FAQ

In most cases, water heater anode rods are universal. The only exceptions are :

Buderus : They use another type of threading to install the magnesium anode.

Bradford White : Some model have the anode is built into the hot water outlet.

All other water heater brands use a regular magnesium anode with 3/4 ” NPT threads.

Corro-Protec anodes are designed to fit any hot water tank on the market. You can see all models on the following link : Residential and Commercial Water Heater Anode.

Yes, it is even highly recommended to install an imposed current anode if you have a water softener.

The water softener generally makes the water more aggressive to the tanks, which reduces the life of your hot water tank and creates a more conducive environment for the development of Sulfur Reducing Bacteria that creates the rotten egg smell in hot water. The Corro-Protec Powered anode rod will automatically adjust to provide optimum rust protection.

Limescale may form if the anode is too close to the walls of the hot water tank and the current flows too quickly between the anode rod and the tank. Corro-Protec powered anode, unlike other anodes, has a design that prevents this type of reaction. Indeed, the white plastic present in the top of the titanium anode prevents this kind of reaction and ensures that the anode is well positioned in the tank.

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. Corro-Protec anodes have been designed to work for more than 40 years, no matter how hard your water is. In order to know more about the lifetime of the current anodes, I invite you to visit our blog post: Tests of Powered Anode

Anode rod in the water heater can be very hard to remove. It often happens that the magnesium anode is installed very tight at the factory and is very difficult to remove. It also happens, in older water heaters, that lime builds up and holds the anode in place.

The best way to remove an anode that is stuck is to use an impact wrench. If you don’t have one, you can try a breaker bar.

Yes! Corro-Protec Powered Titanium Anodes are recognized by some insurance companies :

• Desjardins Assurances 
• La Capitale
• La Personnelle

Our Corro-Protec anodes are made from titanium and coated with MMO, which improves their performance.

The stability of MMO (mixed metal oxide) coated titanium anodes have been used for almost 30 years. MMO coated titanium anodes are used in various environments such as seawater brackish water fresh water carbon backfill and concrete.

A powered anode is a non-sacrificial anodes that use a current rectifier, plugged into an electrical outlet, which sends current in the hot water tank through a titanium anode.

Unlike sacrificial anodes, powered anodes are maintenance free and designed to last for years. Plus, they are well known to solve rotten egg odor problems in hot water tanks.

It is very difficult to answer this question, because no one wants to take a clear position on the subject. However, several studies suggest that aluminum may be a contributing factor to Alzheimer’s disease.

Knowing that an aluminum anode dissolves over time, it is normal to conclude that aluminum particles will end up in your hot water. Even if you do not consume the hot water directly, you are in contact with it when you take a bath or a shower.

Very often, plumber offer to change magnesium anode for an aluminium anode in order to try to fix the rotten egg smell in the hot water. You should know that better solution exists such as Corro-Protec Powered anode rod.

Yes, Corro-Protec Powered Anode Rod can be installed in a used water heater. However, we recommend the installation of a Corro-Protec during the first 5 years of wear of the hot water tank to maximize its efficiency.

Some fiberglass hot water tanks require anodes to protect certain metal parts in the tank. If your tank is equipped with a magnesium anode, you can install a Corro-Protec.

In most cases, these tanks do not have anode and do not need any additional protection.

Yes, the Corro-Protec System is a universal anode rod that adapts to any type of steel or stainless steel hot water tank. However, to maximise anode performance and reduce selling price, there is four different Corro-Protec model available. Click HERE to find the perfect Corro-Protec anode for your hot water tank.

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. Please see following link : https://www.corroprotec.com/installation-guide/

The Corro-Protec Integrated Anode Rod for Bradford White water heater will come with everything you need to install it in the hot water outlet where the original magnesium anode rod was installed.

Yes, it is possible to install Corro-Protec by yourself. With all tools needed, it will take you about 15 minutes to install it.

A complete step-by-step guide is included inside the box for an easy installation. Each guide are also available on this page: https://www.corroprotec.com/installation-guide/

The answer is no and that is why Corro-Protec offers different models adapted to tank sizes.

