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Beccie · May 10, 2011, 08:56 AM

I am wondering what is the best system to set up for alternative hot water heating. Any ideas. Ex. Solar, wind, new appliance. Our anode rod burned out in less than 3 years on a new hot water heater, therefore our water smells like rotten eggs. Disgusting. I want to put in something that will cost less money in the long run as an alternative to buying a hot water tank every three years. Ok out there, can you help me out? Thanks Beccie

smoothy · May 10, 2011, 10:21 AM

What part of the country do you live. What's best for Arizona won't be what's best for New York State. Geography dictates what options you have available to you.

lilpoppa · May 10, 2011, 06:46 PM

You shouldn't have to replace the entire tank when your elements corrode, I live in Missouri and rarely get more than 2 years out of elements in my heater, but all I do is shut off the water drain the tank and replace the elements, only costs about forty bucks, small change compared to a whol new water heater or a softner system to prevent corrosion.

massplumber2008 · May 11, 2011, 07:04 AM

If the anode rod is the issue then there are a couple reasonable options available here...

You can flush the water heater and change the magnesium anode rod to a zinc alloy anode rod to start. Then use a hydrogen peroxide solution of 2 pints peroxide to 40 gallons of water, treat tank and run some of the solution into water lines. Let the peroxide solution set in tank and pipes for 2 hours and then run water to clear the tank and pipes. Hydrogen peroxide is non-toxic so no major concerns there.

If the problem still remains, replace water heater with an electric, plastic-lined tank type such as the marathon water heater by RUUD... has no anode rod and should resolve this 100%. The marathon water heater has a lifetime warranty.

There are also other options, but these options cost the least money all in all... ;)

Questions? Let us know, OK?

Mark

Beccie · May 11, 2011, 09:32 AM

For all of you who answered thank you. I live in NC lilpoppa, and it just seems absurd that we need to replace the rod every 2-3 years. That just doesn't seem right. Mark, thank you for your extreme answer. You are very knowledgeable. I think, I am just starting this research, that I have a 6 year warranty. I am making my calls this morning to find that out first. I would just ask you, my friend, is it worth putting in the marathon, or get the anode replaced under warranty, or just set ourselves up, so as to not have to worry about this. What is your opinion any of you, about an on demand system. Thanks Beccie

massplumber2008 · May 11, 2011, 10:21 AM

The on demand system is very costly to set up, but if you are planning on staying in the house long term, then this may be the way to go.

Otherwise, as I said above, swap the magnesium anode rod for a zinc alloy anode rod at the existing water heater, hydrogen peroxide the heater/pipes and see if that helps resolve this issue for years to come... ;)

Mark