Understanding Bradford White Anode Rods
What is an Anode Rod?
Definition and Purpose
An anode rod is a crucial component inside your water heater designed to prevent corrosion. Made from a steel core wire wrapped with aluminum, magnesium, or zinc, it acts as a sacrificial element, attracting corrosive elements in the water that would otherwise damage the water heater tank. By corroding itself, the anode rod significantly extends the lifespan of your water heater.
How Anode Rods Work
When two metals are in contact with water, the more reactive metal (anode rod) corrodes, protecting the less reactive metal (water heater tank). This process effectively reduces rust and sediment buildup, maintaining the efficiency and durability of your water heater.
Bradford White Anode Rod Location
Identifying the Anode Rod
Locating the anode rod in your Bradford White water heater is straightforward. Typically, it is positioned within the hot water outlet, requiring you to disconnect the hose to reveal the anode rod. Checking your water heater’s manual can provide exact details, and some models may have a different location.
Specific Models and Anode Rod Locations
For almost all Bradford White models like the M1TW50S6FBN or RG250T6N, the anode rod will be found in the hot water outlet.
Very few Bradford White tank models will have a dedicated anode port. Find the entire model list here :
- RE250T6, RE255T6RE130L6, RE230LN6, RE240LN6, RE250L6, LE255T3-3, LE120L3-3, LE230LN3-3, LE240LN3-3, LE250LN3-3, RE2H50S10-CON, RE2H656T10-CON and RE2280T10-CON.
Consulting the manual or online diagrams specific to your model can offer additional clarity and visual aids to help you locate it accurately.
Types of Anode Rods for Bradford White Water Heaters
Magnesium Anode Rods
Due to their high reactivity, magnesium anode rods are highly effective at preventing tank corrosion. They are suitable for areas with soft water but may deplete quickly in hard water conditions. Despite their efficiency, they can cause a sulfur-like smell in water.
Aluminum Anode Rods
Aluminum anode rods are less reactive than magnesium and are often used in hard water areas. They last longer but are less effective at preventing corrosion. These rods are also heavier and might contribute to sediment buildup over time.
Powered Anode Rods
Powered anode rods differ from traditional ones, which use an electrical current to provide continuous corrosion protection. They are ideal for eliminating odors, are maintenance-free, and can significantly extend the water heater’s lifespan without depleting like sacrificial rods. Powered anode rods require a wye fitting to be installed in most Bradford White water heaters, make sure to check the location of your anode rod when considering the switch.
| Powered Anode Rod | Magnesium Anode Rod | Aluminum Anode Rod(Zn-Alloy) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Titanium (Impressed-Current) | Sacrificial | Sacrificial |
| Typical Lifespan* | 25+ yrs | 1 to 3-5 yrs | 2 to 4-6 yrs |
| Lifetime Cost* | $159.99 | $199.99 to $999.99 | $209.99 to $599.99 |
| Typical Price* | $159.99 | $39.99 | $49.99 |
| Energy savings | Reduces energy bills by $40/year by preventing sediment buildup | Increase energy use due to sediment buildup | Increase energy use due to sediment buildup |
| Anode Rod Replacement |
Never |
Frequently |
Frenquently |
| Corrosion Protection |
Stops corrosion |
Failing to replace the anode rod before it’s depleted means water heater corrosion/failure will resume; regular inspection is key |
Lose their effectiveness over time. To ensure continued protection against corrosion, timely replacement is essential |
| Sulfur smell elimination | Eliminates & Prevents sulfur smell in hot water within 24 hours, no matter the cause | Can react with certain water types, producing an unpleasant sulfur smell in hot water | Can help reduce sulfur smell in hot water |
| Sediment Build-Up | Reduces sediment accumulation | Can cause sediment buildup in the tank when the anode is deteriorated | Can cause sediment buildup in the tank when the anode is deteriorated |
| Water Quality | Best for any water chemistry (soft or hard water) | Good for any water chemistry but will deteriorate more quickly in hard water | Good for any water chemistry but will deteriorate more quickly in hard water |
| Inspect | No anode rod inspection |
Hard/Well water: yearly Soft city water: every 2 yrs |
Hard/Well water: yearly Soft city water: every 2 yrs |
| Replace | No anode replacement. Controller sounds/LED alerts after ~20 yrs |
Anode rod replacement Hard/Well water: 2 to 3 yrs Soft city water: ~5 yrs |
Anode rod replacement Hard/Well water: 4 to 6 yrs Soft city water: ~5 yrs |
| Odor Notes | Ends odor completely in less than 24 hours | Can cause sulfur smell over time | Helps reduce smell, not always fully |
How to Replace a Bradford White Anode Rod
Tools and Materials Needed
– Socket wrench (1-1/16 inch socket size)
– Teflon tape
– Replacement anode rod
– Garden hose
– Towel or bucket
Step-by-Step Replacement Guide
For a full guide on replacing or upgrading your anode rod to a powered anode rod, please see our detailed walkthrough on replacing anode rods in Bradford White water heaters.