If your water heater has two anodes, you can replace one of them with our Corro-Protec imposed current anode and leave the other one in place. Even if you install the Corro-Protec anode to eliminate the rotten egg smell in your hot water, you don’t need to remove the second magnesium anode.

The Corro-Protec does not require any special maintenance. Leave it connected at all times, and it will work only if necessary. Even if you turn off the hot water tank, if there is still water in the tank, the Corro-Protec will remain functional to prevent corrosion. If you empty the tank, the Corro-Protec will turn off automatically because the water acts as a conductor between the anode and the ground.

An impressed current anode does not function as a heating element. There is no danger in emptying the water from the tank without disconnecting the anode.

It is possible to find rust residues in your hot water after the installation of a Powered Anode Rod. The anode cleans the tank, so residues will be present in the water throughout the cleaning process.

People often look for water hater overflow pipe but the real term is Water Heater Pressure and Temperature relief valve. We have a complete blog post about it : Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve

Yes, because the voltage adjusts automatically depending on the resistance of your water. A very low voltage means that your water is very conductive and the anode does not need to send much current to provide adequate protection.

Yes, The Corro-Protec rectifier meets the following requirements:

• Conforms to UL STD. 1310
• Certified to CSA STD. C22.2 NO.223

If you want to learn more about the tests performed on our anodes, visit : https://www.corroprotec.com/blog/tests-of-powered-anode-iccp/

To ensure that the cathodic protection works, the following conditions must be met:

• The rectifier must be connected
• Corro-Protec must be connected to the rectifier
• The negative side must be installed on the water heater, as indicated in the instruction manual.
• The water heater must be functional (filled and operational)

If the above conditions are met and the indicator light is not lit, please contact us to complete a claim at: https://www.corroprotec.com/troubleshooting-and-warranty-claim/

Since the amount of current used by the anode will vary from region to region due to the hardness of the water, it is impossible to give an exact answer. 

However, on average, the anode will use 10 kWh per year. If we take the average price of electricity in the United States, the cost to run the anode 24 hours a day all year round is $ 1.36 or about a third of a penny per day.

Yes, all Corro-Protec system come with a 20 years warranty. To register your Corro-Protec, please complete the following form: Warranty.

To remove the anode rod from your water heater:

1. Disconnect the powersupply.
2. Locate the anode location according to your water heater model. It is usuallylocated ontop.
3. Remove the insulating material if present and empty your tank.
4. Remove the anode with a socket wrench and a power bar if necessary.
5. Install your new anode and restart your waterheater.

You cannot clean your anode rod in your water heater .However, it is important to inspect the sacrificial anode rod every 1 to 3 years and replace it after more than 50% of its wear and tear to avoid corrosion of your tank.

To loosen the anode rod of your water heater, it is important to wear a pair of gloves to protect yourself from heat, a socket wrench and a power bar for better support in confined spaces. Ask for a professional if necessary.

To remove the anode from your water heater, it is important to wear gloves to protect yourself from heat, a socket wrench in the correct size and a power bar if necessary. Ask for a professional if necessary.

The length of the anode rod is important in the case of a sacrificial anode. Indeed, as its name suggests, it sacrifices itself to protect your tank from corrosion. As a result, the more magnesium or aluminum there is on the anode, the longer the protection time of your water heater will be.

You can remove the bad smell in your hot water by removing the reacting magnesium anode rod that comes in contact with the magnesium in the water. However, this deprives your water heater of its only protection against rust. You can choose an aluminum anode rod that requires more maintenance or the titanium Corro-Protec impressed current anode that eliminates unpleasant odours and offers 20 years of protection against rust.

Yes, an anode rod is necessary. It protects your water heater from corrosion and extends its life. However, once the magnesium or aluminum from your anode is dissolved, the steel walls of your water heater will start to rust.

When the anode rod in your water heater no longer works due to wear and tear, it is important to replace your sacrificial anode with a new one. Indeed, this type of magnesium or aluminium anode protects the walls against rust by dissolving its alloy. Another solution is to purchase a Corro-Protec impressed current anode to double the life of your water heater against corrosion and water damage and eliminate unpleasant odours.

