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.

The answer is YES. Since the sacrificial anode must sacrifice itself to protect the hot water tank, it is important that the anode is large enough to last for several years. However, the powered anodes rod do not work in the same way, so they are much smaller. A powered anode related to electricity being fed into the anode to impose a flow of current rather than relying on natural electrolysis. The length and size of the anode, as well as the current sent by the rectifier will influence the life expectancy of the anode.

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. The anode rod is made of magnesium or aluminum.

This is true no matter what kind of water you have.

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.

Updated on October 9, Powered anode rods work well at protecting the water heater tank against corrosion as well as controlling the bacteria inside your water heater tank. There are many more reasons why I would recommend Electric anode rods. This article will share my knowledge and understanding of why electric anode nods are worth the investment. There are many reasons why I would recommend electric anode rods.

How does a powered anode rod work

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.

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It is very important to check the width, length and thickness of the rod portion which is covered with MMO to conclude its service life. Log in. You don't need a lot of torque. Are Powered Anode Rod Better? Otto Mation said:. Give us here at Brothers a call at to schedule an inspection and an estimate today! Does a Powered Anode protect the bottom of the water heater even if it is shorter than the original anode? They last a long time, stop bad smells in the water, and protect your water heater from rust. Do use PTFE tape. The most important element is certainly the rod itself.

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.

We have a complete page about powered anode rod quality : How to choose your powered anode rod. In order to know more about the lifetime of the current anodes, I invite you to visit our blog post: Tests of Powered Anode. Do use PTFE tape. Javier Hinojosa New Member. It is very important to check the width, length and thickness of the rod portion which is covered with MMO to conclude its service life. Phog Active Member. This is a natural chemical reaction. That could be especially problematic if you never noticed that it had stopped working. Both will give you a good return from the start, but after a few years, the shingle roof will require inspection and replacement. But there are many possible points of failure over the life of water heater, is there any objective way to know a powered anode actually helped or not? Both technology are working very well. Niccolo Member. How FixOdor compare to other powered anode rod on the market?