Steve Wells
: What is the true purpose of an anoid rod in a water heater? ThanksHi, Don!!! GLAD you asked about the ANODE rod that heater m,anufacturers put in ALL storage water heaters. The anode protects the tank from rusting until the tank leaks. Of course, this keeps you from having to replace the tank — something manufacturers DO NOT want to happen (as you surely guessed). The anode is purposely sized to last just beyond the warranty period. SO…….. if you want to DOUBLE the heaters life, all you have to do is get a new anode and spend about TWENTY MINUTES of your time replacing the old, spent anode with the new one. Now, you are all, set for another five – eight years of heater life!! Magic? No!! But it is as close as anyone will ever get to it!!! [For more info., read Home Mechanix mag., Sep. 88, page 24]GOOD LUCK!!!!
