Anode Rods: How They Work
Conventional water heaters store water around the clock, and without the anode rod, corrosion would quickly take its toll. Located inside the storage tank of a conventional water heater, it slowly degrades protecting the appliance from rust. The anode rod accomplishes this task through electrolysis. The process works due to the metals in the rod attracting the ions that would otherwise cause rust inside the water heater. Unfortunately, the protection the anode rod provides the appliance is not permanent. When the anode rod loses its effectiveness. It is time to call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for water heater repair in Fort Worth.
Inspecting the Anode Rod
Once the anode rod’s degradation reaches a certain point, it will no longer attract the ions that can cause rust in the water heater. Replacement of the anode rod will be required to maintain protection for the water heater. Periodic water heater maintenance will provide a professional inspection of the water heater, enabling the plumber in Fort Worth to replace the anode rod when required. The replacement, along with routine maintenance, assists to ensure the maximum lifespan of the water heater.
How a Water Softener May Affect the Anode Rod
When your home is subjected to hard water, the effects on piping, faucets, fixtures and the water heater can cause problems due to scale. A water softener is an appliance that removes hard water minerals from water, thereby preventing the detrimental effects.
A water softener uses either sodium or potassium in a process called ion exchange to remove positively charged minerals from hard water. While it benefits your household, and prevents the buildup of detrimental sediment in the water heater, when sodium is used the anode rod can corrode more quickly. Water softeners can help reduce scale build-up and sediment, but anodes can corrode quickly if the water is over-softened. If you suspect your water heater needs the replacement of an anode rod, contact our plumbers in Fort Worth today for water heater repair in Fort Worth.
Odor and Taste
An unpleasant odor or taste in hot water may be the result of iron bacteria in the water. The condition is more common in water coming from wells, whether private or municipal. While no diseases are known to be caused by iron bacteria, the unpleasant odor, taste and staining are not an issue any homeowner wants. While iron bacteria itself does not produce the “rotten egg” odor of hydrogen sulfide, it is conducive to an environment where hydrogen sulfide can be produced. A Benjamin Franklin plumber can provide an inspection of your water heater, identify the cause of the issue and provide the water heater repair in Fort Worth you need.
Furthermore, specific water conditions can react with magnesium or aluminum anode rods to produce the sulfuric rotten egg smell. Replacing the anode rod with a combination aluminum/zinc/tin anode rod may assist in diminishing the odor, but may not eliminate it completely. A Benjamin Franklin plumber can provide the water heater repair in Fort Worth that you need.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing licensed professional plumbers offers plumbing services you can count on. If you suspect the need for an anode rod replacement, or other water heater repair in Fort Worth; a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth can provide the plumbing services you need. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas, and is a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.