What is the purpose of the dip rod? If I remove it what difference does it make? The well water is reacting with the dip rod and the smell is disgusting. The tank is 10 months old and the plumber already sold me a replacement aluminim rod to replace the magnesium one that comes with a new tank. The smell is not the same but is still disgusting. The new rod has been in place 6 months.

Changing out the old magnesium anode rod and replacing it with a aluminum one won't do you much good unless he flushed and cleaned the tank with full strength bleach. You still have bacteria in the tank, lines and faucets. Regards, Tom