I Tested And Reviewed 9 Best Anode Rod For Smelly Water (2023)

If you're tired of dealing with smelly hot water and have been searching for a solution, look no further. The Corro-Protec Rod offers a reasonably priced alternative that effectively eliminates odors caused by water heaters. In this review, we'll discuss my personal experience with the product and its effectiveness in tackling smelly water issues.

Background:

I recently faced a similar problem when my sister-in-law's century-old cottage had a leaking water heater. After installing a new Rheem water heater, we encountered a new issue – foul-smelling water. Determined to find a solution, I began researching the problem and stumbled upon the Corro-Protec Rod.

Installation Process:

The installation process for the Corro-Protec Rod was straightforward. After draining and disconnecting the water heater, I easily removed the existing anode rod without the need for excessive force. I then poured peroxide into the heater to disinfect it and screwed in the new Corro-Protec Rod. Once I refilled the tank, purged the lines, and cleaned the faucet strainers, the installation was complete.

Effectiveness:

After a month of usage, I can confidently say that the Corro-Protec Rod has successfully eliminated any odors from the water. The foul smell that plagued both my sister-in-law's cottage and my own point-of-service water heater in the pole barn is now a thing of the past. The Corro-Protec Rod has proven to be a reliable and cost-effective solution for smelly hot water.

Alternative Options:

While there are various options available on the market, such as aluminum, magnesium, or powered-anode rods, the Corro-Protec Rod stands out for its effectiveness and reasonable price. Additionally, the Corro-Protec Rod is a suitable choice for those concerned about using hot water for cooking, as it does not utilize aluminum.

Durability:

Although it's too early to determine the long-term durability of the Corro-Protec Rod, I am optimistic about its longevity based on its initial performance. I will keep monitoring its effectiveness and provide updates should any issues arise in the future.

If you're struggling with smelly hot water, the Corro-Protec Rod offers a reliable and reasonably priced solution. Based on my personal experience, the installation process was straightforward, and the rod effectively eliminated any odors. While individual results may vary, it's worth considering the Corro-Protec Rod as an alternative to more expensive options. Say goodbye to smelly hot water and enjoy a fresh and odor-free experience with the Corro-Protec Rod.

I recently purchased the Anode Rod from About Fluid for my 9-year-old Kenmore 50-gallon water heater, and I must say, I am extremely satisfied with this product.

First of all, the packaging was excellent, and the product arrived in perfect condition. The clear and easy-to-follow instructions included with the rod made the installation process a breeze. About Fluid even sent me an email offering assistance, which I found to be a great added bonus.

Now, let's talk about the installation process. My water heater is in a closet with a low ceiling, so I was a bit concerned about accessing the anode rod. However, with the help of the instructions and a few YouTube videos, I was able to locate the rod on the top of the water heater. It was partially covered with insulation, but I scraped it away until the socket could securely fit on the rod.

To remove the old anode rod, I initially tried using a ratchet with a 4-foot pipe, but it wouldn't budge. I then unscrewed the flue ducting to give access to an electric impact wrench, which easily loosened the rod. I used needle-nose pliers to pull up the rod as high as I could go with the low ceiling, and then I applied vise grip pliers to prevent it from falling back into the water heater. I cut the rod into three pieces to remove it completely, making sure to lay a rag around it to catch any metal shavings.

The final steps of the installation were straightforward. I applied some pipe dope on the threads of the new rod and installed it. I reconnected the flue ducting, shut off the open tap, and turned on the water supply to fill the tank. Finally, I fired up the gas, and everything worked perfectly.

I highly recommend the Anode Rod from About Fluid and will definitely consider purchasing from them again in the future.

I recently purchased and installed this product, and overall, I found it to be relatively easy to install. However, I must mention that removing the old part proved to be quite challenging and time-consuming. So, if you decide to purchase this product, make sure you are prepared for the possibility of encountering some difficulty during the removal process. Once the old part was successfully removed, the installation of the new one was a breeze.

One aspect of this product that I particularly appreciated was the inclusion of a socket and tape. These additional items proved to be quite useful during the installation. In fact, I utilized a pipe over a wrench handle to gain some leverage, and with the help of the socket and tape, I was able to complete the installation in approximately 10 minutes. It was a relatively quick and hassle-free process.

The flexible links provided with this product were also a great feature. They made the installation even easier and more convenient. The threads on the product were clean and fit perfectly with my 6-month-old Rheem electric water heater. It was a seamless fit, which I greatly appreciated. I did not have the opportunity to try the socket that came with this rod since I had already ordered the Dewalt deepwell socket, which worked perfectly for the installation.

In terms of the product itself, I found it to be of good quality and reasonably priced. I opted for this product after the blue lightning rods ran out of supply, and I was not disappointed. However, I did notice that there was a significant amount of air in my hot water lines after installing this rod. This issue may be related to the alloy of the rod, but I believe it is more likely a result of using it with hard water. So, it is important to consider the quality of your water when using this product.

