Whirlpool 4 User Manual

14

Each water heater contains at least one anode rod,

which will slowly deplete (due to electrolysis) prolonging 

the life of the water heater by protecting the glass-lined 

tank from corrosion. Adverse water quality, hotter water 

temperatures, high hot water usage, hydronic heating de-

vices, and water softening methods can increase the rate 

of anode rod depletion. Once the anode rod is depleted, 

the tank will start to corrode, eventually developing a leak.

Certain water conditions will cause a reaction between the 

anode rod and the water. The most common complaint 

associated with the anode rod is a “rotten egg smell” 

produced from the presence of hydrogen sulfi de gas dis-

solved in the water. CAUTION: Do not remove this rod 

permanently as it will void any warranties. A special anode 

rod may be available if water odor or discoloration occurs. 

NOTE: this rod may reduce but not eliminate water odor 

problems. The water supply system may require special 

fi ltration equipment from a water conditioning company to 

successfully eliminate all water odor problems.

Artifi cially softened water is exceedingly corrosive be-

cause the process substitutes sodium ions for magne-

sium and calcium ions. The use of a water softener  may 

decrease the life of the water heater tank.

The anode rod should be inspected after a maximum of 

three years and annually thereafter until the condition of 

the anode rod dictates its replacement. NOTE: artifi cially 

softened water requires the anode rod to be inspected 

annually.

The following are typical (but not all) signs of a depleted 

anode rod:
•  The majority of the rods diameter is less than 3/8”.

•  Signifi cant sections of the support wire (approx. 1/3 or        

   more of the anode rod’s length) are visible. 

If the anode rod show signs of either or both it should be 

replaced (see Figure 11). NOTE: Whether re-installing or 

replacing the anode rod, check for any leaks and immedi-

ately correct if found.

During the normal operation of the water heater,

sounds or noises may be heard. These noises are

common and may result from the following:
1.  

Normal expansion and contraction of metal parts

 

 during periods of heat-up and cool-down.

2.    Sediment buildup in the tank bottom will create

 

 varying amounts of noise and may cause

 

 premature tank failure. Drain and fl ush the tank as

 

 directed under “Draining and Flushing”.

Certain water usage patterns can cause the water tem-

perature to exceed the thermostat setting. This is known 

as “Stacking”.

Stacking occurs when a series of short draws of hot

water (3 gallons or less) are taken from the water heater 

tank. This causes increased cycling of the heater ele-

ments and can result in increased water temperatures at 

the hot water outlet. An anti-scald device is recommended 

in the hot water supply line to reduce the risk of scald 

injury. Use of a mixing valve is encouraged.

Figure 11
Anode Rod

See “Replacing the Anode Rod” in the maintenance section 

page 15.