Whirlpool 140385 ユーザーズマニュアル

11

Each water heater contains at least one anode rod, which 
will slowly deplete while protecting the glass-lined tank 
from corrosion and prolonging the life of the water heater. 
Once the anode is depleted, the tank will start to corrode, 
eventually developing a leak. Certain water conditions will 
cause a reaction between this rod and the water.  The most 
common complaint associated with the anode rod is a “rotten 
egg smell” produced from the presence of hydrogen sulfide 
gas dissolved in the water. 
IMPORTANT: Do not remove this rod permanently as it will 
void any warranties. The parts list includes a special anode 
that can be ordered if water odor or discoloration occurs.
NOTE: This rod may reduce but not eliminate water odor 
problems. The water supply system may require special 
filtration equipment from a water conditioning company to 
successfully eliminate all water odor problems. 
Artificially softened water is exceedingly corrosive because 
the process substitutes sodium ions for magnesium and 
calcium ions. The use of a water softener may decrease the 
life of the water heater tank. 
The anode rod should be removed from the water heater 
tank every 3 years for inspection. The following are typical 
(but not all) signs of a depleted anode rod:
• 

The majority of the rods diameter is less than 3/8”.

• 

Significant 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. 
NOTE: Whether reinstalling  or 
replacing the anode rod, check for 
any leaks and immediately correct if 
found.
In replacing the anode:
1.  Turn off power to the water 

heater.

2.  Shut off the water supply and 

open a nearby hot water faucet 
to depressurize the water tank.

3.  Drain approximately 5 gallons 

of water from tank (Refer to the 
“Draining and Flushing” section 
for proper procedures). Close 
drain valve.

4.  Remove old anode rod.
5. Use 

Teflon

®

 tape or approved 

pipe sealant on threads and 
install new anode rod.

6.  Turn on water supply and open nearby hot water faucet 

to purge air from water system. Check for any leaks and 
immediately correct any if found.

7.  Restart the water heater as directed under the 

“Operating Your Water Heater” section.  See the “Repair 
Parts Illustration” section for anode rod location.

®

TEFLON is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company.

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 flush the tank as directed under 
the “Draining and Flushing” section.

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 elements 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.

Figure 11:
Anode Rod Depletion