Re: annode rod

Posted by Bradford White Rep. on December 02, 1999 at 00:51:52:
In response to Re: annode rod
: Help! : Our hot water has an odor similiar to rotten eggs. My husband believes it is the annode rod but can not figure out how to remove it. The heater is a Reliance model # 5 4020RT8FB. Can you give me any advice on how to contact Reliance, or how to remove the rod. : Thanks a million. : Nancy Dingerson Nancy, The anode rod you have is most likly Magnesium. If you remove it your tank will surely develop a leak. You should replace the Magnesium anode with an Aluminum anode. You should also flush out you water heater and hot water lines with peroxide or chlorine (bleach). The smell is caused by bacteria that are attracted to Magnesium. There is a specific dilution for the bleach that I cant remember of the top of my head. The peroxide sbe 1 pint per 40 gallons, let it sit in the tank over night and then flush it through the plumbing by opening a faucet at the end of the plumbing system.

Posted by Bradford White Rep. on December 02, 1999 at 00:51:52:

In response to Re: annode rod

: Help!
: Our hot water has an odor similiar to rotten eggs. My husband believes it is the annode rod but can not figure out how to remove it. The heater is a Reliance model # 5 4020RT8FB. Can you give me any advice on how to contact Reliance, or how to remove the rod.
: Thanks a million.
: Nancy Dingerson

Nancy,
The anode rod you have is most likly Magnesium. If you remove it your tank will surely develop a leak. You should replace the Magnesium anode with an Aluminum anode. You should also flush out you water heater and hot water lines with peroxide or chlorine (bleach). The smell is caused by bacteria that are attracted to Magnesium. There is a specific dilution for the bleach that I cant remember of the top of my head. The peroxide sbe 1 pint per 40 gallons, let it sit in the tank over night and then flush it through the plumbing by opening a faucet at the end of the plumbing system.

Replies to this post

There are none.