Installing a Powered Anode Rod in a Bradford White Water Heater
Benefits of Powered Anode Rods
Powered anode rods offer superior protection against corrosion, do not deplete over time, and help eliminate odors caused by bacteria in the water. They provide maintenance-free operation and can significantly prolong the life of your water heater. They often come with the wye fitting required to install them on your Bradford White water Heater.
How to Install a Powered Anode Rod on a Bradford White Water Heater
Since Bradford White water heaters have the magnesium anode built into the hot water outlet, we need to do a few extra steps to install a powered anode rod. Check our guide for detailed installation instructions on installing a powered anode rod into a Bradford White water heater.
Sacrificial Anode Rod Replacement
While Corro-Protec’s powered anode rod remains the best long-term solution by offering unmatched protection, zero maintenance, the ability to eliminate sulfur smells, and much more, we understand that some homeowners may be looking for a more affordable short-term fix.
In that case, a Rheem sacrificial anode rod can be a lower-cost alternative. However, it requires more frequent maintenance and must be replaced every 2 to 5 years to remain effective.
If you’re ready to invest in your water heater’s longevity and peace of mind, the powered anode rod is the superior choice. Otherwise, the traditional option may serve as a temporary solution.
Some of the more popular products include:
- bradford white rg250t6n anode rod
- bradford white a420 anode rod
- bradford white m250s6ds 1ncww anode rod
- bradford white mi5036fbn anode rod
- bradford white rg250t6n anode rod
Common Problems with Bradford White Anode Rods
Identifying Issues
Common signs that your anode rod needs replacement include a sulfur smell in your water, cloudy water, or visible corrosion on the rod during inspection.
Troubleshooting Tips
– **Sulfur Smell**: Replacing a magnesium rod with an aluminum one or installing a powered anode rod can resolve this issue.
– **Rod Corrosion**: To prevent tank damage, regularly inspect and replace the rod every 3-5 years or as needed.
Importance of Regular Maintenance
Regularly checking and replacing your anode rod is essential for maintaining the efficiency and lifespan of your Bradford White water heater. It protects the tank from corrosion and ensures the heater operates effectively.
Final Tips and Recommendations
– Schedule regular inspections of your anode rod.
– Choose the correct type of rod for your water conditions.
– Consider investing in a powered anode rod for hassle-free maintenance and enhanced protection.
FAQ
The anode rod in your Bradford White water heater is located at the hot water outlet of the tank. While it may be slightly hidden, it is still easily accessible. You can refer to your water heater’s specification sheet to help you locate it. You must remove the hot water outlet to access it. Some newer Bradford White models have an anode rod that is not located in the hot water outlet but in a dedicated port for this anode.
No, the Corro-Protec powered anode rod does not void your water heater warranty. In fact, manufacturers consider powered anode rods to be maintenance parts that support the proper functioning and longevity of the tank.
In the United States, this is protected under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, and in Canada, under the Canadian Competition Act. The only exception permitted by law is if a manufacturer offers an equivalent part using the same technology at no cost, which never happens.
**Bradford White is a registered trademark of Bradford White Corporation. Corro-Protec is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Bradford White Corporation.
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