Water Tank Repair Parts

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Water Heater Anode Rod One of the parts determining the life span of your water heater is the Sacrificial Anode Rod In the images the top anode rod is a new one. That's what they look like inside a new water heater. The middle one is out of a 20 year old tank that we replaced. It was not on a water softener. You can see it's almost as good as new. The one on the bottom came out of a 7 year old tank that we had to replace because it was already leaking. It WAS on a water softener. If any part of the wire core is exposed we suggest that you replace that anode rod with a new one. Although we cannot say with certainty how long yours is going to last the pictures DO prove that a softener will affect the life span dramatically. Anode rods that come installed on new residential water heaters are generally made of magnesium that is wrapped around the steel core wire. They are screwed into the top of the tank. Therefore, they are physically connected to the steel of the tank creating an electrochemical reaction, similar to that of a battery. The anode is meant to corrode so the steel will remain intact. When there's no sacrificial metal left on the anode, the tank can rust out. Anode rods generally last about five years but if salt is added to the water (such as when a water softener is used), anode rods can corrode very quickly. We've found a two to three year lifetime for the rods in these applications in our area. Your area my differ due to a wide variance in water conditions throughout the country. These are aluminum with a 3/4" MIP thread and are approximately 33" in length. The rod itself is 5/8" in diameter. Will fit both John Wood and Rheem water heaters. Will eliminate "Rotten Egg Smell" unless some of your existing anode rod is broken off and laying in the bottom of your water tank. They can be replaced by anyone who is mechanically inclined or you may want to call your plumber. Quantity :  CAD $45.00