There are several names you can use when talking about an impressed current anode. Impressed current anode rod is simply a synonym for Powered Anode Rod, electronic anode or ICCP system.

It is important to change the sacrificial anode in your RV every year for a steel water heater. Aluminium tanks are generally not equipped with replaceable anodes because they have an inner coating of zinc and aluminium with the same protective function.

It is important to inspect the sacrificial anode every 1 to 3 years and replace it after more than 50% of its wear and tear to prevent corrosion of your tank. Its lifespan depends on the quality of your water. On average, the magnesium or aluminum anode must be changed every 3-5 years. For a powered titanium anode rod, it must be changed every 20 years.

You can buy a magnesium or aluminum sacrificial anode rod from a plumber, hardware store or on the Internet. There are also titanium impressed current anodes available on the Corro-Protec website that double the life of your water heater.

For your water heater, you have the choice between a sacrificial anode rod or an impressed current anode. As its name suggests, the magnesium or aluminum sacrificial anode dissolves over time to protect the surface of your water heater. The Corro-Protec impressed current anode forms a permanent protective layer on the tank walls.

To treat bad odours, it is recommended to use the Corro-Protec anode rod. This impressed current anode eliminates the bacteria responsible for the sulphur odour in less than 24 hours. In addition, the Corro-Protec doubles the life of your water heater, unlike a sacrificial anode.

It is preferable to choose a Corro-Protec impressed current anode in order to double the life of your water heater and eliminate unpleasant odours. For the sacrificial anode, it is recommended to use a magnesium anode, as aluminium residues that may be found in the water are harmful to health.

The size of your anode depends on your anode type and the capacity of your water heater. In the case of a sacrificial anode, its rod is much larger than an impressed current anode, because the more material there is, the longer it offers a protection time.For the Corro- Protec impressed current anode, its protection is provided by an electrical current that is proportional to the capacity in gallons of your water heater and not to the size of its rod.

If your hot water smells like oil, it is possible that the water supply or plumbing has been contaminated with gasoline, oil or bacteria. This can be a health risk. In rarer cases, you may notice an oil smell in a new water heater caused by a chemical reaction between the water and the tank components. This should disappear in a few weeks.

A rotten egg smell in your hot water can be caused by various factors. If you can only smell this smell on your kitchen faucet, it could be due to the fact that the drain is partially blocked by decomposing remains. The odour can also come from your water purifier if it is not regularly maintained. In most cases, a sulphur odour is caused by water with a high magnesium content that comes into contact with the original magnesium anode. The Corro-Protec anode is the ideal solution to this problem, because in addition to eliminating odours in a few hours, the anode stops the corrosion of your water heater and is guaranteed for 20 years.

If your water smell like sewage, your plumbing and supply may contain iron, algae, bacteria or decomposing organic matter. This problem may be due to the season of the year and may pose a health risk. During periods of limited use, water can become stagnant and develop these odour through stagnation and the presence of bacteria.

If your hot water smells like onions, it can be caused by different factors. Here is a list of the main factors:

• A prolonged absence can dry out the pipes and lead to onion and sewer odour
• A clogged drain
• Incorrect temperature setting of the water heater that causes bacteria to grow
• The metal in the water heater tank

The location of the anode rod in your water heater depends on the model of your tank.Refer to your water heater’s user guide for more information .In most cases, the magnesium or aluminum sacrificial anode rod is located on top and is located under a plastic cover. Ask for a professional if necessary.

The location of the anode rod in your water heater depends on the model of your tank. In most cases, the sacrificial magnesium or aluminum anode is located on top. Refer to your water heater’s user guide for more information.

The anode rod  in your A.O. Smith brand water heater is located on top of your tank. When you are facing the front of your water heater, the sacrificial magnesium or aluminum anode is located at the back, between the cold and hot water connections. Refer to your water heater’s user guide for more information.

The location of your anode rod in your electric water heater depends on the model of your tank. Refer to your water heater’s user guide for more information. In most cases, the sacrificial magnesium or aluminum anode is located on top of the tank.

• Bradford White
• GE
• Giant
• Rheem
• Richmond
• State
• Whirpool

The anode rod in your General Electric (GE) water heater is located on top of your tank. When you are facing the front of your water heater, the sacrificial magnesium or aluminum anode is located at the back of the vent pipe. Refer to your water heater’s user guide for more information.

