How does a powered anode rod work

When purchasing a hot water tank, it is important to know that a sacrificial magnesium anode is installed by the manufacturer. This anode slows down corrosion but degrades quickly. To ensure adequate protection, you should change the magnesium anode every few months. However, this anode is about 4 feet long and since it is not easily replaceable, not many people take the time to do so.

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How does a powered anode rod work

Here at Brothers Plumbing, Heating and Electric, our water heater professionals can install and maintain power anode systems. These systems help protect the steel water heater tank from corrosion. Powered anode rods can lengthen the service life of your home water heater. These products are for residential applications only and are not intended for commercial application. Learn more about how power anodes work and what the benefits of using them are below! Our plumbers are always standing by to help you out with any and all your power anode and water heater questions. When two different metals are connected or bonded , a current flows from one metal to the other. This action is called electrolysis and is true for all metals. When two different and bonded metals are placed in fresh or salt water, then the water will react with the higher noble metal first. One metal will oxidize away, while the other metal stays intact. This is a natural chemical reaction. In the case of water heaters, the water heater tank is made of steel.

Unlike magnesium and aluminium hex head sacrtificial anode rod, they don't desintegrate over time. It's the same with the different types of anodes. The threads cut through readily, providing the required electrical continuity.

A powered anode rod, also called electric anode rod relies on current to stop corrosion inside the water heater tank. If current goes out, protection will reduce until current is coming back. Traditional magnesium anode rod relies on the rod itself to reduce corrosion. Corrosion will attack the rod before attacking the tank. Those are also know as hex head anode rod. Cathodic protection is used to mitigate corrosion damage to active metal surfaces.

I definitely wanted to know what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to the magic of these little rods, and you probably do too. It turns out there is no real secret. For a better explanation of how that happens, however, read on! Powered anode rods produce small electrical currents that scatter electrons before they can bind to and corrode a water heater tank. The currents also destabilize calcium molecules so that they cannot attach to the tank, thereby mitigating limescale buildup. At the lower end of a powered anode rod is the metal rod itself, which is made of titanium and is relatively thin. It is attached to a much wider piece made from stainless steel.

How does a powered anode rod work

A lot of people take their water heater for granted, assuming they can install it and simply forget about it. For the most part, this is true. Tank style water heaters are fairly simple devices and do fine with a minimum of maintenance What is an anode rod? The dictionary answer is "a sacrificial rod used mainly in water heaters.

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Powered anode rods are unique. Smelly Water Powered anode rod are very popular because they stop the sulfur smell in hot water. We get it, but 1 terrylove. Whether you need plumbing, heating, cooling, or electrical service, our TLC is obvious! In the case of water heaters, the water heater tank is made of steel. Sacrificial anode will last between 1 to 2 years and powered anode will last up to 50 years. If so, why wouldn't everyone use one? Javier Hinojosa New Member. That corrosion protection is a long term protection compared to old sacrificial magnesium anode rod factory-installed inside your tank. They are put in much tighter than is needed, plus they corrode in place on top of that. Is your home in need of a little Tender Loving Care?

You need to periodically replace these rods , and have the option of getting the same type of rod or a different one, such as a powered anode rod. These pulses scatter the harmful electrons, preventing them from accumulating along the lining of your tank. Overall, there are quite a few advantages to using powered anode rods.

My local plumbing supply doesn't carry these and the few plumbers I chatted with while there hadn't worked with powered anodes before. You don't need a lot of torque. New posts. Replies 13 Views FixOdor relies on current to completely stops corrosion inside your water heater. Explain the informations you are looking for. Did you get the old anode loose yet? It may not display this or other websites correctly. All blog posts. How Power Anodes Work A powered anode relies on electricity being fed into the anode to impose a flow of current rather than relying on natural electrolysis. Last edited: Nov 12,