Smelly water- I have had my city water checked and is OK. Some say it might be the water heater.?

Question

Does anyone know how to remove the magnesium rod from the water heater ??

Answer 1

The "magnesium rod" is called an anode rod. Its job is to "recieve" the wear and tear from chemicals inside the water heater before the tank is damaged. If its smelling, usually like sulfur, it means it needs to be replaced. On almost all types of water heaters, electric, gas, whatever, it is the flat hexagon shaped head on the very top of the heater, get a socket that will fit it, attach a large rachet, or similar type wrench and go to work. You will find it VERY hard to remove. Us plumbers usually have to use a "cheater bar" a long metal tube inserted over the wrench or ratchet handle to create enough leverage to break it loose. Turn the water off first and open the hot tap to releave pressure first. If your water heater is in a confined area, one where you wont have enough room to manuever all these tools, youre pretty much outta luck. That tube runs almost the length of the heater inside, so you'll need at least three feet of clearance above the heater to get it out. BUT if youre water heater is older, say past 6 years, just get a new one.
Hope this helps.
V.C.

Answer 2

I don't know much about water heaters other than to remove & replace them....BUT I have seen some NASTY water pipes that had some funky black slime , big rust deposits(80% of pipe blocked w/rust) and a thick film on the top that looked like an oil slick !!! People laugh at me because I only drink botteled (filtered) water because it comes from munisapal water supplys (tap water) but I don't care ....just because you don't see it don't mean it's not there !!!

Answer 3

It'll probably be cheaper to just get a new hot water heater,especially if the old one is over 5 to 10 years old. Also,the newer models are about 50% more efficient, so it'll pay for itself in just a few years.