Water Heater Basics: 3 Common Anode Rod Issues You Should Know

Jacob Plyler
Sep 16, 2025
2 min read

By ALL HOT WATER LLC

September 16, 2025

When most people think about their water heater, the main concern is usually whether it's producing hot water on demand. But inside every tank-style water heater is a crucial component working behind the scenes: the anode rod. At ALL HOT WATER LLC, we often help homeowners identify and fix issues with this underrated part—because when it fails, your whole system could be at risk.

Let’s take a closer look at what an anode rod does and some of the most common problems we see with

them.

What Is an Anode Rod and Why Does It Matter?

The anode rod—also known as a sacrificial rod—is designed to attract corrosive minerals in your water that would otherwise damage your water heater’s interior lining. Over time, this rod gradually corrodes instead of the tank, helping to extend the lifespan of your system.

These rods are typically made from magnesium, aluminum, or zinc, and each type comes with its own set of potential issues. Understanding how and when to check or replace your anode rod is key to preventing expensive repairs or premature water heater failure.

Common Anode Rod Issues We See at ALL HOT WATER LLC

1. Corrosion and Wear Over Time

This is the most frequent problem. Because anode rods are designed to corrode, they steadily degrade. If your home has acidic water or high mineral content, corrosion can happen faster.

We recommend checking your anode rod roughly every 2–3 years. If it looks heavily corroded, thin, or brittle, it’s time to replace it. Letting it get too far gone risks rust developing inside the tank—something that often leads to full replacement rather than repair.

2. Rotten Egg Smell (Sulfur Odor)

A strong rotten egg odor from your hot water is a tell‑tale sign that something’s off. Magnesium or aluminum anode rods can react with certain bacteria in your hot water system, producing hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like sulfur.

One solution is to replace the rod with a zinc‑alloy version, which is less likely to create this odor. ALSO, flushing your tank from time to time helps remove buildup and bacteria, reducing odor risk overall.

3. Rusty or Discolored Water

If you turn on a faucet or take a shower and your water is brown, orange, or rusty‑looking, the corroded particles from a failing anode rod might be the culprit. Besides looking unpleasant, discolored water is a warning sign: corrosion might be affecting more than just the rod.

If water discoloration appears, getting it checked promptly can prevent damage to plumbing and help ensure your water is safe.