Whirlpool Understanding Water Heater Anode Rods and Operational Conditions

Figure 11:

Anode Rod Depletion

Operational Conditions

Anode Rod/Water Odor

Each water heater contains at least one anode rod, which will slowly deplete while protecting the glass-lined tank from corrosion and prolonging the life of the water heater. Once the anode is depleted, the tank will start to corrode, eventually developing a leak. Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between this rod and the water. The most common complaint associated with the anode rod is a “rotten egg smell” produced from the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water.

IMPORTANT: Do not remove this rod permanently as it will void any warranties. The parts list includes a special anode that can be ordered if water odor or discoloration occurs.

NOTE: This rod may reduce but not eliminate water odor problems. The water supply system may require special filtration equipment from a water conditioning company to successfully eliminate all water odor problems.

Artificially 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 removed from the water heater tank every 3 years for inspection. The following are typical (but not all) signs of a depleted anode rod:

•The majority of the rods diameter is less than 3/8”.

•Significant sections of the support wire (approx. 1/3 or more of the anode rod’s length) are visible.

If the anode rod show signs of either or both it should be replaced.

NOTE: Whether reinstalling or replacing the anode rod, check for any leaks and immediately correct if

found. In replacing the anode: 1. Turn off power 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 the “Draining and Flushing” section for proper procedures). Close drain valve.

4. Remove old anode rod. 5. Use Teflon® tape or approved

pipe sealant on threads and install new anode rod.

6.Turn on water supply and open nearby hot water faucet to purge air from water system. Check for any leaks and immediately correct any if found.

7.Restart the water heater as directed under the “Operating Your Water Heater” section. See the “Repair Parts Illustration” section for anode rod location.

®TEFLON is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company.

Water Heater Sounds

During the normal operation of the water heater, sounds or noises may be heard. These noises are common and may result from the following:

1.Normal expansion and contraction of metal parts during periods of heat-up and cool-down.

2.Sediment buildup in the tank bottom will create varying amounts of noise and may cause premature tank failure. Drain and flush the tank as directed under the “Draining and Flushing” section.

Stacking

Stacking occurs when a series of short draws of hot water (3 gallons or less) are taken from the water heater tank. This causes increased cycling of the heater elements and can result in increased water temperatures at the hot water outlet. An anti-scald device is recommended in the hot water supply line to reduce the risk of scald injury.

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