quality, when the anode rod was removed, and how hot the water is. In extreme cases, the water heater may only last 3-5 years without an anode rod.
How often should you replace anode rod?
How long should an anode rod last?
Anode rods generally can last about three to five years but it really depends mostly on the quality of your water and how much water travels through your water heater.
Why does my well water smell like sewer?
If your cold well water smells like sewage, it can be the result of several causes: Hydrogen sulfide from iron, sulfur or other types of bacteria naturally occurring in your well water. Contaminated pipes with layers of bio-film caused by various types of iron, sulfur, or other types of bacteria.
Is it safe to drink well water that smells like sulfur?
Sulfur bacteria are not harmful.
In most cases the rotten egg smell does not relate to how clean the water is in a well. However, in order to make sure well water is safe to drink, it is good to have your well water tested for total coliform bacteria or E.
How do I fix my smelly well water?
Is it OK to shower in sulfur water?
It’s perfectly safe to shower in sulfur water. Doing so won’t endanger your health or wellbeing. Having said that, the presence of sulfur water in your plumbing might cause it to rust or corrode over time. Especially if the sulfur water contains high amounts of hydrogen sulfide.