The fit of the rod was perfect for my needs, and it can be trimmed if necessary. One thing to keep in mind is to avoid letting it touch the bottom of the tank. Personally, I choose not to use aluminum anodes because I want to prevent my children from being exposed to aluminum in the water. If you have iron-rich water, I would recommend placing a filter before your tank to minimize any potential issues.

I recently purchased the About Fluid water heater anode rod kit and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The delivery was fast and the kit came with everything we needed for the installation. The instructions provided were clear and easy to follow, making the installation process a breeze.

One of the standout features of this kit is the high-quality socket that is included. It is much better than what you would typically expect from a kit like this. Additionally, the roll of Teflon tape provided is a full-size roll, which is a nice bonus.

I was also pleased to find that the kit includes a cap in case the drain doesn't turn off properly. Luckily, we didn't encounter any issues with our drain shutting off, but it's always good to have that extra peace of mind.

The installation itself was straightforward and took us about 15 minutes. The instructions recommend turning off the main water shutoff and opening a hot water faucet halfway. We followed these steps and started draining the water with the prv until we heard slurping and the water stopped. We only drained a few inches to relieve the pressure.

Removing the old anode rod did require two people, as one person needed to unscrew it while the other held the water heater steady. This is an important point to note, as improper handling could potentially cause damage to the water heater or gas lines. If you have a flex hose for your gas inlet, you should be fine not disconnecting or shutting off the gas. However, if you have screw-on gas line fittings, it's best to shut off the gas and disconnect the line to avoid any accidents.

We decided to replace the anode rod due to loud banging noises coming from our water tank. After some research, we discovered that heavy sediment buildup in the tank could be the cause. The About Fluid manual mentioned changing the anode rod as part of regular maintenance, so we decided to give it a try. We watched a couple of YouTube videos, including one specifically for this product, to familiarize ourselves with the process.

With the help of the TEKTON 1/2-Inch Drive by 10-Inch Quick-Release Offset Ratchet, which we also purchased alongside the kit, the rod removal was a breeze. The tool is sturdy, well-made, and reasonably priced.

The entire process, including emptying the tank, took us about 30-45 minutes. Since our tank was only 15 months old, accessing and removing the rod was easy. We are planning to empty the tank every 6 months to remove any sediment buildup and replace the rod annually to extend the lifespan of the tank.

Thanks to the About Fluid water heater anode rod kit and the TEKTON tool, the banging noise from our water tank has completely stopped. We are extremely satisfied with the performance and quality of this kit and would highly recommend it to others. In the future, we will continue to purchase the anode rod from About Fluid as a standalone product.

As a mechanical engineer, I recently came across the concept of replacing the anode in a water heater and decided to try it out for myself. After doing some research, I purchased this kit and I must say, I am impressed.

One of the main advantages of this powered anode kit is the convenience it offers. Unlike traditional metal anodes, which require draining the water heater and unscrewing the anode to inspect it, this powered anode allows you to easily monitor its status with a simple glance. The LED light indicator makes it easy to know if the water heater is protected, saving you the hassle of unnecessary work.

Another great feature of this kit is the absence of anode sediment building up in the bottom of the tank. This can be a major issue with traditional anodes, causing decreased efficiency and potential damage to the water heater. With this powered anode, you can say goodbye to such problems and enjoy a well-maintained tank.

Although I haven't installed this kit yet, I have examined it closely and I am confident in its quality. The metal head is shorter than some competitor models, but I discovered that it can sit recessed on the top of the tank and be easily attached with needle-nose pliers. Additionally, the anode itself has a longer length and more surface area compared to cheaper alternatives. This ensures better protection and longevity.

I was initially considering an alternative design with an expanding spring that reaches the bottom of the tank, but the higher cost and potential decrease in surface area made me opt for this kit instead. The package arrived well-packed and the manufacturer included everything needed for installation.

I couldn't resist testing the anode and ground connector in a glass of water, and to my satisfaction, the LED turned on, indicating current flow. It's worth noting that over time, the MMO coating on the anode may lose conductivity, causing the LED to turn off. In such cases, a new adapter or anode rod may be required.

One minor drawback is that the socket comes slightly oily, but this is likely due to packaging and doesn't affect the performance of the kit. I also discovered that the anode is soft when gently bent, which I later learned is due to the sintering process that fuses the mixed metal oxide coating onto the titanium. This softness does not affect its functionality.

It's disappointing that electric hot water heaters don't come with powered anodes pre-installed. It seems like a missed opportunity for water heater companies to provide better protection and prolong the lifespan of their products. However, I believe that this powered anode kit, along with similar alternatives from other brands, offer excellent protection and efficiency.

I recently purchased the anode bar and I must say it lives up to its advertised claims. In a market flooded with counterfeit products, I took the extra step of testing it with vinegar to ensure its authenticity, and it passed the test with flying colors. The water in my heater had a strong, unpleasant odor and I had been dealing with debris buildup for some time now. However, after installing this anode bar, I noticed a significant improvement within a day. The odor was gone, and even after three days, there was no trace of the stink. It's truly unbelievable! It's like a miracle worker for my hot water.