The anode rod in your Giant water heater is located on top of your tank. More precisely, your magnesium or aluminum sacrificial anode is visible through a hexagonal head located in the center of your tank under a plastic cover. Refer to your water heater’s user guide for more information.

The anode rod in your Kenmore water heater is located on top of your tank. More precisely, your magnesium or aluminum sacrificial anode is visible through a hexagonal head located in the center of your tank under a plastic cover. Refer to your water heater’s user guide for more information.

The anode rod in your Reliance brand water heater is located on top of your tank. When you are facing the front of your water heater, the sacrificial magnesium or aluminum anode is located between the cold and hot water connections. In the case of a gas water heater, the anode is located near the ventilation system.

The anode rod in your Rheem water heater is located on top of your tank. More precisely, your magnesium or aluminum sacrificial anode is visible through a hexagonal head located in the center of your tank under a plastic cover. Refer to your water heater’s user guide for more information.

The anode rod in your Richmond water heater is located on top of your tank. When you are facing the front of your water heater, the sacrificial magnesium or aluminum anode is located at the back of the vent pipe. Refer to your water heater’s user guide for more information.

The anode rod in your Ruud brand water heater is located on top of your tank.When you are facing the front of your water heater, the sacrificial magnesium or aluminum anode is located on your right under a plastic cover. Refer to your water heater’s user guide for more information.

The anode rod in your State water heater is located on top of your tank. When you are facing the front of your water heater, the sacrificial magnesium or aluminum anode is located at the back, between the cold and hot water connections. Refer to your water heater’s user guide for moreinformation.

The anode rod in your Whirlpool water heater is located on top of your tank. When you are facing the front of your water heater, the sacrificial magnesium or aluminum anode is on your right. Refer to your water heater’s user guide for more information.

Bradford White Water Heater Have Integrated Anode Rod

The anode rod in your Bradford White water heater is located at the hot water outlet of your tank. Unfortunately, it is not easily accessible. You must remove the hot water outlet to access it. Some newer Bradford White models have an anode rod which is not located in the hot water outlet, but in a dedicated port for this anode.

If you don’t want to have to check your anode in your Bradford White water heater every year or if you are having some sulfur smell in your hot water, you can install a Corro-Protec powered anode. This powered anode rod stop corrosion, stop the sulfur smell, do not require any maintenance, and is guaranteed for 20 years.

Adjusting the temperature of your water heater is very easy, but make sure you are aware of the risks associated with too low or too high temperature. If you want to know how to turn up water heater, you just have to follow the 6 steps in the following guide :

How to Change Your Hot Water Heater Temperature In 6 Steps

No hot water in house but have cold water ? You certainly have a problem with your water heater. Several things can cause your hot water tank to fail. We’ve put together a list of the most common issues: 9 Reasons Why Your Hot Water Tank Isn’t Working.

Water heater will remain in function even if there’s a small leak as long as the water don’t reach any electronics or satefy. However you should change the water heater immediately is it’s leaking.

Yes, turning the cold water off will stop the leak and reduces chances of water damage. Make sure to turn off power supply to the water heater and drain the tank before replacing it.

Water heater gas leak can be very dangerous. Make sure to turn off gas supply and call a specialist right away.

The main reason for a water heater leak is corrosion. Aggressive water will attack the weakest points inside the tank and will create a leak.

Make sure to change your water heater anode rod every year or install a Corro-Protec anode in order to stop corrosion inside your tank and prevent water heater leaking.

The quickest fix is to get it changed. Honestly, a leaky water heater will be hard to repair and will leak from a different place soon since this normally indicated the end of its service life.

If you want to investigate why your water heater is leaking, visit our blog post :

Water Heater Leaking.

A water heater leaking from the overflow pipe means the temperature and pressure relief valve need to be changed. See our step-by-step guide on how to change the T&P valve on your water heater.

Draining a leaky water heater is normally the right thing to do in order to prevent any water damage in your house. However, if the leak is coming from the drain valve, you need to make sure this will not make it worst.