The installation process was smooth without any issues, although it is worth mentioning that you will need to have some Teflon tape on hand as it is not included with the rod. Additionally, it is recommended to replace the anode bar every 5 to 8 years to extend the life of your water heater, so keep that in mind for future maintenance.

I was also impressed with the delivery speed and packaging. The product arrived promptly and was well-packaged, ensuring it was in perfect condition upon arrival. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this anode bar and would highly recommend it to anyone dealing with odor or debris issues in their water heater. It's definitely worth its weight in gold!

I recently purchased the water heater anode rod and I have to say that I am extremely satisfied with its performance. I had previously installed a magnesium anode rod from Reliance, but it unfortunately caused a strange metallic smell to develop in the hot water, which quickly spread throughout my house. This forced me to turn off the water heater.

After researching online, I found that most websites recommended using an Aluminum/Zinc alloy anode rod to address hot water smell issues. I found that Amazon had the best price and two-day shipping, so I ordered it right away. While waiting for the delivery, I purchased a gallon of peroxide and added some into the water heater. Although it didn't completely eliminate the issue, it made it much more manageable.

When I received the rod, I immediately installed it using plumber tape on the threads. I understand that some people believe this is unnecessary, but I felt it would help prevent metal-to-metal contact and ensure a proper reaction. The installation process was simple and only took a few minutes.

Within seven hours of installing the new Aluminum/Zinc alloy anode rod, I noticed a significant improvement in the water quality. The smell was hardly noticeable, and we also used the hot water intermittently before I took a shower. Additionally, we have a hot water recirculating system installed, so I believe most of the water left in the tank from the previous magnesium rod had been depleted. Overall, the new rod is performing as expected and I hope it continues to do so.

It has been two days since I installed the rod and I am happy to report that there is no longer any smell in the hot water. Furthermore, there are no leaks, which is a positive sign. I did encounter a minor issue where the rod was three inches too long for my water heater, but I easily resolved it by cutting off the excess length.

I recently purchased and installed the flexible anode rod for my water heater, and I must say, it was exactly what I needed. The original anode rod was difficult to remove, requiring me to cut it in half, but the flexible anode rod made installation a breeze. The new replacement had a slightly taller nipple than the original, which actually turned out to be a benefit as it provided more room for using pliers without damaging the threads.

I highly recommend anyone attempting this job to also consider changing the dielectric union on the hot and cold water heater inlet. Not only will the rubber gasket be damaged during the process, but the union connector may also show signs of rust in progress. In hindsight, I should have also replaced the cold water inlet nipple to give the water heater a fresh start.

One important reminder for anyone attempting this job is that you will need to cut out the water pipe above the water heater to gain room for removing the old anode rod and installing the new one. This means you will also need to deal with pipe repairs during the process.

After installing the flexible anode rod, I found it to be easy to install and within an hour, the sulfur smell that had been present in my water disappeared. The original anode that came with the new water heater looked new, but it was made of magnesium and did nothing to prevent the bad smell. I believe that the zinc in the new anode rod did the trick.

I was thrilled to find an Aluminum Rod at such a reasonable cost, especially when comparable products were significantly more expensive. The installation process was a breeze, even with having to cut the original rod to compensate for headroom. I simply drained my tank, removed the old anode, and inserted the new segmented rod. The seller provided excellent customer service and helped me choose the proper rod. I am very happy with the product, the seller, and the fact that I didn't need to hire a plumber at a high hourly rate.

The rod segments are of high quality and thickness, and you can easily cut off one segment if you have a short tank. The stainless steel wiring connectors are also a nice touch.

I also discovered that the flexible anode rod can be used for other purposes. For example, I had an issue with my vaporizer water turning yellow and smelling like sulfur due to bacteria. I simply cut off one of these segments and placed it in the vaporizer tank, and the problem was solved. No more sulfur smell.

If you're experiencing a sulfur or rotten egg smell in your hot water due to well water, then look no further – this product is the perfect solution! The zinc in the anode rod effectively eliminates the bacteria that causes the unpleasant odor. You'll be amazed at the results!

One thing to note is that the description states a 1 1/6 socket is required, but it actually requires a 1 1/16 socket. It would be helpful if the description could be updated to reflect this.

Installing the anode rod was a breeze – it fit perfectly with 3/4 threads and a 1 1/16 nut. Simply remove the old rod with a breaker bar and follow the instructions to install the new one. The whole process took me just 10 minutes.

I recently replaced our water heater and unfortunately, our water started to smell terrible within a day. I tried sanitizing the system, but it turned out that the issue was with the anode rod. Replacing the factory magnesium rod with this aluminum zinc rod solved the problem immediately. Since then, our water has been odor-free.

For the past twenty years, I had been dealing with smelly hot water from my well due to high iron content. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the solution was as simple as replacing the anode rod with an aluminum one. The installation process was straightforward – I drained the water tank, used a 1 1/4" socket with a socket gun to remove the old decayed anode, and installed the flexible aluminum rod. It took me around 30 minutes, and the results are incredible – my water is now 90% better than before!